Wallet Setup

You'll need access to an Ethereum wallet(opens in a new tab) if you want to deploy a smart contract. This tutorial uses MetaMask(opens in a new tab), a popular browser extension wallet, just to get you started. MetaMask is also available as a mobile application, but it's typically easier to use the browser extension for development. If you already have MetaMask installed, you can skip this section.Browser-based wallets like MetaMask are convenient for development, but they're not the most secure option. You should never store large amounts of ETH or ERC-20 tokens in a browser-based wallet. If you're planning to store a significant amount of ETH or ERC-20 tokens, consider using a hardware wallet instead.

• Install the MetaMask extension for your browser

Head over to metamask.io(opens in a new tab) and click the "Download" button. You'll then be given an option to install the MetaMask extension for your browser. If using a Chromium-based browser, you may be prompted to install the MetaMask extension from the Chrome Web Store. An onboarding page will pop up once the extension is installed.

• Continue to create a new wallet

MetaMask will ask you to accept their terms of service. Read them carefully, then tick the box to accept them. Once you've accepted the terms of service, you can create a new wallet by clicking the "Create a new wallet" button.

• Decide if you want to share usage data

After starting the wallet creation process you'll be asked if you'd like to share usage data with MetaMask. This is entirely up to you. Select "I agree" or "No thanks" depending on your preference.

• Create a password

You'll be asked to create a password for your wallet. This password will be used to encrypt your wallet, so make sure it's a strong one that you won't forget.You'll be asked to confirm that you understand MetaMask cannot recover your password if you lose it. You may want to store this password in a password manager. Remember, browser-based wallets are great for development but are not the most secure option. Consider looking into a hardware wallet if you're planning to store a significant amount of ETH or ERC-20 tokens.Once you've written down your password, click "Create a new wallet" to continue.

• Watch the short security video

MetaMask will now show you a short video about wallet security. If this is your first time using MetaMask or a browser-based wallet, it's recommended that you watch the video.

• Secure your wallet

You'll be presented with the option to "Secure my wallet (recommended)" or "Remind me later (not recommended)". It's strongly recommended to continue with the "Secure my wallet (recommended)" option. This will prompt you to back up your wallet and might prevent you from losing access to your wallet down the line.

• Write down your secret recovery phrase

After continuing with "Secure my wallet (recommended)", you'll be asked to write down a 12 word secret recovery phrase. This phrase can be used to recover your wallet if you lose your password or the browser extension somehow becomes corrupted. Write these words down somewhere safe and keep them secret. For a development wallet, it's fine to keep the phrase in a password manager. Just don't place too much importance in this wallet.

• Confirm your secret recovery phrase

After writing down your secret recovery phrase, you'll be asked to confirm it. This is to make sure you wrote it down correctly. MetaMask will ask you to input a few of the words you wrote down. Make sure to input them in the correct order.

• Complete the wallet creation process

You're all done! Read through the final page to get some more tips from MetaMask, then click "Got it!" when you're ready to continue.