Check the official domain letter by letter
Only enter the download page from metamask.io. Beware lookalike addresses with an extra letter, a hyphen, similar glyphs, or an unfamiliar suffix.
Independent third-party guide · Official sources only · Updated July 2026
✓ Official-entry verification checklist
MetaMask Safe Download Guide
Verify the official site, avoid fake extensions, then create your first on-chain wallet. We turned every error-prone step into a checklist you can verify item by item.
✓ Official entry✓ Seed phrase never uploaded✓ Anti-phishing checklist
Choose your device
Start from official channels
The browser extension suits desktop DApps; the mobile app suits on-the-go use. The same seed phrase restores your wallet — but never transmit it online.
Safety comes first
Before downloading, spot the fakes
Fake extensions and phishing approvals are more dangerous than technical glitches. Verify the domain, the developer, and the requested permissions.
Do not skip this step
Verify the extension publisher
The developer name in the store should be MetaMask. Leave immediately if reviews suddenly look sparse, the name is oddly spelled, or extra permissions are requested.
Reject search-ad entries
Promoted results above the brand term are not the official site. Type the domain yourself or use the verified official links on this page.
Your seed phrase never goes online
Support staff, airdrops, upgrades, sync or unlock pages have no reason to ask for your seed phrase. Back it up by hand, offline.
Where beginners get stuck
Networks, gas, and approvals — explained once
MetaMask is more than “just install a plugin.” Understanding network switching and approval boundaries is what keeps you safe.
Add networks
Prefer the project's official site or a trusted network directory to add BSC or Polygon. Verify the RPC, Chain ID, and block explorer.
Check the Chain ID firstUnderstand gas
Gas is the chain's execution cost, not a MetaMask fee. When congested, wait or lower the priority fee — never blindly raise the limit.
Spot malicious approvals
Before signing, check the site's domain, the asset scope, and the amount. Unlimited approvals are not always malicious, but they carry higher risk.
Isolate large holdings
Keep your daily-interaction wallet separate from long-term storage; for large holdings, add a hardware wallet to reduce private-key exposure.
Just follow along
Five steps to create and use MetaMask safely
Back up first, then fund; test small before going big.
Install the official extension or app
Jump to the app store from the official site, then pin the extension icon so you never click a lookalike.
Create a new wallet
Set a unique strong password. The password only protects this device — it is no substitute for a seed-phrase backup.
Back up the seed phrase offline
Write two copies in order and store them separately; never screenshot it or paste it into chat apps or cloud drives.
Verify and add networks
Ethereum works by default; when adding BSC or Polygon, verify every network parameter item by item.
Receive a small test transfer first
Check the first and last characters of the address and the network; test with an amount you can afford to lose before moving more.
Further reading
Separate your hot wallet from long-term storage
A wallet that frequently connects to DApps has a larger attack surface. For long-term assets, consider a hardware wallet; use compliant, available exchanges to buy crypto.
Troubleshooting
Frequently asked questions
Official rules prevail; prices, supported devices, and product features may change over time.
Is MetaMask safe?＋
The software is a mainstream self-custody wallet, but safety depends on your device, how you guard the seed phrase, and your signing habits. The most common losses come from fake extensions, phishing approvals, and leaked seed phrases.
Why are MetaMask fees so high?＋
Fees are mainly set by how congested the blockchain is and how complex the transaction is — MetaMask does not price them. You can wait for quieter periods, lower the priority fee, or use a cheaper network.
What if I lose my seed phrase?＋
If you can still open the wallet, move your assets to safety immediately and back up again. If the device is also inaccessible and you have no seed phrase or private key, the wallet usually cannot be recovered.
MetaMask won't open or connect — what now?＋
First confirm the extension is enabled and the browser is up to date, then switch RPC, clear site connections, and re-authorize. Never share your screen or seed phrase with “remote support.”
How do I revoke suspicious approvals?＋
Use the chain's block explorer or a trusted approval manager to check allowances, and revoke ones you no longer use or that are too large. Revoking itself costs on-chain gas.
Ready?
Go to the MetaMask site Verify first, then install
Start from the official entry and keep your seed phrase in the offline world.