> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://fancy-studios.gitbook.io/whitepaper/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://fancy-studios.gitbook.io/whitepaper/faq/metamask.md).

# Getting started with Metamask

![](/files/3yZToCG0l0axTniaM4ph)

## **What is MetaMask?**

**Public blockchains like Ethereum are the next evolution of Internet databases, and MetaMask is the next evolution of the browser.**

MetaMask is a web browser extension and mobile app that allows you to manage your Ethereum private keys. By doing so, it serves as a wallet for Ether and other tokens, and allows you to interact with decentralized applications, or *dApps*. Unlike some wallets, MetaMask keeps no information on you: not your email address, not your password, and not your Secret Recovery Phrase or other private keys. You retain all power over your crypto-identity.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/YVgfHZMFFFQ>" %}

### **How to install MetaMask:**

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Browser Extension" %}

<details>

<summary>Chrome</summary>

1. Visit <https://metamask.io/>
2. Hit "Download" in the menu bar.
3. Click “Install MetaMask for Chrome”. You will be directed to the Chrome Web Store.

   <img src="https://metamask.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/5196100781083/Chrome_store.png" alt="Chrome_store.png" data-size="original">
4. Click “Add to Chrome”.
5. On the pop up, click “Add extension”.

   <img src="https://metamask.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/5196209372443/Chrome_permissions.png" alt="Chrome_permissions.png" data-size="original">

&#x20;

After adding MetaMask Extension, MetaMask will automatically open. You can also make sure it's easily accessible in your toolbar by clicking the jigsaw icon in the top-right of the screen, and hitting the pin icon.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Firefox</summary>

1. Visit <https://metamask.io/>
2. Click on "Download"
3. Hit "Install MetaMask for Firefox".
4. In the new window that opens, click on "Add to Firefox"
5. On the pop up, click “Add”\
   **NOTE: Don't be alarmed by the fact that the Firefox plugin is listed as being published by "danfinlay, kumavis" -- they're a couple of the main minds behind MetaMask!**

<img src="https://metamask.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/5195653095323/Firefox.png" alt="Firefox.png" data-size="original">

After adding MetaMask Extension, you’ll return to your browser page. MetaMask will appear on your browser; click on it to open MetaMask.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Edge</summary>

1. Visit <https://metamask.io/>
2. Click on "Download".
3. Hit "Install MetaMask for Edge".
4. Click on the Edge icon, and follow the prompts in the window that opens to install the extension.

<img src="https://metamask.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/4406112289947/mceclip0.png" alt="mceclip0.png" data-size="original">

After adding MetaMask Extension, you’ll return to your browser page. MetaMask will appear on your browser. You may click on it to open MetaMask.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Brave</summary>

1. Visit <https://metamask.io/>
2. Click “Download".
3. Click on "Install MetaMask for Chrome". Ignore the alarm bells that are ringing: the reason it says "Chrome" here is because Brave is a Chromium-based browser and shares the Web Store with Chrome itself.&#x20;
4. In the Chrome Store that opens, click 'Add to Brave'.
5. In the popup that appears, click 'Add extension'.

<img src="https://metamask.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/5195652341531/Brave.png" alt="Brave.png" data-size="original">

After adding MetaMask Extension, you’ll return to your browser page. MetaMask will appear on your browser. You may click on it to open MetaMask.

</details>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Mobile Apps" %}

###

<details>

<summary>iOS</summary>

1. Open the App Store and hit the search button in the bottom right. Input MetaMask into the search bar.

   <img src="https://metamask.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/5171982792219/app_store_result.jpg" alt="app_store_result.jpg" data-size="original">
2. Either click 'Get' or tap on the name of the app to see more details. Complete the usual App Store download confirmation process.
3. Once installed, open the app and follow the prompts to create your wallet.
4. Back up your Secret Recovery Phrase somewhere safe and offline!

</details>

<details>

<summary>Android</summary>

1. Open the Play Store and search for "MetaMask". **The official MetaMask app looks like the screenshot below. Be VERY CAREFUL that you don't install a fake MetaMask app! Look for the ConsenSys name.**

   <img src="https://metamask.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/5176941421851/mceclip0.png" alt="mceclip0.png" data-size="original">
2. Tap 'Install' and wait for the process to finish.
3. Once installed, open the app and follow the prompts to create your wallet.
4. Back up your Secret Recovery Phrase somewhere safe and offline!

</details>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

Alternatively, you could also access each browser's extension store and search for MetaMask. Whatever you prefer!&#x20;

If you still have a hard time setting up your Metamask  and you wish to understand more, please follow the guide below:&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/Af_lQ1zUnoM>" %}

#### **Note:**

When adding MetaMask to your browser, you may ask why you’d have to approve an extension to **“read and change all your data on the websites your visit”**. Get ready, the answer is technical:

In order to enable dapps (decentralized applications) to access the blockchain, MetaMask needs to inject a [Web3](https://web3js.readthedocs.io/en/1.0/) JavaScript object into each page. By doing so, **it will not change the website**, but merely allows it to access the network.

If you are still not convinced, a good way to experiment and manage your browser is to sandbox your [MetaMask](https://metamask.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015289672-Sandboxing-MetaMask): create a separate browser profile so that MetaMask is only installed there. This will let you get used to MetaMask and Web3 in an environment that's separate from your existing web identity.

That said, MetaMask is safe for browsing. Welcome -- you're joining over 30 million MetaMask users all over the world!<br>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://fancy-studios.gitbook.io/whitepaper/faq/metamask.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.