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Installing MetaMask

Overview​

MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet and gateway to blockchain applications. This guide will walk you through installing and setting up MetaMask for use in this workshop.

Why MetaMask?​

For our workshop on blockchain protocols and distributed applications, MetaMask provides:

  • A secure wallet for storing cryptocurrency and tokens
  • Connection to Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, and other EVM-compatible networks
  • Ability to interact with decentralized applications (dApps)
  • Signing transactions for smart contract deployment and interaction

Installation Process​

1. Browser Extension Installation​

MetaMask is available as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Edge.

  1. Visit the MetaMask website
  2. Click "Install MetaMask for [Your Browser]"
  3. You'll be redirected to your browser's extension store
  4. Click "Add to [Browser]" or "Install"
  5. After installation, the MetaMask fox icon will appear in your browser's toolbar

2. Creating a New Wallet​

After installing the extension:

  1. Click on the MetaMask icon in your browser toolbar
  2. Click "Get Started"
  3. Select "Create a new wallet"
  4. Create a password for your wallet (this is for accessing MetaMask on your device)
    • Use a strong, unique password
    • This is separate from your recovery phrase
  5. Agree to the terms of use

3. Securing Your Recovery Phrase​

This is a CRITICAL step:

  1. MetaMask will generate a 12-word recovery phrase (seed phrase)
  2. Click "Reveal Secret Recovery Phrase" and write these words down in order
  3. Store this phrase securely offline - preferably in multiple physical locations
  4. NEVER share this phrase with anyone or store it digitally
  5. Complete the verification by selecting the words in the correct order

⚠️ WARNING: If you lose your recovery phrase, you will permanently lose access to your wallet and all funds. There is no "forgot password" option for blockchain wallets.

4. Wallet Configuration​

Your wallet is now set up! You should see a screen with:

  • Your account address (a long string starting with 0x...)
  • An ETH balance (initially 0)
  • Options to buy, send, and swap cryptocurrencies

Resources​