A secure gateway to decentralized applications on the Ethereum blockchain
MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet and gateway to blockchain applications. It allows users to access their Ethereum wallet through a browser extension or mobile app, which can then interact with decentralized applications (dApps).
With over 30 million monthly active users, MetaMask has become one of the most popular tools for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain and other EVM-compatible networks.
MetaMask provides a secure login method for dApps without requiring traditional username/password combinations. Instead, authentication happens through cryptographic proof of ownership.
When you connect to a dApp, MetaMask will request permission to:
The decentralized application requests to connect with your MetaMask wallet
MetaMask displays what information the dApp is requesting access to
You choose which accounts to connect and what permissions to grant
The dApp can now recognize your wallet address as your identity
MetaMask incorporates multiple layers of security to protect your digital assets and identity:
Your private keys are stored locally on your device, not on centralized servers
A 12-word seed phrase allows you to recover your wallet if you lose access to your device
Every transaction requires explicit approval, preventing unauthorized actions
MetaMask includes protection against known malicious websites
While primarily designed for Ethereum, MetaMask supports many EVM-compatible networks including:
The primary Ethereum blockchain with real economic value
A layer-2 scaling solution for faster and cheaper transactions
EVM-compatible blockchain created by Binance
Optimistic rollup scaling solution for Ethereum
High-performance blockchain platform with Ethereum compatibility
Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution using optimistic rollups