How to Install and Use Metamask
In order to use the blockchain, you need to install a mobile distributed application (dApp) browser. One of the most popular dApp browsers is known as Metamask. Follow the first set of instructions to install it on the Chrome browser, and then read on to start unlocking the power of the blockchain!
Installing Metamask
Step 1. Go to the Metamask website.
Step 2. Click “Get Chrome Extension” to install Metamask.
Step 3. Click “Add to Chrome” in the upper right.
Step 4. Click “Add Extension” to complete the installation.
You will know Metamask has been installed when you see the fox logo on the upper right hand corner of your browser.
Using Metamask
One of the first tasks you will want to do on Metamask is to install a wallet (or “vault” as Metamask calls it) to hold your cryptocurrencies. To do this, follow the instructions below.
Step 1. Click on the Metamask logo in the upper right hand corner of your Google chrome browser.
Step 2. Read and agree to the terms and conditions. You may have to agree to 2 to 3 pages worth of terms.
Step 3. Enter a password and click “Create” to create your wallet.
Step 4. You will see a set of 12 “seed words” for your vault. Click “Save Seed Words as File” and copy the “MetaMask Seed Words” file that is downloaded to a safe place. You will need it to access your vault.
Step 5. Click “I’ve Copied It Somewhere Safe” once your seed words file has been secured. You’ll be taken into your Metamask wallet!
You have created an account on the main network.
You are now in the Ethereum mainnet network. To start experimenting with Metamask, you can switch to one of the testnet networks by clicking “Main Network” in the left hand corner of the wallet pop up screen, and selecting one of the testnets such as Ropsten Test Network or Kovan Test Network.
You can select different networks to connect to.
From these Test Networks, you can safely “buy” and “send” test Ether from a faucet and begin experimenting with the blockchain. Click around within the test network and start understanding how the Ethereum blockchain works!
