Your First Wallet
Set up MetaMask for Ethereum and Phantom for Solana, learn to secure your seed phrase, and make your first test transaction
What You'll Learn
Your Gateway to Crypto
A crypto wallet is your personal gateway to the blockchain world. Unlike a physical wallet that holds cash, a crypto wallet doesn't actually "store" your coins—instead, it holds the keys that prove you own them.
Think of it like this: The blockchain is a massive vault with millions of safety deposit boxes. Your wallet holds the keys to your specific boxes. Without these keys, you can't access your crypto, even though it's recorded on the blockchain.
Critical Security Warning
Your seed phrase is the master key to all your crypto. Anyone with this phrase can steal everything. NEVER share it with anyone, NEVER type it on any website, and NEVER store it digitally.
Types of Wallets
🔥 Hot Wallets (Browser/Mobile): Connected to the internet, convenient for daily use, perfect for DeFi. Examples: MetaMask, Phantom, Trust Wallet.
🧊 Cold Wallets (Hardware): Offline devices, maximum security, best for long-term storage. Examples: Ledger, Trezor.
Today, we'll set up hot wallets because they're free, instant, and perfect for learning. Once you have significant funds, you should consider a hardware wallet.
Choose Your Wallet
Install MetaMask Extension
Go to metamask.io and click "Download". Choose your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or Edge). Click "Add to Browser" and confirm the installation.
Download MetaMaskCreate a New Wallet
Click the MetaMask icon in your browser. Select "Create a new wallet". Agree to the terms and create a strong password. This password is just for this device—your seed phrase is what really matters.
Secure Your Secret Recovery Phrase
MetaMask will show you 12 words. Write these down on paper IN ORDER. Never type them anywhere digital. Store the paper somewhere safe—this is your only backup if you lose access.
Verify Your Phrase
MetaMask will test you by asking you to select the words in the correct order. This ensures you've written them down correctly. Pass this test and your wallet is ready!
Get Your Address
Click on your account name at the top to copy your Ethereum address. It starts with "0x" and is 42 characters long. This is what you'll share when someone wants to send you ETH or tokens.
Install Phantom Extension
Visit phantom.app and click "Download". Select your browser and add the extension. Make sure you're on the official site—there are fake Phantom sites!
Download PhantomCreate a New Wallet
Open Phantom and select "Create a new wallet". Set a password for this device. This password unlocks Phantom on your computer but isn't your main security—that's the seed phrase.
Save Your Recovery Phrase
Phantom shows you 12 or 24 words (you can choose). Write these down on paper. This phrase can restore your wallet on any device. Guard it with your life!
Get Your Solana Address
Your Solana address is shown at the top of Phantom. Click to copy it. Solana addresses are shorter than Ethereum's and don't start with "0x".
Enable Developer Mode
Go to Settings → Developer Settings → Enable Testnet Mode. This lets you practice with test SOL before using real money.
Understanding Your Seed Phrase
Your seed phrase (also called recovery phrase or mnemonic) is the most important thing in crypto. It's a human-readable representation of your private key, making it easier to back up and restore.
Example Seed Phrase (NEVER use this!)
⚠️ This is just an example. NEVER share your real seed phrase!
Seed Phrase Security Rules
1. Write it on paper, never digitally | 2. Store multiple copies in different safe places | 3. Never enter it on any website | 4. Don't take photos | 5. Consider a metal backup for fire protection
Security Best Practices
Security Check
Set Up Your First Wallet
- Choose one wallet to start: MetaMask for Ethereum or Phantom for Solana
- Install the browser extension from the official website only
- Create a new wallet and set a strong password
- Write down your seed phrase on paper (not digitally!)
- Verify your seed phrase to ensure you wrote it correctly
- Copy your wallet address and save it somewhere handy
- For MetaMask: Switch to Sepolia testnet (Settings → Advanced → Show test networks)
- For Phantom: Enable testnet mode in Developer Settings
- Get test tokens: Use sepoliafaucet.com for ETH or solfaucet.com for SOL
- Check your balance - you should see test tokens arrive!