how_to_download_metamask_extension_safe_installation_guide

img width: 750px; iframe.movie width: 750px; height: 450px; Install metamask wallet on chrome edge kiwi browsers

Install MetaMask Wallet on Chrome Edge and Kiwi Browser Step-by-Step Guide

Get the official MetaMask extension directly from the Chrome Web Store, regardless of your browser choice. This single source is the safest and most reliable method for Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Kiwi Browser. Visiting the store page yourself prevents the risk of counterfeit extensions.

Once on the store page, click the blue “Add to Chrome” button. In Edge or Kiwi, this will trigger your browser's built-in mechanism to install the extension. Confirm any prompts that appear; the browsers handle the technical process seamlessly in the background.

After installation, a new tab opens welcoming you to MetaMask. You will face a clear choice: create a new wallet if this is your first time, or import an existing one using your secret recovery phrase. Carefully follow the on-screen instructions to set a strong password and, without exception, securely back up your 12-word phrase offline.

Your browser's toolbar now holds the MetaMask fox icon. Click it to unlock your wallet with your password. You are ready to explore web applications, manage digital assets, and control your online identity. This extension works identically across all three browsers, providing a consistent gateway to decentralized networks.

Download the Correct Extension for Your Browser

Get the MetaMask extension directly from the official Chrome Web Store for Chrome, Edge, and Kiwi browsers. This single source ensures you receive the authentic and secure software. Visit chrome.google.com/webstore and search for “MetaMask”.

Click the “Add to Chrome” button on the extension's store page. Both Microsoft Edge and Kiwi Browser are built on Chromium, so they fully support installations from the Chrome store. The browser will ask for your confirmation; proceed by clicking “Add extension”.

After installation, look for the MetaMask fox icon to appear in your browser's toolbar extension menu. A new tab will open automatically, guiding you through the setup process. If the icon is hidden, click the puzzle piece icon in Chrome or Edge to pin MetaMask for easy access.

Never install MetaMask from other websites or third-party stores, as these could be malicious. The official Chrome Web Store version receives automatic updates, providing you with the latest security fixes and features without any extra steps.

Pin MetaMask to Your Browser's Toolbar

Immediately after installing the MetaMask extension, locate its icon–a geometric fox face–in your browser's extensions menu. This menu is typically found in the top-right corner of Chrome, Edge, or Kiwi, represented by a puzzle piece or similar icon.

Click the extensions menu button to view all your installed add-ons. Find the MetaMask entry and look for a small pin icon next to it. Clicking this pin will change its appearance, often becoming filled with color or showing as pushed in.

Once pinned, the blue and white fox icon will appear directly on your browser's toolbar. This gives you one-click access to your wallet, eliminating the need to open the extensions menu every time. You can now check your balance, send transactions, or connect to websites much faster.

If the icon ever disappears from the toolbar, your browser may have updated or the pin was accidentally removed. Simply revisit the extensions menu and pin MetaMask again to restore instant access. Keeping it pinned ensures you never miss important network notifications or transaction requests from decentralized applications.

Create a New Wallet and Secret Recovery Phrase

Click 'Create a Wallet' on the MetaMask welcome screen. The extension will ask if you want to share anonymous usage data; your choice here does not affect functionality.

Next, establish a strong password. This password protects MetaMask on this specific browser and device. You will need it each time you open the extension locally.

Now, you will see your Secret Recovery Phrase. This 12-word phrase is the master key to your entire wallet and all funds within it. MetaMask will display the words one by one.

Write each word down in the exact order shown on a piece of paper. Do not save it on your computer or take a screenshot. This physical copy is your primary backup.

Confirm you have written it down correctly by selecting the words in the correct sequence on the next screen. This step ensures your backup is accurate.

After verification, your new wallet is active. Access your public receiving address by clicking the account name to copy it. Use this address to receive funds.

Understand the distinction: the password is for local access, while the Secret Recovery Phrase restores your wallet anywhere. Losing the phrase means losing access to your assets permanently.

Confirm Your Recovery Phrase and Set a Password

Write down your 12-word recovery phrase in the exact order it appears on your screen. Use pen and paper for this step; avoid digital screenshots or text files that could be compromised.

MetaMask will then ask you to confirm the phrase by selecting the words in the correct sequence. This verification ensures you have a perfect copy before proceeding.

Next, create a strong password that is unique to this wallet. This password protects your MetaMask extension locally on your browser. While it encrypts your wallet on this device, remember that only your recovery phrase can restore your wallet fully.

Store your written recovery phrase in a secure, offline location, separate from your computer. Treat these words with the same level of security you would use for physical cash or a valuable document.

Add Custom Networks like Binance Smart Chain or Polygon

Open your MetaMask extension and click the network dropdown menu at the top. Select “Add network” from the list.

For greater safety and accuracy, use the “Add a network manually” button. This lets you enter the exact parameters, preventing errors from third-party sites. Here are the correct details for two popular networks.

Parameter Binance Smart Chain (BSC) Polygon (Matic)

Network Name BNB Smart Chain Polygon Mainnet

New RPC URL https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/ https://polygon-rpc.com/

Chain ID 56 137

Currency Symbol BNB MATIC

Block Explorer URL https://bscscan.com https://polygonscan.com

Carefully type each value into the corresponding field. Double-check the Chain ID and RPC URL, as mistakes here can cause failed transactions or loss of funds. After filling all fields, click “Save”.

Your new network will immediately appear in the dropdown list. Switch to it to interact with dApps on that chain. You'll need native currency (like BNB or MATIC) for transaction fees, which you can get from an exchange.

You can repeat this process for other networks like Avalanche or Fantom. Always verify network details from the project's official documentation before adding. To edit or remove a network later, go to Settings > Networks.

Connect Your Wallet to a Decentralized Application

Open the decentralized application (dApp) you want to use in your browser. Look for a button labeled “Connect Wallet,” “Connect,” or a similar call to action, usually found in the top right corner of the dApp's website.

Clicking this button triggers a pop-up window from your MetaMask extension. This pop-up will ask you to select which wallet you'd like to connect. Choose MetaMask from the list if other wallet options are presented.

MetaMask recovery phrase will then open its own connection request. This screen shows you exactly what the dApp is requesting. Pay close attention to two key details:

The specific website address (URL) making the request. Verify it matches the dApp you intended to visit. The permissions being asked for, like viewing your wallet address and balance.

If everything looks correct, click “Next” followed by “Connect” to approve the request. The dApp will now have access to your public address, allowing it to display your balance and prepare transactions.

For your first interaction with a new dApp, such as swapping tokens or minting an NFT, you will need to sign a transaction. Follow these steps when MetaMask prompts you:

Review the transaction details: network, amount, and recipient. Check the estimated transaction fee (gas fee). You can adjust the fee priority for slower or faster confirmation. Click “Confirm” to sign and send the transaction to the network. A small amount of cryptocurrency (ETH for Ethereum) will be used to pay the network fee.

You can disconnect the dApp at any time. Open MetaMask, click the three dots menu, go to “Connected sites,” and find the site you wish to disconnect. This action revokes the dApp's permission to see your address but does not cancel any pending transactions.

FAQ: Is my MetaMask wallet the same if I install it on different browsers?

Yes, your wallet is the same. MetaMask creates a unique seed phrase (a set of 12 or 24 words) that is the master key to your wallet and funds. When you install MetaMask on a new browser, you can use the “Import Wallet” option and enter your existing seed phrase. This will restore your complete wallet with all its accounts and transaction history on that new browser. Your crypto isn't stored in the extension itself; it's on the blockchain. The extension is just a tool to access it using your keys.

I installed it on Kiwi Browser. Will it work with all Ethereum apps?

MetaMask on Kiwi Browser functions identically to the Chrome version. Kiwi is based on Chromium, so it supports extensions fully. You should be able to interact with any decentralized application (dApp) built for Ethereum or other EVM-compatible networks like Polygon, Arbitrum, or BNB Smart Chain. The main advantage of Kiwi on mobile is that it allows browser extensions, giving you a full desktop-like MetaMask experience on your Android phone.

What's the difference between adding MetaMask to Chrome and Microsoft Edge?

Practically, there is no functional difference. Both Chrome and Edge are built on the Chromium engine, so the MetaMask extension is the same. The installation process is nearly identical: visit the Chrome Web Store from either browser, find MetaMask, and add it. Your wallet experience, security features, and connection to dApps will be the same. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference for the browser's interface or built-in tools.

I'm worried about security. How does MetaMask keep my seed phrase safe on my browser?

MetaMask is designed as a non-custodial wallet, meaning you alone control your seed phrase. When you first create a wallet, the extension generates the phrase and asks you to write it down on paper. It is never sent to MetaMask's servers. All private key operations (like signing transactions) happen locally on your device. The extension also prompts you to create a strong password, but this only encrypts the wallet data *on that specific browser installation*. It does not protect your seed phrase itself, which is why writing it down offline is the most critical security step.

After installing, I see “No Provider” or “Install MetaMask” errors on some websites. How do I fix this?

This error means the website cannot detect the MetaMask extension. Try these steps: 1) Ensure MetaMask is installed and unlocked. 2) Refresh the webpage. 3) Check if you have multiple wallet extensions (like Trust Wallet or Binance Chain Wallet) that might be interfering; try disabling others. 4) In your browser's extension settings, confirm MetaMask has permission to run on the website's URL. 5) For persistent issues, reinstall MetaMask (using your seed phrase to restore) or try a different Chromium-based browser, as some conflict with specific browser versions.

  • how_to_download_metamask_extension_safe_installation_guide.txt
  • Last modified: 2026/02/18 02:45
  • by hamishdallachy