🔐 MetaMask Login: How It Works

MetaMask doesn’t use a traditional username/password system. Instead, your wallet is your account, secured by a secret recovery phrase (seed phrase) and optional password (for local device access). Here’s how to access your MetaMask wallet on desktop and mobile:

1. Desktop Browser Extension

1. Install the Extension
   • Visit the official site: https://metamask.io
   • Click “Download” and choose your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge).
   • Add the MetaMask extension.
2. Open MetaMask
   • Click the fox icon in your browser toolbar.
3. Unlock or Import Wallet
   • If you’ve used MetaMask before:
     • Enter your password (the one you set when you first created the wallet) and click Unlock.
   • If it’s your first time or you’re moving devices:
     • Click Import Wallet, enter your 12‑ or 24‑word secret recovery phrase, create a new password for this device, and follow prompts.
4. Done!
   • Once unlocked, you’ll see your list of Ethereum (and other network) addresses, balances, and transaction history.

2. MetaMask Mobile App

1. Install the App
   • iOS: App Store → “MetaMask – Blockchain Wallet”
   • Android: Google Play → “MetaMask – Blockchain Wallet”
2. Open the App
   • Tap Get Started.
3. Unlock or Import Wallet
   • Existing Users: Enter your app password to unlock.
   • New/Importing: Choose Import using Secret Recovery Phrase, enter your phrase, set a local password, and complete setup.
4. Secure with Biometric (Optional)
   • After setup, you can enable Face ID or fingerprint unlock for quick access.

🔑 Key Security Tips

• Never share your secret recovery phrase. It’s the only way to restore your wallet; anyone with it can take your funds.
• Use a strong, unique password on each device to protect against unauthorized access to the extension or app.
• Beware of phishing sites. Always confirm you’re on https://metamask.io before downloading or entering any sensitive information.
• Lock MetaMask whenever you step away:
  • Desktop: Click account icon → Lock.
  • Mobile: It auto‑locks when you close the app (and you can enable additional timeout settings).

🔄 Connecting to dApps

When you visit a decentralized application (dApp) that supports WalletConnect or direct MetaMask integration, you’ll be prompted to Connect Wallet:

1. Click “Connect” on the dApp.
2. Select MetaMask from the wallet options.
3. In the MetaMask popup, choose the account(s) to share and click Next, then Connect.
4. The dApp now has permission to view your public address and request transaction signatures.

Every transaction or permission request must be approved explicitly in MetaMask.

With this flow, your wallet always remains your account—protected by your seed phrase and device‑specific password—without relying on external servers or traditional login credentials. Enjoy secure, passwordless access to Web3!