How to Navigate the MetaMask Mobile App HTML view Note
MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet that allows users to trade any cryptotokens that are part of the Ethereum blockchain. It also enables users to connect to a wide array of Ethereum-based decentralized applications, from games to decentralized cryptocurrency exchanges. This means that it can serve as an entry point into both DeFi and the growing web3 ecosystem.
MetaMask was originally created in 2016, and for some time, it existed only as a browser extension. In September of 2020, however, a MetaMask mobile app emerged on the scene that boasted all of same features that were present on the original browser extension, placing all of MetaMask’s power in the palms of users’ hands. Since then, even more capabilities have been added to the software.
Given the ubiquitous use and universally acknowledged convenience of mobile apps, anyone interested in either DeFi or web3 should know how to work with the MetaMask Mobile App. With this simple but thorough tutorial, you will be able to do so.
Downloading the App and Logging In
The first order of business is to download the MetaMask App. If you use an iPhone, you can download the app from the Apple App Store, whereas if you use an Android, you can find it in the Google Play Store. Make sure that you download the correct app rather than any fake, as in the past, hackers have placed malicious software into app stores after disguising it as a MetaMask app. The correct app should appear at or near the top your search results when you search for it in your app store and should be titled “MetaMask —Blockchain Wallet.”
Next, you must be able to log in to your wallet. Since MetaMask is a non-custodial wallet — a wallet which you, and only you, control, rather than any third party like a centralized cryptocurrency exchange — a password will not be enough to get you into it. In addition to a password, you will also need something called a special recovery phrase. This is a combination of random words placed in a specific order that will be uniquely associated with your MetaMask account.
After installing the MetaMask App, you will be asked whether you wish to create a new MetaMask wallet or import your old one into your app using your secret recovery phrase. If you choose the former, you will have to create both a new password for the app and a new secret recovery phrase. If you choose the latter, you will be asked to input the secret recovery phrase associate with your already-existing MetaMask wallet and create a new password for your app.
If you wish, you may also choose to install additional security features, like a FaceID or fingerprint login.
Once this is all finished, you will be able to log in to your MetaMask account using your password or whatever other method you have chosen. You will only need to use the secret recovery phrase to log in for the first time or to transfer your wallet.
Trading Coins
You can trade Ethereum-based cryptocurrencies on MetaMask by hitting the pancake stack icon in the top corner of the screen and following the requisite icons on the app’s main page.
To buy coins, you must first provide MetaMask with payment information like a bank account number, credit card number or PayPal account. Then, if your bank or credit card allows you to do so, you will be able to buy cryptocurrency and place it directly into your MetaMask wallet. Otherwise, you may have to buy crypto on an exchange like Coinbase and then transfer it from your Coinbase account to your MetaMask wallet. To do so, you will have to enter your MetaMask wallet address into Coinbase to initiate the transaction. To find your MetaMask wallet address, open up the app, hit the pancake stack icon and look right under the area where your account name and balance information are written.
Sending and receiving crypto through the MetaMask App is extremely easy. If you wish to receive crypto, select Receive. The app will then display a QR code on your phone that the user who wants to send you crypto can easily scan. That user can also manually enter your wallet address. Conversely, if you wish to send crypto, hit Send. Then, you can either scan the other user’s QR code or manually enter his wallet address.
Connecting to Web3 Through the MetaMask Browser
The MetaMask browser is the means by which MetaMask interfaces with web3. To access the browser, hit the pancake stack icon. Then, press Browser. From there, you can either search for whatever web3 website or app you desire or hit any of the pre-established quick links that will take you directly to various popular web3 destinations. In this way, you can trade crypto on decentralized exchanges, buy things online with your crypto or do whatever else you like.
Displaying Your NFTs
You can also import your NFTs into MetaMask and show them off to the world. To do this, hit the pancake stack icon on the main screen, and then, hit NFTs. From here, you will be given the option to either manually import your NFTs into MetaMask or do so automatically using APIs.
Though there are some additional technical aspects to navigating the MetaMask App, this covers the basics. As you can see, it’s not difficult to do at all.