Metamask Login — Official Guide

Clear, actionable instructions and security guidance for MetaMask sign-in and recovery.

What is Metamask Login and why it matters

Metamask Login is the procedure users follow to unlock or access their MetaMask wallet—either via the browser extension or the mobile app—so they can manage accounts, approve transactions, and connect to decentralized applications. MetaMask is a non-custodial wallet where Metamask Login unlocks locally encrypted keys without MetaMask ever retaining your password or secret recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

How to complete a Metamask Login (step-by-step)

Metamask Login begins by installing the MetaMask extension or the official mobile app from the vendor’s distribution channel, then opening the app and entering your password to unlock the wallet. If you are new, Metamask Login will include creating a password and securely storing your Secret Recovery Phrase; if you are returning, Metamask Login will typically require only the password or, when installing on a new device, importing using your Secret Recovery Phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

For developers and apps that require authentication, Metamask Login can be extended with Sign-In With Ethereum (SIWE) to authenticate users by asking them to cryptographically sign a standard message rather than supply credentials to the dApp directly. This pattern preserves wallet-based identity while maintaining user control. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Account recovery and Metamask Login considerations

If a user cannot complete Metamask Login because they forgot their password, MetaMask cannot recover the password for you; recovery requires the Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP). To restore access and complete a Metamask Login on a new device, import the SRP verbatim in the MetaMask onboarding flow—each word in order, all lower case unless the interface indicates otherwise. Store the SRP offline and never share it. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

When restoring, additional accounts created after the initial account may need to be re-created or re-added in the same sequence to match addresses previously used; follow MetaMask’s restore guidance to add missing accounts after importing the SRP. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Security best practices for Metamask Login

Treat Metamask Login as a high-security operation: never disclose your Secret Recovery Phrase during or outside Metamask Login, use a strong unique password for unlocking the app, and verify the official distribution channels (metamask.io and the recognized browser stores) before installing. MetaMask explicitly emphasizes that it does not store your SRP and cannot help recover passwords—so preventing loss is essential. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Additional protections to consider around Metamask Login include: using hardware wallets for large holdings (so that signing requires the hardware device), enabling device-level protections, and educating users to detect phishing prompts that mimic Metamask Login flows. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Integrations and developer notes for Metamask Login

For dApp authors, implement Metamask Login flows with the official MetaMask provider or recommended SDK integration to prompt a wallet connection and request signatures securely. Use the SIWE standard when you need authenticated sessions tied to wallet ownership rather than application-managed credentials. Carefully follow MetaMask developer documentation for connection patterns and user prompts to ensure a consistent Metamask Login user experience. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Troubleshooting Metamask Login problems

If Metamask Login fails to unlock after entering the correct password, try restarting the browser or app, ensure you're on the latest MetaMask release, and check for interfering extensions. If reinstalling or resetting the extension, remember that you will need your Secret Recovery Phrase to restore accounts during subsequent Metamask Login attempts—without it, access cannot be recovered. Contact official MetaMask support if you encounter errors that persist after following documented troubleshooting steps. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}