What is MetaMask, and how to create an account on MetaMask?
Once the Ethereum network launched smart contracts, it created a new decentralized internet known as Web 3.0. Since then, the ecosystem has been slowly and steadily coming together through the development of decentralized applications (DApps) and services.
To access services provided by these protocols or DApps, users must use a crypto wallet. While there are numerous crypto wallets available, MetaMask is the preferred wallet for Ethereum users. In this article, we’ll take a quick look at MetaMask and show you how to sign up for a MetaMask account.
What is MetaMask?
MetaMask is a popular online crypto wallet and DApp browser for Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain (BSC), and other blockchain networks. Although the wallet is compatible with different blockchains, it is most commonly associated with the Ethereum network. In addition to holding Ether, MetaMask also supports the ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens.
MetaMask promotes itself as “your gateway to the new web.” The wallet allows users to connect with the Ethereum ecosystem, which houses a large universe of decentralized applications (DApps) without downloading the entire Ethereum blockchain to their device. The wallet offers a more secure private browser experience and easy access to cryptocurrency and NFTs.
What distinguishes MetaMask from the competition is its superior encryption technology. It safely saves passwords and private keys in each user’s device. Other wallets would need you to copy and paste payment addresses or scan a QR code on a separate device. On the other hand, the website pings your wallet via the MetaMask extension, and you are asked to accept or reject the transaction.
Brief History of MetaMask
In 2016, Aaron Davis and Consensys founded MetaMask. Between the wallet’s inception in 2016 and September 2020, MetaMask gained 400,000 users. It reached one million monthly active users in October 2020.
Before 2019, MetaMask was only available as a desktop browser plugin for Firefox and Chrome. In September 2020, Consensys published the first official MetaMask mobile application for Android and iOS devices.
Benefits of MetaMask
- Popularity: There are over one million active users on MetaMask. It is the most popular wallet due to its security, usefulness, and convenience of use.
- Simple UI: To access a large selection of DApps, users only need to complete a few clicks. Furthermore, users only need to remember a seed phrase, and transactions are signed on their behalf rather than managing private keys.
- Saves Space: Users do not need to download the Ethereum blockchain because it sends queries to nodes outside the user’s machine.
- Integrations with DApps: DApps are built to work with MetaMask, making it relatively easy to transmit Ether in and out.
How to create an account on MetaMask?
Though it may look complex from the outside, MetaMask is one of the most user-friendly Ethereum wallets and DApp browsers. You can configure it within a couple of minutes. Let’s get started with MetaMask by creating an account.
Using MetaMask’s browser plugin, you can create an account in 9 simple steps. You’ll need Chrome, Brave, or Firefox to use MetaMask.
Step 1: Download and install the official MetaMask browser extension/addon: Google Chrome extension or the Firefox addon.
Step 2: Once installed, you should see a splash screen. Click on the ‘Get Started’ button. Then, on the following screen, click on the ‘Create a Wallet’ button.
Step 3: You will now be asked if you want to help MetaMask improve. If you’re not interested, click ‘No Thanks,’ otherwise, click ‘I agree.’
Step 4: Create a password. Your password shouldn’t be less than eight characters. We recommend using a unique password, hasn’t been used before and has a combination of upper and lower-case characters, symbols, and numbers.
Step 5: After creating a password, read and agree to the Terms of Service, then click ‘Create’.
Step 6: MetaMask will then display your 12-word backup seed phrase to you. You must write this down in the same order as it appears on your screen. The seed word is required to recover your wallet if you lose access to your computer and should be kept somewhere secure.
Caution: Keep in mind that anyone with access to your 12-word back phrase will be able to reclaim your funds, so keep it somewhere safe and accessible.
Step 7: When you’ve finished writing down your seed phrase, click ‘Next.’
Step 8: On the next screen, confirm your backup phrase by entering the words in the same order as previously stored. Once finished, click ‘Confirm’.
Step 9: You are almost finished with the MetaMask setup process. Click ‘All Done’ on the last page to be instantly signed in to MetaMask.
The bottom line
MetaMask isn’t yet the internet gateway that it claims to be. However, as the Ethereum platform evolves, applications like MetaMask will undoubtedly bridge the gap between existing systems and developing blockchain infrastructure.
Where else can I find information?
🛒 Go to Hoard Market
💻 Visit our website
📝 Read our blog
