MetaMask Browser Wallet Installation
While any EVM-compatible wallet will work natively with Autheo, MetaMask represents one of the simplest wallets to install and configure.
For those less familiar with cryptocurrency and the underlying technology and available applications, this guide will walk you through the process of installing MetaMask and preparing to engage with the Autheo ecosystem.
Getting Started with MetaMask
Downloading MetaMask
Metamask is available through the Apple Store, Google Play, and for Google Chrome and Chrome-compatible browsers.
Always verify URLs before downloading any application. Cryptocurrency wallets are often spoofed and you should ensure you are downloading the actual MetaMask files. MetaMask's main site can be found at https://metamask.io/.
MetaMask for Chrome
Clicking on Install MetaMask for Chrome will bring you to the Chrome Web Store, where you can click Add to Chrome to begin the installation process.
A pop-up will appear warning that MetaMask will have the following permissions:
- Read and change all your data on all websites.
- Display notifications.
- Modify data you copy and paste.
This is normal, and you will want to click Add extension to continue the installation process. When the application finishes installing, it will inform you and open a new page where you can create your wallet.
Creating Your Wallet Through MetaMask
You will need to agree to MetaMask's terms of service to continue, after which you can click to Create a new wallet.
Note: You may also import an existing wallet if you have a pre-existing EVM compatible account.
You can choose to opt-in to MetaMask diagnostics on the next window, which the MetaMask team uses to determine upgrade paths and new features. There is also a checkbox to receive relevant news related to diagnostic data and marketing materials. You do not need to agree to this to continue installation, and may freely choose to click on No thanks or I agree.
Create a password
In the next window, you will choose the password that you will use for accessing your wallet. You will need to enter this password every time you open your MetaMask application.
Note: We suggest using a strong password with a combination of phrases, uppercase and lower case letters, numbers and at least one special character. The password must be at least eight characters long.
You will need to click on the checkbox indicating that you understand MetaMask cannot recover your password. MetaMask is only a user interface for Ethereum-based wallets and does not hold any custody of your wallet or your included funds. You may freely add the wallet you create to any other wallet application if you so choose.
Secure your wallet
For those unfamiliar with cryptocurrency wallets and the technology used to implement them, the next section will be new information. Your wallet will have an associated Secret Recovery Phrase made up of either 12 or 24 separate and unrelated words.
It is critically important that you save this phrase, as it is the only way to recover your wallet if you lose access to it. You should NOT store this phrase digitally, and should create a physical copy that you can secure in the way you see best.
Do not share your recovery phrase with anyone, ever, even if they are offering technical assistance.
You will have the option to Remind me later (not recommended) or Secure my wallet (recommended). You should always secure your wallet.
The next window will bring you to a window where you can click to Reveal Secret Recovery Phrase. Write down the words in order, as you will need them during the next step.
Clicking on Next will bring you to a window that shows your secret recovery phrase with several words missing. Fill in the blanks by referencing the hard copy you created in the previous step.
After filling in the spaces, click Confirm to complete wallet setup.