> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cll-devrel.gitbook.io/bootcamp-2024/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cll-devrel.gitbook.io/bootcamp-2024/1.-blockchain-and-wallet-fundamentals/metamask-wallet-installation.md).

# MetaMask Wallet Installation

### What are Wallets?

* Key manager used to manage your cryptocurrencies or tokens
* Authorize transactions and interact with web pages or decentralized applications
* Subscribe to messages demonstrating that you own a wallet address

{% hint style="info" %}
Never share your private keys, or mnemonic phrase. If someone has your private key, they are able to perform transactions on your behalf; to include spending your tokens.
{% endhint %}

### What is MetaMask?

MetaMask is a self-custodial wallet provider supporting transactions in web3. It's how you interact with the blockchain from inside your web browser (including to check token balances in your account)

> Available as a browser extension and as a mobile app, MetaMask equips you with a key vault, secure login, token wallet, and token exchange—everything you need to manage your digital assets.

{% embed url="<https://metamask.io/>" %}
Metamask overview
{% endembed %}

### Installation

1. To install MetaMask in your browser (we will be using chrome for the exercise), navigate to metamask.io and select Download

{% embed url="<https://metamask.io/download/>" %}
Downloads for Metamask
{% endembed %}

<figure><img src="/files/JRqlD0sZdH1LUuTf3gQB" alt=""><figcaption><p>Download MetaMask shown in the upper right hand corner of the screen</p></figcaption></figure>

2. Select the option to download the browser extension

<figure><img src="/files/JbhOkQV76aPkAHdGp7Zt" alt=""><figcaption><p>Chrome Metamask Extension Highlighted</p></figcaption></figure>

3. You will be redirected to the Chrome browser webstore where the extension can be added to your browser

<figure><img src="/files/sukkb1R4lcCZEIOxfojL" alt=""><figcaption><p>Chrome Web Store</p></figcaption></figure>

4. You will need to Accept the MetaMask Permissions and Add the extension

<figure><img src="/files/LChkPvg2nsQO83ARr8Ao" alt=""><figcaption><p>MetaMask Extension Permissions Popup</p></figcaption></figure>

5. Once downloaded and installed you will see the MetaMask Fox Logo in your extensions popup

<figure><img src="/files/D4DX2pCOzgF50cxm3RpB" alt=""><figcaption><p>Metamask extension</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
If you want to add MetaMask to always be visible, click the Pin Icon to the left of the Kabab Button. This will make MetaMask easily accessible for the rest of the exercise. You can toggle this off if you want to revert it later
{% endhint %}

6. If you already have a Wallet (private key or mnemonic phrase) you can **Import an Existing Wallet**. Otherwise we will be creating a new wallet for this exercise

<figure><img src="/files/8pBxELPJFkyf2SjdAehQ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Selecting Permissions and Creating New Wallet</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Note: While you should not be using your main wallet for this exercise, or while you are learning, you are able to connect a hardware (cold storage) wallet to MetaMask by Following the tutorial found here: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI2NpkiUKsQ>
{% endhint %}

7. Agree to the Terms and Conditions of MetaMask
8. Create a password for MetaMask

{% hint style="info" %}
The password created here is to unlock this extension in your browser. This password is not the Mnemonic Phrase to your wallet or your private key. We will retrieve those in the next steps.
{% endhint %}

9. Reveal your mnemonic phrase&#x20;

#### Record your Mnemonic

<figure><img src="/files/SrKQ5eM8b7GVgxbd9wEI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Record your Mnemonic phrase in a secret, safe, and dry place.
{% endhint %}

10. Your wallet is now setup. You can switch which blockchain (defaulting to mainnet ethereum) you are on.

<figure><img src="/files/gpb3eVlt3cqUCxXjWI6g" alt=""><figcaption><p>Account Overview screen and Mainnet Ethereum Selected</p></figcaption></figure>

11. Select the checkbox labeled **Include Testnets**
12. Add in the test chains we will be using for the workshop by going to chainlist.org

{% embed url="<https://chainlist.org/>" %}
List of main and test chains
{% endembed %}

<figure><img src="/files/YyXszcI6aIizgK1WNfAF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

12. Select the following chains to add to your wallet chain references by typing in the name of the chain in the search bar, and then selecting add chain on the left side of the page.

* Avalanche Fuji Testnet
* Mumbai

### Testnet and Faucets

> In [blockchain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockchain) technology, a testnet is an instance of a blockchain powered by the same or a newer version of the underlying software, to be used for testing and experimentation without risk to real funds or the main chain. Testnet [coins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocurrency) are separate and distinct from the official (*mainnet*) coins, don't have value, and can be obtained freely from *faucets*.

{% embed url="<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testnet>" %}
Wikipedia Testnet Definition
{% endembed %}

<figure><img src="/files/viZ5oGuTFrwO63I6JKcV" alt=""><figcaption><p>List of chains for testnet LINK</p></figcaption></figure>

{% embed url="<https://faucets.chain.link/>" %}
Faucets for LINK
{% endembed %}

### Creating a 2nd account

You can add another address to your wallet by highlighting the down carrot

<figure><img src="/files/F02XND5m8nuebzDLjjrt" alt=""><figcaption><p>Select down carrot to show more options</p></figcaption></figure>

Select the add account button

<figure><img src="/files/gflal0mpJgiSQPyjV76W" alt=""><figcaption><p>Add Account or Hardware Wallet button</p></figcaption></figure>

Select "Add a new account"

<figure><img src="/files/iLsqt3I3Aq7L0Yzgk7dc" alt=""><figcaption><p>Add account confirmation</p></figcaption></figure>

Give your wallet a name that you can identify, and then select select create

You can now transact with yourself if you want!