MetaMask

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Web3 Infrastructure • Tools • Interfaces

browser-based Web3 gateway

MetaMask is a popular software wallet and browser extension that allows users to store, manage, and interact with Ethereum-based assets and decentralized applications (dApps). It supports ERC-20 tokens, NFTs, and Layer Two solutions, and enables users to connect to DeFi protocols, swap tokens, and sign transactions securely—all while keeping control of their private keys.

Use Case: A user installs MetaMask, adds the Flare network, and connects to SparkDEX to swap $FLR for $sFLR. MetaMask prompts them to confirm the transaction, displays the gas fee, and signs it using their private key—all without exposing sensitive data to the dApp.

Key Concepts:

Browser Wallet — Extension-based wallet that lives in your browser
Private Keys — Cryptographic keys that prove asset ownership
dApps — Decentralized applications MetaMask connects to
ERC-20 — Token standard MetaMask natively supports
Self-Custody — You control your keys, not MetaMask
Hot Wallet — Internet-connected wallet (MetaMask is a hot wallet)
Seed Phrase — 12-24 word backup to recover your wallet
Gas Price — Transaction fee MetaMask helps you set
WalletConnect — Protocol to connect MetaMask to mobile dApps

Summary: MetaMask is the most widely used Web3 wallet, serving as the primary gateway between users and decentralized applications. Its browser extension model makes it accessible to beginners while offering advanced features like custom RPCs, hardware wallet integration, and multi-chain support for experienced users.

Feature	MetaMask	Hardware Wallet
Key Storage	Browser/device (hot)	Offline device (cold)
Convenience	High (always accessible)	Medium (requires device)
Security Level	Medium	High
dApp Integration	Native, seamless	Via MetaMask or bridge
Best For	Active DeFi users	Long-term storage

How MetaMask Works

the mechanics of browser-based Web3 interaction

Install

Connect

Sign

Confirm

Step 1: Install Extension
Download from official site only • Create new wallet or import • Write down seed phrase securely • Set strong password

Step 2: Connect to dApp
Visit DeFi protocol or marketplace • Click “Connect Wallet” • MetaMask popup appears • Approve connection request

Step 3: Sign Transaction
dApp requests action (swap, stake, mint) • MetaMask shows transaction details • Review gas fees and amounts • Click “Confirm” to sign

Step 4: Broadcast to Network
Signed transaction sent to blockchain • Validators include in block • Transaction confirms on-chain • Assets move to/from your wallet

Key Point: MetaMask never sends your private key to dApps. It signs transactions locally and only broadcasts the signed result. The dApp never sees your seed phrase or private key.

MetaMask vs Other Wallets

comparing popular Web3 wallet options

Wallet	Type	Networks	Best For
MetaMask	Browser/Mobile	EVM chains (ETH, FLR, AVAX)	General DeFi, widest dApp support
Rabby	Browser	EVM chains	Security-focused, pre-tx simulation
Phantom	Browser/Mobile	Solana, Ethereum	Solana ecosystem
Bifrost	Browser/Mobile	Flare, Songbird	Native Flare ecosystem
Xaman (XUMM)	Mobile	XRPL	XRP Ledger native
Ledger Live	Desktop + Hardware	Multi-chain	Cold storage + DeFi access

Flare Users: MetaMask works great with Flare after adding the custom RPC. For native Flare features, Bifrost Wallet offers built-in FTSO delegation and FlareDrops claiming.

Adding Custom Networks to MetaMask

connect to Flare, Avalanche, and other EVM chains

Network	Chain ID	RPC URL	Symbol
Flare	14	https://flare-api.flare.network/ext/C/rpc	FLR
Songbird	19	https://songbird-api.flare.network/ext/C/rpc	SGB
Avalanche C-Chain	43114	https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc	AVAX
Polygon	137	https://polygon-rpc.com	MATIC
Arbitrum One	42161	https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc	ETH

How to Add: Settings → Networks → Add Network → Enter details above → Save. Or visit chainlist.org and click “Add to MetaMask” for one-click setup.

MetaMask Security Best Practices

protecting your wallet from common threats

Do This
✓ Download only from metamask.io
✓ Write seed phrase on paper (offline)
✓ Use hardware wallet for large holdings
✓ Review every transaction before signing
✓ Revoke unused token approvals regularly
✓ Use separate wallet for risky dApps

Never Do This
✗ Share seed phrase with anyone ever
✗ Store seed phrase digitally (screenshots, cloud)
✗ Click links from DMs or emails
✗ Connect to unknown dApps
✗ Approve unlimited token spending
✗ Ignore transaction details before signing

Common Scams to Avoid
• Fake MetaMask support DMs
• Phishing sites (metamask.io.scam.xyz)
• “Sync wallet” or “validate wallet” popups
• Airdrop claims requiring seed phrase
• Malicious token approvals
• Dusting attacks (random tokens)

Security Tools
• Revoke.cash — Check/revoke approvals
• Rabby — Pre-transaction simulation
• Wallet Guard — Phishing protection
• Hardware wallet — Sign via Ledger/Trezor
• Multiple wallets — Isolate risk

Golden Rule: Your seed phrase = your funds. Anyone who asks for it is a scammer. MetaMask support will never DM you or ask for your seed phrase. When in doubt, don’t connect.

MetaMask Features Guide

built-in tools beyond basic wallet functions

Swap Feature
• Built-in DEX aggregator
• Compares prices across DEXs
• Convenient but not always cheapest
• Good for small swaps
• Higher fees than direct DEX use

Bridge Feature
• Move assets between chains
• Aggregates bridge protocols
• Simplifies cross-chain transfers
• Check fees before confirming
• Alternative: Use native bridges

Portfolio View
• See all assets across chains
• Track NFT holdings
• View transaction history
• Monitor token values
• Available at portfolio.metamask.io

Hardware Wallet Integration
• Connect Ledger or Trezor
• Sign transactions on device
• Best of both worlds
• Cold storage + dApp access
• Highly recommended for large holdings

Pro Tip: MetaMask’s built-in swap is convenient but often 1-3% more expensive than going directly to a DEX. For larger swaps, use BlazeSwap or SparkDEX on Flare for better rates.

Token Approvals Explained

understanding what you’re signing

What Is an Approval?
• Permission for smart contract to spend tokens
• Required before swaps, staking, LPing
• One-time per token per contract
• Stays active until revoked
• Different from actual transaction

The Risk
• Unlimited approvals = unlimited access
• Malicious contracts can drain wallet
• Old approvals persist forever
• Forgotten approvals = attack surface
• Phishing sites exploit this

Safe Approval Practices
• Approve exact amount needed
• Revoke after use when possible
• Check what you’re approving
• Use Rabby for simulation
• Audit approvals monthly

How to Revoke
1. Visit revoke.cash
2. Connect MetaMask
3. Select network
4. Review active approvals
5. Revoke unnecessary ones
6. Confirm transaction (gas fee)

Monthly Habit: Set a reminder to check revoke.cash once a month. Revoke approvals for contracts you no longer use. This simple habit prevents most approval-based exploits.

MetaMask Setup Checklist

secure your wallet from day one

Initial Setup
☐ Download from metamask.io only
☐ Create new wallet (don’t import yet)
☐ Write seed phrase on paper
☐ Store in secure physical location
☐ Set strong unique password
☐ Enable biometrics on mobile

Network Setup
☐ Add Flare Network (Chain ID: 14)
☐ Add Songbird if needed
☐ Add other EVM chains you use
☐ Verify RPC URLs are correct
☐ Test with small transaction
☐ Bookmark official dApp URLs

Security Hardening
☐ Never screenshot seed phrase
☐ Consider hardware wallet
☐ Install Wallet Guard extension
☐ Learn to read transaction details
☐ Practice revoking an approval
☐ Create separate “burner” wallet

Ongoing Maintenance
☐ Review approvals monthly
☐ Update MetaMask regularly
☐ Clear old/unused accounts
☐ Monitor for suspicious activity
☐ Back up seed phrase copy
☐ Test recovery process yearly

First-Timer Tip: Send a tiny amount first to test. Verify the address, confirm it arrives, then send the rest. This habit prevents costly mistakes and confirms your setup works correctly.

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