MetaMask is a browser-based wallet and gateway to blockchain applications. This guide walks you through setting up a wallet, safeguarding your recovery phrase, creating and managing accounts, connecting to decentralized apps, and troubleshooting common obstacles. It's written for newcomers and experienced users who want a clean, secure, and practical workflow.

Getting Started
Install the official browser extension or mobile app from the platform's official distribution channels. After installation, create a new wallet profile by choosing a strong passphrase — a long, memorable phrase or a password manager-generated string works well. The extension will generate a recovery phrase; write it down on paper and store it in a secure physical location. Never store the phrase in plain text on internet-connected devices.

Seed Phrase Safety
The recovery phrase is the ultimate key to your funds. Treat it like a physical key: do not photograph, copy to cloud storage, or share it with anyone. Consider using a fireproof safe, a safety deposit box, or a steel backup product designed for mnemonic phrases. If you need redundancy, split the phrase across multiple secure locations using Shamir-like splitting only with appropriate tools.

Creating and Managing Accounts
MetaMask allows multiple accounts within a single profile. Use separate accounts for different purposes — for example, operations, trading, and testing. When receiving funds, always double-check the network and address. For advanced users, add custom networks (testnets or layer-2 chains) by entering RPC endpoints, chain IDs, and symbol settings.

Connecting to Decentralized Applications
When a decentralized application requests a connection, the wallet will prompt for approval. Review the permissions carefully — many requests only ask for basic account access, while others may request transaction approvals. Approve only the minimum necessary permissions and always verify that the dapp's website matches the expected domain.

Transaction Basics
Transactions require network fees denominated in the chain’s native token. Set an appropriate gas fee to balance speed and cost. Most interfaces offer presets (slow, standard, fast) or manual configuration. Inspect transaction details before approving, including recipient address, token amount, and any contract interactions.

Advanced Security Practices
Enable additional security measures like hardware wallet integration for high-value holdings. Hardware devices keep private keys offline and require physical confirmation for transactions. Use separate browsers or profiles for high-risk activities, and consider using a dedicated machine for critical operations.

Phishing and Scam Avoidance
Phishing remains the most common threat. Always verify the exact URL before granting permissions. Do not trust unsolicited messages, and confirm community channels through multiple official sources. Be wary of social engineering attempts and never input your recovery phrase into a website or chat.

Managing Tokens and NFTs
Tokens and non-fungible assets may not appear automatically. Add custom token contracts to view balances. For NFTs, verify the collection contract address and metadata source before interacting. Keep an eye on token approvals; revoke unnecessary allowances using reputable third-party tools.

Recovery and Backup Strategies
If you lose access to the wallet interface but still possess the recovery phrase, you can restore the wallet on a fresh install. Test restoration procedures using a disposable device to validate your backup approach. If a hardware device fails, consult the vendor’s recovery options while ensuring you only interact with verified resources.

Troubleshooting Common Issues
If a transaction is stuck, consider increasing the fee or using replacement and cancellation methods supported by the network. If you cannot see an expected balance, confirm you are on the correct network and that token contracts are added. For extension errors, try restarting the browser, clearing cache, or reinstalling the extension while keeping your recovery phrase safe offline.

Privacy Considerations
Every on-chain transaction is public. Use separate accounts to compartmentalize activity. If privacy matters, explore privacy-focused solutions and layer-2 options that reduce on-chain footprints. Avoid address reuse where feasible.

Best Practices Summary

• Install only from official sources.
• Back up the recovery phrase offline and redundantly.
• Use hardware devices for significant balances.
• Verify dapp domains and request permissions conservatively.
• Monitor and revoke token approvals when unnecessary.

Practical step-by-step checklist:
Install from official sources and verify publisher details. Create a new wallet profile and set a strong, unique passphrase to unlock the interface. When presented with the recovery phrase, transcribe it precisely and store copies offline in separate secure locations. Send a small test transfer to confirm addresses and network settings before moving larger amounts. Approve transactions only after confirming recipient addresses, token amounts, and any contract interactions.

Quick user tips:
Use separate accounts for different activities. Add custom networks only when you trust the RPC provider. Integrate a hardware device for significant balances to keep private keys offline. Regularly review and revoke token permissions you no longer need.

If something goes wrong:
Restore access on a fresh install using your recovery phrase on a secure device. If compromise is suspected, create a new profile and migrate funds safely. Seek help only via verified support channels.

Final note:
Adopting these habits makes blockchain interactions safer and more predictable.