The step by step to use this tool that allows you to manage tokens and use decentralized apps
By
Desirée Jaimovich
MetaMask Wallet
MetaMask is one of the most popular Ethereum wallets. popular for managing tokens and using Dapps or decentralized applications. MetaMask works as a bridge to that new blockchain based web.
The system works not only as a cryptocurrency wallet, but also allows you to the user to interact with the Dapps in a simple way. It is possible to store, spend and send digital assets such as tokens and collectibles.
Thus, for example, it can be used to enter to OpenSea or other market places where you transact with NFTs. It is, in short, the gateway to Web3, as this new internet based on blockchain technology is called.
Regarding security , it should be noted that MetaMask has the ability to generate its own asymmetric keys, store them and manage their access locally.
Install MetaMask
It can be downloaded as a browser extension in Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Opera.It also has a mobile app for iOS and Android. Next, the step by step to install it from Chrome
1. Enter the Chrome web store and search for MetaMask. Click on the upper right corner where it says “add to Chrome”
The first step is to install the extension
2. Once the extension is installed, two options will be offered: import a previously created wallet or create a wallet from scratch. In the first case, you will have to enter the seed phrase and the key. If it is the second option then one will be generated for the first time.
3. On the next page you will have to accept the terms and conditions and then create a strong password. It is suggested that it be at least 12 characters long and include letters, numbers, and symbols.
4. Once this is done, a seed phrase will be generated which is 12 words and has the purpose of supporting the crypto wallet. If for some reason control over the wallet is lost, these 12 phrases will be needed to recover it. That phrase is a representation of a long string of random numbers that the wallet uses to generate private keys that will allow it to send and receive tokens.
Security recommendations to protect the seed phrase:
It is advisable to write it on paper and store that document in a safe deposit box. Other copies could also be made and stored in equally safe places, as an extra precautionary measure.
It is not advisable to write the seed phrase in digital format and save it in a doc, mail or any other system unless it is encrypted. If you want to have a digital version, it would be convenient for it to be an external disk, encrypted and that it be kept very well, also in a safe or secure place. Note that if the seed phrase is lost, access to all digital assets in the wallet is lost.
MetaMask, a wallet to manage crypto assets
5. At the end of this process, you will have an active wallet and ready to use. This user creation process is pretty much the same for other browser extensions and mobile apps.
How to use MetaMask
MetaMask connects by default to the main Ethereum network. Anyway from the settings menu you can connect to other blockchain networks such as Polygon, Ronin, Arbitrum, Binance and other networks compatible with Ethereum.
1. Add a new network
To add a new network you have to press, from the browser, on the fox icon to open the wallet. Then, next to the profile image you will see the name of the network that is connected, for example Ethereum.
You can add different blockchain networks
Click on the down arrow next to the name and a drop-down menu will appear. There you click on the option that says “add network”. An interface will be displayed in which you have to mention the name of the network, the URL address, the coin identifier, etc.
MetaMask
The information to add this data varies depending on the network to be incorporated. This information must be found on the official sites of the corresponding blockchain< /b>. In the case of Polygon, for example, it can be found here.
Import crypto assets
To import crypto assets you need to scroll down to the option that says “import tokens”
To import crypto assets click on “import tokens”
Then go to the custom token option and add the corresponding address. Then to send, buy or redeem it will be enough to press each of the buttons that are seen in the wallet interface.