Setup MetaMask Wallet
To deploy smart contracts or interact with applications on WireFluid, you need a digital wallet to manage your keys and sign transactions. We recommend MetaMask, the industry-standard wallet for Ethereum-compatible blockchains.
ℹ️ Quick Info
Time Required: ~5-10 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner
What You’ll Install: MetaMask Browser Extension or Mobile App
What is MetaMask?
MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet and gateway to blockchain applications. It allows you to:
- Manage your $WIRE tokens and other assets
- Connect to decentralized applications (dApps) on WireFluid
- Deploy smart contracts using tools like Remix and Hardhat
- Sign transactions securely
System Requirements
MetaMask is compatible with most modern browsers and mobile devices.
| Platform | Supported Browsers/OS |
|---|---|
| Desktop | Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, Opera |
| Mobile | iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play) |
Installation Instructions
Choose your platform:
Desktop Browser (Recommended for Developers)
Click to expand Browser instructions
Step 1: Download the Extension
- Visit the official metamask.io website.
- Click “GET STARTED”.
- Select your browser (e.g., “Install MetaMask for Chrome”).
- Click “Add to Chrome” (or your browser’s equivalent button).
- Confirm the installation in the pop-up window.
Step 2: Initialize MetaMask
Once installed, the MetaMask fox icon should appear in your browser toolbar. Click it to get started.
- Click “Create a new wallet”.
- Review the data usage policy and click “I Agree” or “No Thanks”.
- Create a Password:
- This password unlocks the wallet only on this device.
- Make it strong (min 8 characters).
Step 3: Secure Your Wallet (Critical)
MetaMask will generate a Secret Recovery Phrase (12 words).
⚠️ Warning Your Secret Recovery Phrase is the ONLY way to recover your funds. Never share it with anyone. If you lose it, your wallet is lost forever.
- Click “Secure my wallet (recommended)”.
- Click “Reveal Secret Recovery Phrase”.
- Write down the 12 words on a piece of paper in the exact order.
- Store the paper in a secure location.
- Verify the phrase by selecting the missing words as prompted.
- Click “Confirm”.
Mobile App
Click to expand Mobile instructions
Step 1: Download the App
- iOS: Search “MetaMask” in the Apple App Store.
- Android: Search “MetaMask” in the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Create Wallet
- Open the app and tap “Get Started”.
- Tap “Create a new wallet”.
- Create a strong password (or enable biometrics like FaceID).
- Follow the prompts to secure your wallet with the Secret Recovery Phrase.
Step 3: Sync with Desktop (Optional)
If you already created a wallet on your desktop, you can import it to mobile using your Secret Recovery Phrase rather than creating a new one.
Pinning MetaMask
For easy access during development, pin the extension to your toolbar.
- Click the Extensions icon (puzzle piece) in your browser’s top right corner.
- Find MetaMask in the list.
- Click the Pin icon next to it.
Verification
To ensure your wallet is ready:
- Click the MetaMask fox icon.
- You should see your account balance (defaulting to
0 ETH) and the network dropdown (defaulting to “Ethereum Mainnet”). - Your account address is shown at the top (e.g.,
0x123...abc).
💡 Tip: Click the copy icon next to your address to copy it to your clipboard. You will need this to receive test tokens.
Next Steps
Now that you have a wallet, you need to connect it to the WireFluid network.
- Configure WireFluid Network → - Add the WireFluid RPC details to MetaMask
- Get Testnet Tokens → - Request free test $WIRE
- Install Node.js & npm → - (If you haven’t already)
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
”MetaMask window keeps closing”
Solution:
Click the MetaMask icon to reopen it. If you click outside the popup, it closes automatically. To keep it open, click the three dots (...) and select “Expand view” to open it in a full browser tab.
”I forgot my password”
Solution: If you still have your Secret Recovery Phrase, you can reset the password by clicking “Forgot password?” on the login screen and entering your 12-word phrase.
”I lost my Secret Recovery Phrase”
Solution: If you are still logged in, you can view it in Settings > Security & Privacy > Reveal Secret Recovery Phrase. If you are locked out and lost the phrase, the wallet cannot be recovered.
Success! Congratulations! Your digital wallet is set up. You are now ready to connect to WireFluid.