Set up a Metamask Wallet
Last updated
Last updated
In order to participate in NEND platform, it is essential to start by setting up a crypto wallet. A crypto wallet is like a secure key to all of your web3 assets.
It creates a secure way for you and only you to access your cryptocurrencies and NFTs and facilitates transactions between you and others over the blockchain – that is, as long as you protect the password and seed phrase associated with your wallet.
MetaMask was created by ConsenSys and is the most popular Ethereum-compatible wallet used today. You can access it via a secure browser extension that’s compatible with the Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Edge browsers.
While MetaMask is most commonly used for transactions on the Ethereum network, it is fully compatible with several other blockchains including Avalanche, Polygon, Binance Smart Chain, Fantom, Harmony, and others.
Setup is fairly simple. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough for setting up your MetaMask wallet on the Chrome browser in five minutes. Although things may look slightly different for other browsers, this should give you a good idea of what you’ll need to do.
1. Installing the extenstion
First, head over to MetaMask. Once there, you’ll see a blue button that allows you to download the extension for whatever browser you use. On Chrome, you’ll see this.
Go ahead and hit that button, and it’ll take you to the Chrome Web Store. You can learn more about the application and read reviews on this page. Once ready to go, click the Add To Chrome button, which will then install your MetaMask wallet for free.
Once you’ve installed MetaMask, you’ll see the small fox icon at the top right of your screen, and a notification will appear, letting you know that the install was successful.
Quick Tip: To make this extension visible and accessible on the browser bar, click on the grey puzzle icon to show your extensions. Then, next to the MetaMask extension, click the pin icon to pin it to your browser.
2. Setting up your metamask wallet
Next, you’ll be given the option to “Get Started.” Once you’ve clicked that button, you’ll see a screen like this:
Assuming you are a new user, click the “Create a Wallet” button on the right to get started with a new wallet. Then, the system will ask you whether or not you want to share analytics with MetaMask. This decision is entirely up to you. After that, you’ll be prompted to create a password.
This is your password for access to your wallet on your local device. As with all online accounts, you should ensure that you are using a strong password. On the next page, you’ll be given a set of 12 words that act as your private key.
Safety First
You can think of these words as your master key to all your digital assets. If you have lost or forgotten your password, you can use this set of 12 words to restore your wallet on any device. However, if anyone were to gain access to these 12 words, they could do the same. Anyone with these passphrases can restore your wallet on their digital device and gain access to all your assets, including your cryptocurrency and NFTs.
Bottom Line: Write these 12 words down and keep them somewhere safe offline. Do not store these words on your computer. Remember – no one will ever need to know your 12 words other than you. If you ever do get asked for these phrases, it’s likely a scam.
This passphrase is very important, so be sure to keep it safe. Once you have written them down, you can click the “Next” button. Then, just to make sure that you have written them down, MetaMask asks you to confirm your secret recovery phrase by selecting the words in the order they were originally given. You must write down your 12 words in the correct order.
Once you’ve entered those words, you can click “Continue.” Then, you’re done! It’s that easy.
3. Exploring your new crypto wallet
You can access your new wallet either by a full-fledged page or by simply clicking on the fox icon in the upper right corner of your browser. Here’s what it should look like:
MetaMask features a simple and easy-to-use interface. You can see two primary tabs showing your “Assets” and “Activity.” The Assets tab will show your cryptocurrencies and NFTs, while the Activity tab will list your transactions (much like a bank account statement). You are also given three options to “Buy,” “Send,” and “Swap.”
Finally, at the top of the application, you’ll see your public wallet address. Clicking on that will copy it to your clipboard for convenient use in other applications. You can think of this address as your email address rather than your bank account number. It’s perfectly okay to share this address publicly, and you can use it to receive funds and NFTs.
