Log In to MetaMask® — Access Your Wallet Safely

Unlock your Web3 accounts securely — extension, mobile, hardware wallets, and security guidance.
Always verify official downloads and protect your seed phrase.

Quick overview — what logging in means for MetaMask

MetaMask is a non-custodial wallet: your private keys and recovery seed remain under your control. "Logging in" typically means unlocking the MetaMask extension or mobile app with your password, or connecting a hardware wallet such as Ledger or Trezor. This guide explains safe sign-in flows, how to enable optional protections, connect to dApps, recover access if needed, and where to find official MetaMask resources. Bookmark the official links below and avoid third-party download pages or suspicious prompts.

MetaMask — Official Site Download / Install

Step-by-step: Unlocking MetaMask (browser extension)

  1. Install MetaMask only from the official site or your browser's official store (links below).
  2. Click the MetaMask icon in the browser toolbar to open the popup.
  3. Enter your MetaMask password and click Unlock — the extension decrypts your local vault and displays accounts.
  4. When connecting to a dApp, review the domain and permissions in the connection popup before approving.
  5. To disconnect, use the site disconnect option in the extensions connections view or clear site data from MetaMask.

Mobile app sign-in

Open the MetaMask mobile app, enter your password or use biometric unlock if enabled. For initial setup you can create a new wallet or import using your recovery phrase. You can also scan a QR code to connect the mobile wallet to a desktop instance for secure pairing.

Connect safely to dApps — verify before you approve

When a site requests a wallet connection, MetaMask prompts you to approve account access. Confirm the requesting domain, read the requested permissions, and only connect if you trust the dApp. For transactions, MetaMask shows a detailed transaction preview — verify amounts, recipient addresses, and gas fees before signing.

Beware of token approvals

Many malicious sites ask for unlimited token allowances. Grant the minimum allowance needed or use tools to revoke approvals when they are no longer required. Consider using a separate account for interacting with risky dApps.

Security fundamentals — seed phrase, passwords & hardware wallets

Your recovery phrase (seed) restores access to all accounts derived from it — treat it as the single most important secret. Never type it into websites, email it, or photograph it. Store it offline (paper, metal backup) in a secure place.

Recommended protections

  • Use a strong unique password for your MetaMask vault and a password manager to store it.
  • Enable biometric unlock on mobile for convenience (seed still remains offline).
  • For significant balances, use a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) connected through MetaMask so private keys never leave the device.
  • Consider separate accounts for everyday use and long-term storage.

Troubleshooting common login issues

Problems include the extension not showing, being unable to unlock, or transaction popups not appearing. Many issues are resolved by reinstalling the extension from the official source (only if you have your seed), restarting the browser, or clearing extension state.

Quick troubleshooting checklist

  • Ensure you installed MetaMask from metamask.io or official stores.
  • Restart the browser and try again.
  • Check for conflicting extensions — try a fresh browser profile with only MetaMask installed.
  • If locked out, recover the wallet on a fresh install using your recovery phrase.

Privacy & operational tips

MetaMask exposes addresses to sites you connect to — treat each connection as a data point. For better privacy, use separate browser profiles or containers for different identities and avoid connecting your main account to unknown dApps. If you run a personal node, configure MetaMask to use it as a custom RPC for improved privacy.

Using multiple accounts

MetaMask supports multiple accounts derived from one seed or by creating managed accounts. Use separate accounts for daily activity, testing, and savings. Move large balances to hardware wallets or cold storage when possible.

Official MetaMask resources — bookmark these 10 links

Always use official MetaMask links for downloads, docs, and support to avoid scams:

MetaMask — Official Site Download MetaMask MetaMask Docs MetaMask Support MetaMask GitHub MetaMask Blog FAQ Chrome Web Store Firefox Add-ons MetaMask on Twitter

Emergency checklist — if you suspect compromise

  • Immediately move small, non-critical funds to a new wallet if you can access the seed and suspect compromise.
  • Revoke suspicious approvals using token approval revocation tools.
  • Reinstall MetaMask on a clean machine and recover using your seed if you suspect your local vault is compromised.
  • Contact official MetaMask Support via the links above for guidance (never share your seed).

Prepared as a practical landing-style guide for safely signing in and using MetaMask. For account-specific or technical support, always use the official Support link above.