# **Getting started with MetaMask** **Brief** * Browser Plugin serving as an Ethereum Wallet. * Allows to store ETH, ERC 20 and ERC 721 tokens. * Works for all EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) compatible Chain. * Used for interacting with decentralised applications. **Table of content** *What is MetaMask?* *Brief History and Key feature* *How to Install MetaMask?* *How to use Metamask?* **What is MetaMask?** Metamask is a popular browser extension/plugin that functions as an Ethereum wallet. It can be installed like any other browser extension and it allows you to store Ethereum, ERC20 and ERC 721 tokens. Metamask allows users to interact with a vast amount of decentralised applications inside the Ethereum ecosystem without the need of downloading the whole blockchain on the device. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVgfHZMFFFQ **Brief History and Key feature** MetaMask was created in 2016 by consensys focusing on Ethereum based tools and infrastructure. Metamask was only available as a browser extension until 2019 when a mobile app version was released on IOS and Android. A feature that makes MetaMask a top Ethereum wallet is its outstanding encryption technology, which securely stores passwords and private keys in each user’s device. Metamask also provides seamless transition between various testnet and EVM compatible chains making it extremely user friendly. **How to install Metamask?** *Step 1:* **Go to [Metamask](https://metamask.io) website.** *Step 2:* **Click on ‘Download’ and it will take you to the installation page.** ![](https://i.imgur.com/6wrYcpj.png) *Step 3:* **Click on ‘Install Metamask for your Brave/Chrome/Firefox’.** ![](https://i.imgur.com/iGev0r9.png) *Step 4:* **Click on add to ‘Brave/Chrome/Firefox'.** ![](https://i.imgur.com/xOytqOn.png) *Step 5:* **Click on ‘Add Extension’ to complete the installation.** ![](https://i.imgur.com/qai13jh.png) **How to use Metamask?** After installing the Metamask browser plugin following steps are required to initialize the wallet. *Step 1:* **Click on the Metamask logo on the upper right hand corner of the browser.** *Step 2:* **Click on the 'Get Started'on the welcome Metamask page.** ![](https://i.imgur.com/T0gecQX.png) *Step 3:* **Click on 'create a wallet'** ![](https://i.imgur.com/WBMeBkh.png) *Step 4:* **Click on 'I agree' to the terms and condition.** ![](https://i.imgur.com/lbGuuIF.png) *Step 5:* **Create a new password** ![](https://i.imgur.com/6tNm20i.png) *Step 6*: **Go to the next page and backup your secret phase.** ![](https://i.imgur.com/wNu5Yhv.png) *Step 7:* **Confirm your secret backup phrase on the right order.** ![](https://i.imgur.com/vppY08C.png) *Step 8:* **Login with your password and your wallet is ready for use.** ![](https://i.imgur.com/IHBX87a.png) ![](https://i.imgur.com/MRBWv1r.png) To learn more: [Getting started with Metamask](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNPz-Dv5BjM)