MetaMask Wallet: How to Install and Use the Wallet

<> does not provide investment advice; the material is published solely for informational purposes. Cryptocurrency is a volatile asset that can lead to financial losses.

Initially, MetaMask started its operations as a wallet exclusively for the Ethereum network. Now, it allows users to work with Bitcoin, Solana, Tron, and other networks, view assets from multiple blockchains in one interface, and perform basic operations without constantly switching to third-party services.

In this guide, we will look at the MetaMask extension for Google Chrome. As of August 14, 2026, version 13.41.0 is listed in the Chrome Web Store, updated on July 27. The Russian language is officially supported.

How to Install MetaMask

It is best to install the extension through the official MetaMask website: from there, the user is redirected to the Chrome Web Store. This reduces the risk of landing on a fake wallet page.

In the Chrome Store, click <> and confirm the installation. There is no need to specifically look for version 13.41.0: MetaMask updates automatically, so the number will change over time.

If the Russian language does not install automatically, it can be changed in the <> --- <> --- <> section.

How to Create a Wallet

Upon the first launch, MetaMask offers to create a new wallet or open an existing one.

When creating a new wallet, MetaMask offers the classic option with a recovery secret phrase or login via Google, Apple, or Telegram along with a separate MetaMask password.

Create a password (if you forget it, you can reset it).

What is a Secret Phrase

MetaMask will show you 12 English words in a specific order (we cannot show this screenshot as it contradicts cybersecurity rules). This is the recovery secret phrase. With it, you can open the wallet after reinstalling MetaMask or on another device.

The password and the secret phrase are different things. The password protects the installed MetaMask on a specific device. The secret phrase allows you to regain access to the wallet itself.

If the password is forgotten but the 12 words are saved, the classic wallet can be restored. If another person learns these words, they will also be able to access the funds. If you lose the secret phrase, you will not be able to recover your wallet.

MetaMask recommends storing the phrase offline. Translating the words into Russian is not allowed: the original English sequence will be needed for recovery.

When logging in via Google, Apple, or Telegram, the user uses the selected account and MetaMask password. This option appears simpler externally, but the password here becomes an important part of regaining access. The secret phrase can be revealed and saved separately as a backup option if desired.

What is on the Main Screen

After creating a wallet, the main screen opens with the balance and assets.

MetaMask shows the portfolio immediately across the enabled networks. If necessary, it can be filtered to show only assets from a specific blockchain. There is no longer a need to constantly switch the entire wallet between Ethereum, Base, or other networks just to view the balance.

In a modern MetaMask account, there can be multiple network addresses. For example, account 1 has an address for Ethereum and compatible networks, a separate address for Solana, and a separate address for Bitcoin.

How to Choose a Network and Address for Transfers

The same cryptocurrency can exist on multiple blockchains. For instance, USDC can be sent via Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, or Solana. The asset name remains the same, but transactions occur on different networks.

Therefore, when withdrawing cryptocurrency from an exchange, the user first selects the asset itself and then the network through which it will be sent.

Which Network to Choose?

First, ensure that it is supported by both the sender and the recipient. Only after that does it make sense to compare fees.

If the funds are needed in a specific application, it is better to choose the network where that application operates right away. Otherwise, you will have to transfer the asset between blockchains separately later.

Why One Address Can Work on Multiple Networks

Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, BNB Chain, and other compatible networks use addresses of the same format. In MetaMask, they use the EVM address starting with 0x.

Suppose the address looks like 0x123...abc. If you send USDC to it via Ethereum, the funds will be in Ethereum. If the same USDC is sent to the same address via Base, it will be in Base.

The address is the same, but the network is different. Separate addresses are used for Solana and Bitcoin. Therefore, when withdrawing via Solana, you need to copy the Solana address specifically, and when receiving Bitcoin, the Bitcoin address.

After pasting the address, it is advisable to compare at least a few characters at the beginning and end. For a large first transfer, it is better to send a small amount first, for example, 1 USDT.

How to Receive Cryptocurrency

After selecting the network, copy the corresponding MetaMask address and paste it on the sender's side. Before confirming, the asset, network, and address must match. If the withdrawal is via Solana, a Solana address is needed. For Ethereum and compatible networks, the address 0x... is used.

For a large transfer, it is reasonable to send a small part first. If the money appears in the desired account and network, the remainder can be transferred in the same way.

How to Add Another Network

First, check if the required blockchain is already in MetaMask. The list of supported networks includes Ethereum, Bitcoin, Linea, Base, Solana, Tron, Polygon, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Optimism, Sei, Avalanche, zkSync Era, Monad, and others. Some are connected immediately, while others can be added through the networks menu.

Open the menu at the top right → Networks. If the required blockchain is among the additional ones, just click Add.

If the Required Network Is Not in the List

A network compatible with Ethereum can be added manually. In the Networks menu, click Add Custom Network. A form will open where you need to transfer parameters from the official documentation of the blockchain itself.

Usually, you will need the network name, the server address through which MetaMask connects to it, and the unique network number. In the interface, these fields are called RPC URL and Chain ID. You may also need the designation of the main coin and a link to the blockchain explorer.

The main point here is not to memorize terms, but to take values only from the official documentation of the network. Random parameters from Telegram, forums, or comments should not be used. MetaMask does not guarantee the correctness of user network parameters just because the form has been saved. The user must verify the source of the settings themselves.

How to Send Cryptocurrency

When the funds appear in MetaMask, click <>. Then specify the recipient's address, select the asset, and enter the amount.

Before final confirmation, MetaMask shows the transaction parameters and the network fee. Here, double-check the address, network, asset, and amount.

After confirmation, the transaction is sent to the blockchain. If it has already been confirmed by the network, there is no regular return button in MetaMask.

What is a Network Fee

A network fee is the charge for processing a transaction on the blockchain. In Ethereum, it is often referred to as gas, but in MetaMask, the user sees a more understandable term <>.

It does not have to increase with the amount of the transfer. Sending 10 and 1000 USDC may require approximately the same amount of work from the network.

If the fee seems too high, the transaction can simply be left unconfirmed.

In Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Base, MetaMask allows covering the fee with another token in supported operations. The user does not always need to keep a separate balance of the main coin of the network in advance.

For new users, MetaMask also automatically includes smart account capabilities. They help to pay fees more flexibly and combine certain actions. For a regular transfer, it is not necessary to specifically configure this feature.

What to Do If the Token Does Not Appear

The transfer may be successful, but the asset may not immediately appear in the MetaMask list. First, check if the necessary account and network are open. Then refresh the token list.

MetaMask automatically detects many popular assets. If the token still does not appear, it can be found through <> or added manually by contract address.

Open the token section - menu - <>.

When adding manually, one cannot rely solely on the name. Anyone can create a token with the designation USDT or USDC. The contract address from a reliable source must be verified.

If the blockchain explorer already shows tokens at the correct address, but MetaMask does not display them, the issue may only be with the display.

How to Exchange Tokens in MetaMask

For a regular exchange, it is not necessary to send assets to a centralized exchange.

Click <>, select the token you are giving away, then the one you want to receive, and specify the amount.

MetaMask receives offers from several sources and shows the final quote. For a regular exchange, the MetaMask fee is 0.875%. The network fee is accounted for separately.

MetaMask can also find routes between different blockchains. Before such a transfer, it is necessary to separately check the source and destination network.

How to Connect MetaMask to a Website

MetaMask is used to log into decentralized exchanges and other blockchain applications.

For example, on the Uniswap website, the user clicks <> and selects MetaMask. The wallet shows which accounts and networks the site wants to use.

Here, it is important to distinguish between two actions. Connecting a wallet means allowing the application to see the selected public address and suggest operations.

Allowing the use of tokens is a separate financial action. This confirmation should be read more carefully.

In the section <>, you can view connected applications, change the accounts and networks available to them, or completely disconnect the service.

Disconnecting the site does not always revoke previously granted rights to use tokens from the smart contract. Such permissions need to be checked separately.

How to Recover MetaMask

If the device is lost or the extension needs to be reinstalled, the classic wallet is restored using 12 words.

On a fresh installation, select <>, enter the secret phrase in the correct order, and set a new password for this MetaMask installation.

After recovery, some additional accounts may require manual restoration. This applies, for example, to accounts that were previously imported separately using a private key.

For a wallet created through Google, Apple, or Telegram, the linked account and MetaMask password are used on the new device.

If Something Goes Wrong

If money has been sent but the balance has not changed, first check the network, then the address and the status of the operation in the explorer of the corresponding blockchain.

If the user expected USDC in Ethereum but sent it through another compatible network to their own 0x... address, the funds are not necessarily lost. It is necessary to check the same address specifically in the network through which the transaction was made.

If the token is already at the address but MetaMask does not show it, you can try automatic detection or add the asset manually.

If the transaction is pending for a long time and has not yet been confirmed, MetaMask allows you to try to speed it up or cancel it. To do this, the wallet sends a new operation with a higher fee. After the original transaction is confirmed, this method no longer works.

If the site or <> asks for 12 words to verify the wallet, receive a transfer, or unlock funds, they should not be shared. For regular sending, receiving cryptocurrency, or connecting an application, the secret phrase is not required.

Before transferring, first select the network, then the address. Before confirming, check the asset, recipient, amount, and fee. For a large first transfer, it is better to first send a small test amount.