Install and configure Metamask in the browser

Prerequisites

• Supported Browser: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Brave, Microsoft Edge, Opera

• Pen and Paper: Required for the physical backup of your Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP). Do not skip this.

Step 1: Installation

Go to Metamask.io web page, press "Get Metamask", and follow the instructions on screen.

1. Open your browser and go to https://metamask.io.

Verification: Ensure the lock icon appears in the address bar.

2. Select Your Platform Click the "Get Metamask" button. The site should automatically detect your browser.

Select "Install MetaMask for [Your Browser]".

3. You will be redirected to your browser’s official web store (e.g., Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons).

Click Add to Chrome (or Firefox/Brave/Edge).

Review the permissions prompt and click Add Extension.

Result: Upon completion, the MetaMask "fox" icon will appear in your browser toolbar, and a "Let's get started" tab will open automatically.

Tip: If the icon disappears, click the "Puzzle" piece icon (Extensions) in your browser toolbar and click the Pin icon next to MetaMask to keep it visible.

Step 2: Wallet initialization

1. Begin Setup: On the Welcome screen, click Create a new wallet.

Note: "Import an existing wallet" is only used if you already have a Secret Recovery Phrase from a previous installation.

2. Choose an option to log in to Metamask: using a Google account, an Apple account, or a Secret Recovery Phrase

3. If you chose to use a secret recovery phrase in the previous step, you will be asked to create a strong password (minimum 8 characters). Click the checkbox next to "If I lose this password, MetaMask can’t reset it", then press "Create passwordd"

Note: This password encrypts your private keys locally on your device. It is not your master key; it only unlocks the extension on this specific computer.

Step 3: Securing your assets

This is the most important step in the process. You will be assigned a Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP)—a sequence of 12 random words.

The Golden Rule: If you lose this phrase, you lose your funds forever. If someone else gets this phrase, they can steal your funds.

1. Reveal the Phrase: Click the lock icon/blurred area to reveal your 12 words.

2. Physical Backup (Required): Write down the words in the exact order on a piece of paper.

• DO NOT take a screenshot.

• DO NOT copy/paste them into a cloud document (Google Docs, Notes, etc.).

• DO NOT email them to yourself.

3. Verify the Phrase: Click Continue. MetaMask will ask you to confirm your backup by selecting the words in the correct order or filling in missing words.

4. Finalize: Once verified, click Continue -> Got it. The message "Your wallet is ready!" is displayed. Press "Done" to finish the setup.

Step 4: Post-installation Checks

Network Status: By default, MetaMask connects to a list of production blockchains - both EVM and non-EVM-compatible. You can see this in the top-left corner of the wallet interface.

Account Address: By default, an account (Account 1) is created when you install Metamask. Your public wallet address (starts with 0x...) is located at the top center, under Account 1. Click on "network addresses" to display the networks, then click the copy button next to the network you want to copy to your clipboard. This is the address you share to receive funds.