Control Your Keys, Own Your Experience 🔐
MetaMask is a self-custodial wallet — you control your private keys and, therefore, control your digital assets. That design principle places responsibility and freedom in the hands of the user. During account setup you receive a recovery seed phrase: a human-readable backup that restores access if you lose a device. This phrase is the most critical secret you own: store it offline, consider hardware-backed storage for large balances, and never enter it into websites or chat support. If an application asks for your seed phrase, treat it as a direct red flag — it is a scam attempt.
Seamless dApp Connectivity & Permissions 🔗
Connecting your MetaMask wallet to a dApp is explicit and permissioned. When a site requests access, MetaMask surfaces the exact accounts and permissions requested. Approve only what you trust; you can always disconnect or revoke permissions later. For developers, follow best practices: request the minimum scopes required, surface clear intent for tx signing, and handle network/account changes gracefully. For users, review permission prompts carefully and avoid blanket approvals.
Network Flexibility 🌉
Switch between Ethereum mainnet, L2s, and testnets; add custom RPCs to access new chains and features.
Transaction Visibility ✍️
Review gas estimates, fee breakdowns, and full calldata before signing — clarity reduces costly mistakes.
Token & NFT Management 🎨
View balances, add custom tokens, and manage NFT collectibles from a single wallet interface.
Hardware Wallet Compatibility 💼
Integrate Ledger and other hardware devices to add a secure, external key signing layer.
Practical Security Tips & Recovery Guidance ✅
Treat your seed phrase as you would a physical safe deposit key. Record it on paper or use a metal backup for added durability. Avoid storing seeds in cloud notes, screenshots, or email. Use a dedicated device for signing large or complex transactions when possible. For recurring interactions with dApps, review connected sites regularly and remove those you no longer use. Consider using different wallet accounts for experimentation versus long-term holdings to reduce risk exposure.
MetaMask empowers users with tools for both convenience and security: built-in account management, privacy mode, nonce controls (advanced), and clear transaction previews. Together these features build an experience that is accessible to newcomers while offering depth for power users and developers.
Developer Integration Notes 🛠️
When integrating wallet connectivity, use the standard Ethereum provider API and WalletConnect to reach a broad user base. Provide fallbacks and clear UX for account disconnection, network switching, and transaction failures. For security, never request or store seed phrases; instead, rely on the provider to manage signing. Offer readable transaction descriptions and link to on-chain explorers for transparency.