How to Set Up MetaMask on Mobile (iOS & Android) 2026
What You Need
- iPhone (iOS 16+) or Android phone (Android 9+)
- A few minutes to set up
- If importing: your 12-word or 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase
Installing MetaMask Mobile
iOS (iPhone)
- Open the App Store
- Search for “MetaMask”
- Look for the app by ConsenSys — the fox logo
- Tap “Get” → install
Security warning: Only download from the official App Store listing by ConsenSys. There are fake MetaMask apps — check the developer name carefully before installing.
Android
- Open Google Play Store
- Search for “MetaMask – Blockchain Wallet”
- Developer: MetaMask
- Tap “Install”
Alternatively, download the APK directly from metamask.io for side-loading, but the Play Store version is recommended for most users.
Option 1: Create a New Wallet
If you’re new to MetaMask and don’t have an existing wallet:
Step 1: Open MetaMask and tap “Create a new wallet”
Launch the app. Tap “Create a new wallet” on the welcome screen.
Step 2: Create a password
Create a strong password for the app. This locks your wallet on this device — it’s separate from your seed phrase.
Step 3: Back up your Secret Recovery Phrase
This is the most important step.
- Tap “Start” to view your Secret Recovery Phrase
- MetaMask shows 12 words in order
- Write all 12 words on paper — in the exact order shown
- Do not screenshot. Do not store digitally.
- Tap “Continue” and confirm the phrase by selecting the words in order
Your Secret Recovery Phrase is the master key to your wallet. Anyone who has it controls your funds. Store it offline, in a safe place.
Step 4: Wallet ready
Your wallet is created. You’ll see your Ethereum address and a zero balance.
Option 2: Import an Existing Wallet
If you already have a MetaMask wallet (browser extension or another device):
Step 1: Tap “Import using Secret Recovery Phrase”
On the welcome screen, tap “Import using Secret Recovery Phrase”.
Step 2: Enter your phrase
Type your 12 or 24 words in order, with a single space between each word.
Double-check: all words lowercase, correct spelling, correct order.
Step 3: Create a password
Set a password for this device’s app. This is local only — it doesn’t need to match other devices.
Step 4: Import complete
Your wallet loads with the same accounts and balances as your other device. MetaMask syncs via the seed phrase, not a cloud account.
Navigating MetaMask Mobile
The bottom navigation has four tabs:
| Tab | Function |
|---|---|
| Wallet | Your assets, accounts, and balances |
| Actions | Send, receive, buy, swap |
| Browser | Built-in DApp browser |
| Activity | Transaction history |
Switching Networks
Tap the network name at the top (e.g. “Ethereum Mainnet”) to see all available networks. Tap any network to switch. To add a custom network, tap “Add a network” at the bottom of the list.
Adding Tokens
MetaMask auto-detects common tokens. To add manually:
- Go to Wallet tab
- Scroll down and tap “Import tokens”
- Enter the token contract address
Using the DApp Browser
The built-in browser is MetaMask’s killer feature on mobile — it lets you use DeFi apps, NFT marketplaces, and Web3 sites without a desktop.
- Tap the Browser tab
- Enter a URL (e.g. app.uniswap.org)
- When the site requests wallet connection, tap “Connect”
- Approve transactions with your password or biometrics
Popular DApps on Mobile
- Uniswap — swap tokens on Ethereum
- Aave — lend and borrow
- OpenSea — NFT marketplace
- Curve — stablecoin swaps
Syncing Mobile and Desktop
MetaMask does not sync automatically between devices in real time — but since both use the same seed phrase, both wallets control the same accounts.
What syncs: accounts, private keys (derived from seed phrase)
What doesn’t sync: custom networks, token lists, settings
To use the same networks and tokens on both, you’ll need to add them on each device separately.
Enabling Biometric Login
Once your wallet is set up:
- Go to Settings (tap the three lines top left → Settings)
- Tap Security & Privacy
- Enable Biometric Authentication (Face ID / Fingerprint)
Biometrics replace your password for day-to-day access. Your seed phrase is still the master backup.
Security Tips for Mobile
Use biometric authentication. Faster and more secure than a PIN for most users.
Enable auto-lock. In Settings → Security, set the app to lock after a short idle period.
Never share your screen when MetaMask is open. Your seed phrase and private key should never be visible in screenshots or screen shares.
Be careful with the browser. Only connect to DApps you trust. Always read transaction details before approving. Malicious sites can drain your wallet in one approval.
If your phone is lost or stolen: Your seed phrase lets you restore the wallet on a new device. Without the seed phrase, there is no recovery.
Common Issues
MetaMask not loading DApps:
Try refreshing the page in the built-in browser. Make sure you’re connected to the correct network for the DApp.
Transaction stuck pending:
Open the transaction in Activity, tap it, and use “Speed Up” or “Cancel” if available. Alternatively, send a 0 ETH transaction to yourself with the same nonce and higher gas.
Wrong network:
Tap the network selector at the top and switch to the correct network. Most DApp errors are network mismatches.
Forgot password:
Your password is local only — MetaMask cannot recover it. Reinstall the app and import your wallet using your 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase.
Balance not showing:
Pull down to refresh. If tokens are missing, import them manually via contract address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MetaMask mobile safe?
Yes, when used correctly. Private keys are stored encrypted on your device. The main risks are phishing DApps and loss of your seed phrase. Use the official app, enable biometrics, and guard your recovery phrase.
Can I use MetaMask mobile without the browser extension?
Yes. The mobile app is a complete, standalone wallet. You don’t need the extension.
Does MetaMask mobile support hardware wallets?
Not directly on mobile — Ledger and Trezor integration is desktop/extension only. For cold storage, use a hardware wallet with the desktop extension.
Can I have multiple accounts on MetaMask mobile?
Yes. Tap your account name at the top → “Add account” to create additional accounts. All accounts share the same seed phrase.
Is MetaMask mobile free?
The app is free. Network fees (gas) apply to transactions — these go to the blockchain, not MetaMask. MetaMask takes a 0.875% fee on in-app swaps.
Related guides:
- MetaMask: The Complete Guide 2026
- How to Add BNB Chain to MetaMask
- How to Add Polygon to MetaMask
- How to Add a Custom Network to MetaMask
Leave a Reply