Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised May 28, 2026

MetaMask

MetaMask is a software cryptocurrency wallet developed by ConsenSys for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain and other EVM-compatible networks. It enables users to manage Ethereum accounts and connect to decentralized applications (dApps) via a browser extension or mobile app.

Last revised
May 28, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
Length
473 w
Citations
17
Source
Wikipedia ↗
MetaMask
DeveloperConsenSys
Initial release2016 (2016)
Operating systemiOS
Android
PlatformBrowser extension
Mobile app
TypeCryptocurrency wallet
LicenseCustom proprietary license (since 2020; originally MIT open source)
Websitemetamask.io
Repository

MetaMask is a software cryptocurrency wallet developed by ConsenSys for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain and other EVM-compatible networks.12 It enables users to manage Ethereum accounts and connect to decentralized applications (dApps) via a browser extension or mobile app.3

As of early 2026, MetaMask reports over 100 million users worldwide.4

Overview

MetaMask allows users to store and manage private keys, send and receive Ethereum-based cryptocurrencies and tokens (including ERC-20 and ERC-721 standards), broadcast transactions, and interact with dApps. dApps connect to the wallet via JavaScript interfaces, prompting users to approve signatures or transactions.5

The wallet features **MetaMask Swaps**, an in-app token swap aggregator sourcing liquidity from multiple decentralized exchanges (DEXs), with a service fee of 0.875%.6

In 2025, MetaMask introduced the **MetaMask Rewards** program (initially mobile-only), where users earn points for activities such as swaps, bridging, and referrals. Season 1 (October 2025 – January 2026) distributed over $30 million in Linea tokens and other perks to participants.78

History

MetaMask launched in 2016 as open-source software under the MIT license.3 It initially supported browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Mobile versions were in closed beta from 2019 and publicly released for iOS and Android in September 2020.29

In August 2020, the license changed to a custom proprietary one.10

MetaMask Swaps launched on desktop in October 2020 and on mobile in March 2021.11

The Rewards program launched in late 2025 with Linea integration.12

Criticism

MetaMask has faced criticism over privacy, including default analytics settings that share some user data (which can be disabled).13

Its reliance on Infura (acquired by ConsenSys in 2019) has raised concerns about centralization in Ethereum infrastructure.14

The wallet regularly issues warnings about phishing scams and fake airdrops impersonating MetaMask.15

References

References

  1. Johnson, Steven (2018-01-16). "Beyond the Bitcoin Bubble". The New York Times. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
  2. Schroeder, Stan (2020-09-02). "Crypto wallet MetaMask finally launches on iOS and Android". Mashable. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  3. Piore, Adam (2018-11-19). "New Internet: Blockchain Technology Could Help Us Take Back Our Data". Newsweek. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  4. "MetaMask – Official Website". Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  5. "User Guide: Dapps". MetaMask Help Center. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  6. Schroeder, Stan (2021-03-17). "Crypto wallet MetaMask now lets you swap tokens on your phone". Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  7. "Introducing MetaMask Rewards". Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  8. "MetaMask Rewards". Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  9. Leising, Matthew (2020-09-02). "MetaMask's Blockchain Mobile App Opens Doors For Next-Level Web". Bloomberg News. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  10. Dan Finlay (2020-08-20). "Evolving our License for the Next Wave of MetaMask Users". Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  11. Schroeder, Stan (2021-03-17). "Crypto wallet MetaMask now lets you swap tokens on your phone". Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  12. "Introducing MetaMask Rewards". Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  13. Canellis, David (2019-03-22). "PSA: MetaMask reveals your Ethereum address to sites you visit". Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  14. Perez, Yessi Bello (2019-10-04). "ConsenSys acquires Infura". Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  15. "Stay Safe". MetaMask Help Center. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
External links