MetaMask: Setup

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Step-by-Step Setup

Before you start

  • Use a trusted device and a private Wi-Fi network.
  • Have a paper & pen ready to back up your Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP). Never screenshot it.

1) Desktop (Chrome/Brave/Edge/Firefox)

  1. Install MetaMask
    • Go to the browser’s official extension store and search MetaMask.
    • Publisher should be MetaMask; icon is the fox. Install.
  2. Create a new wallet
    • Click the fox icon → Get StartedCreate a walletI agree (or skip analytics).
    • Create a strong password (for this device only).
  3. Back up your Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP)
    • Click Secure my wallet → reveal the 12 words → write them on paper (in order).
    • Store the paper offline in two places. Never type your SRP into any website or share it.
  4. Verify the SRP
    • Confirm the words in order. Wallet is now created.
  5. Pin the extension (optional)
    • Pin the fox icon for quick access.

2) Mobile (iOS/Android)

  1. Install MetaMask from the official App Store/Google Play (fox icon, developer: MetaMask).
  2. Open app → Get StartedCreate a new wallet.
  3. Set an app passcode (and Face/Touch ID if you like).
  4. Back up SRP the same way (paper copy, offline storage).
  5. You’ll see your account address (starts with 0x…) under Account 1.

Desktop and mobile wallets are separate unless you import the same SRP into both. Most users keep them separate for safety.


3) Fund your wallet with ETH (for ERC-20 gas & swaps)

Option A: Buy on a centralized exchange (CEX)

  1. Buy ETH on Coinbase/Binance/Kraken.
  2. Withdraw to your MetaMask public address (0x…).
  3. Double-check network is Ethereum Mainnet.
  4. Send a small test first; then the full amount.

Option B: On-ramp inside MetaMask

  • MetaMask → Buy → choose a provider (availability varies by region/fees).

4) Add ERC-20 tokens to your view (custom token)

You don’t “store” tokens by adding them; you just tell MetaMask to display them.

  1. Copy the token’s contract address (from an official source).
  2. MetaMask → Import tokensCustom token.
  3. Paste contract → MetaMask fills symbol & decimalsAdd custom token.

If a token doesn’t show after a swap, it’s usually not added yet—repeat steps above.


5) Connect to dApps (Uniswap, PinkSale, nftXc.biz)

  1. Open the dApp website in your browser.
  2. Click Connect Wallet → choose MetaMask.
  3. MetaMask pops up → Connect (verify the site URL!).
  4. For swaps (Uniswap): select token pair (e.g., ETH ↔ $nftXc) → enter amount → Swap → approve in MetaMask.
  5. For PinkSale Fair Launch: open the official launch page, click Connect, enter contribution amount in ETH, confirm in MetaMask. After launch ends, return to Claim Tokens.

Always double-check official links provided by your project (e.g., nftXc.biz/how-to-invest.html).


6) Pair a hardware wallet (recommended for larger balances)

  1. Get Ledger or Trezor and set it up (with its own SRP, separate from MetaMask).
  2. MetaMask → Account icon → Add account or hardware wallet → choose your device.
  3. Follow prompts to connect via USB/Bluetooth and select the account.
  4. Now MetaMask is just the interface; private keys stay on the hardware wallet.

7) Security checklist (do this!)

  • Never share your Secret Recovery Phrase or private keys. No support agent will ever ask.
  • Bookmark official sites (Uniswap, PinkSale, nftXc.biz) to avoid phishing.
  • Use a dedicated browser profile for crypto; keep extensions minimal.
  • Enable auto-lock (MetaMask Settings → Security & Privacy).
  • For approvals: periodically review/revoke on a permissions tool (e.g., “Token approvals” sites) to reduce risk.
  • Keep system/browser updated; use reputable antivirus.
  • For large moves: sign with hardware wallet.

8) Common troubleshooting

  • “Insufficient funds for gas”: You need a bit more ETH to pay network fees.
  • Token not visible: Import its contract address (Section 4).
  • Wrong network: Switch to Ethereum Mainnet (top of MetaMask).
  • Stuck pending tx: Speed up or cancel from MetaMask (may require additional gas).
  • Scam pop-ups: Close page; never paste SRP. If you suspect compromise, transfer funds to a new wallet immediately.

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