Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to commonly asked questions

Getting started

How do I install MetaMask?

Go to MetaMask.io and select from Android or iOS for mobile application and select Chrome for desktop. You can also go directly to the Chrome store, Google Play store, or Apple App Store (soon).

I’m a MetaMask extension user, how do I use the same wallet in MetaMask mobile app?

You can sync your MetaMask extension wallet with mobile by using the MetaMask Mobile Sync feature.

Install MetaMask mobile at MetaMask.io.
Open the MetaMask mobile app and select ‘Sync or Import’ > ‘Scan QR code’.
Log into your MetaMask extension
Click Settings > Advanced > Sync with Mobile. You’ll see a QR code.
Scan this QR code with your MetaMask mobile app (see step #2).

Do I need cryptocurrency to use MetaMask?

Technically no, you can accept signature requests from sites without any value in an account. Adding cryptocurrencies in your MetaMask account (such as ETH and ERC-20 or, ERC-721 tokens) allow you to invest, trade, play games, own unique digital items (NFT collectibless), and much more.

How do I get funds (digital currency) in MetaMask?

You can easily buy Ethereum with a debit card or Apple Pay directly within MetaMask by clicking “Add funds”. You can request funds from a friend by sending them a payment request showing your QR code in person or by sharing your public address.

How do I transfer my existing ETH and tokens to MetaMask?

You can send ETH and tokens from another wallet to a new MetaMask account. Simply copy your new MetaMask public address and go to your existing wallet or exchange to send funds to your new wallet address.

You can find your MetaMask address under account name (in the format 0x12r45...6HJ9).

How do I send ETH and tokens?

In the app, click the menu button (top left), then click Send.

Manage my digital assets

Which tokens does MetaMask support?

ETH and any ETH based token (erc20, 721, and more). You may need to manually list some tokens to see them within MetaMask.

Does MetaMask mobile support Collectibles?

Yes! There is a collectibles tab on the home screen of your mobile wallet.

Can I exchange my tokens?

Yes! Use our Swaps feature to swap tokens inside MetaMask, or use any of the exchanges listed at home.metamask.io

Can I use a hardware wallet with MetaMask?

MetaMask currently supports Trezor and Ledger on the extension. There is currently no hardware wallet support on mobile yet. Request feature.

Payments

What is my public address?

An ethereum address is a unique identifier that serves as a virtual location for your ether and ethereum-based tokens. Think of it like your bank account number.

How to deposit / receive / send?

On the mobile app, tap the menu button (top right), then click Wallet. Select a token or collectible then click Send or Recieve.

Swaps

How do I Swap tokens on MetaMask?

It’s as easy as hitting the Swap button inside your desktop extension. Here’s a quick demo to help you get started: https://youtu.be/zeu-a-W2qJQ

Why did my Swap fail?

A Swap may fail due to various reasons. The most common is when a transaction runs 'out of gas.' The 'out of gas' error occurs when all the gas that was allocated for the transaction is consumed before the Swap could complete. To prevent an 'out of gas' transaction failure, we recommend using the default Network Fee amount that is provided by MetaMask. When a Swap fails, some of the gas fees may be consumed by the network, but the asset you wished to swap from will still be safe and available in your MetaMask wallet. If a Swap fails your funds will always be safe in your wallet. If your Swap fails more than once, please contact our support team so we can investigate the underlying cause.

Why can't I find a token on MetaMask Swaps?

Behind the scenes, MetaMask Swaps automatically aggregates available liquidity from leading DEXs and Professional Market Makers. If you can't find a token, it likely lacks the sufficient amount of liquidity.

What is slippage?

Slippage refers to the difference between the expected price of a trade and the price at which the trade is executed. Slippage is most prevalent with larger orders and during periods of higher volatility.

Why do I need to approve a token before Swapping?

ERC20 tokens are deployed with functionality that allows other smart contracts to move tokens. By approving the smart contracts, it now has permission to execute the peer to peer swapping behavior on your behalf. The Spend Limit permission is the total amount of tokens that are able to move when using MetaMask Swap. By default, we set the allowance to a high value, so you don't have to approve your tokens every time you want to Swap, but you can always configure a lower amount using a Custom Spend Limit.

Does MetaMask charge a fee on Swaps?

A dynamic service fee that ranges between 0.3% - 0.875% is automatically factored into each quote, which supports ongoing development to make MetaMask even better.

Security

How do I keep my wallet safe?

Backup your seed phrase

MetaMask requires that you store your seed phrase in a safe place. It is the only way to recover your funds should your device crash or your browser reset. We recommend you to write it down. The most common method is to write your 12-word phrase on a piece of paper and store it safely in a place where only you have access. Note: if you lose your seed phrase, MetaMask can’t help you recover your wallet.
Never give you seed phrase or your private key(s) to anyone or any site, unless you want them to have full control over your funds.

Use MetaMask on a personal device

MetaMask stores the seed phrase, passwords, and private keys in an encrypted format locally on the device where it's installed.

How do I import my wallet in MetaMask?

With your wallet’s seed phrase. MetaMask can only load one seed phrase at a time. If you already have a wallet, select the “import seed” option when you set up your wallet.

How do I import an account in MetaMask?

You can add an additional, “loose” account to MetaMask using a private key or json file. Please note: your seed phrase will not recover any “loose accounts” (accounts added with a private key/json file). . Make sure to keep BOTH your seed phrase and private key(s) securely stored to recover all your accounts.

Lost my password: How do I restore my wallet?

If you cannot remember your password, you must restore your account using your seed phrase and create a new password.

Lost my seed phrase: Can I restore my wallet?

The seed phrase is the last resort when it comes to recovering an account. There are ways to try to find and restore the seed phrase on a computer his requires access to the computer with the installation of MetaMask or a backup of the computer.

Privacy of my accounts

When using MetaMask with sites

MetaMask keeps your wallet data private unless you authorize permission to share your account address. You will see a MetaMask confirmation when websites request access to view your account address.

When using MetaMask for transactions

Transactions made using MetaMask are registered on Ethereum blockchain and are publicly available. If someone knows your account address, they can see the transaction is made by you because accounts on the Ethereum network are pseudonymous.

Troubleshooting: Support FAQs

Why did my MetaMask app crash?

Please ensure you are on the latest version of MetaMask. If the issue persists, please contact support with details on when the app crashes so that we can investigate the cause.

Why hasn't my balance updated?

This is typically caused by a bad network connection. We recommend trying a different network.

Why don’t I see my tokens?

You may need to list your custom token into MetaMask in order to see it.

Questions not answered - How do I contact support?

You can email us at support@metamask.io or tweet @metamasksupport

I found a bug, what do I do?

Email support@metamask.io or submit a bug report directly as a Github issue (for devs): https://github.com/metamask

How do I give feedback to the developer team?

Open a Github issue here for MetaMask mobile, here for the browser extension, or submit a feature request here.

Unable to connect with a site

We recommend reaching out to the site first. If they are unable to assist you, email us at support@metamask.io, and we’ll take a closer look.

Updating to latest version

Our browser extension and mobile app update automatically!

Additional Support & Content

Where can I go if I have more questions?

You can view our knowledge base articles at support.metamask.io
You can learn more about the Ethereum network at Ethereum.org
If you still need assistance, feel free to contact our support team on twitter @MetaMaskSupport or submit a ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started

Manage my digital assets

Payments

Swaps

Security

Troubleshooting: Support FAQs

Additional Support & Content

LEGAL

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