Software:MetaMask

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MetaMask
MetaMask fox logo
Developer(s)ConsenSys
Initial release2016; 10 years ago (2016)
Operating systemiOS
Android
PlatformBrowser extension
Mobile app
TypeCryptocurrency wallet
LicenseCustom proprietary license (since 2020; originally MIT open source)
Websitemetamask.io

MetaMask is a software cryptocurrency wallet developed by ConsenSys for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain and other EVM-compatible networks.[1][2] 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.[7][8]

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.[2][9]

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

  1. ↑ Johnson, Steven (2018-01-16). "Beyond the Bitcoin Bubble". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/16/magazine/beyond-the-bitcoin-bubble.html. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Schroeder, Stan (2020-09-02). "Crypto wallet MetaMask finally launches on iOS and Android". https://mashable.com/article/metamask-ios-android/. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Piore, Adam (2018-11-19). "New Internet: Blockchain Technology Could Help Us Take Back Our Data". https://www.newsweek.com/2018/11/16/new-internet-blockchain-technology-could-help-us-take-back-our-data-facebook-1222860.html. 
  4. ↑ "MetaMask – Official Website". https://metamask.io/. 
  5. ↑ "User Guide: Dapps". https://support.metamask.io/hc/en-us/articles/4405506066331-User-Guide-Dapps. 
  6. ↑ Schroeder, Stan (2021-03-17). "Crypto wallet MetaMask now lets you swap tokens on your phone". https://mashable.com/article/metamask-swaps. 
  7. ↑ "Introducing MetaMask Rewards". https://metamask.io/news/introducing-metamask-rewards. 
  8. ↑ "MetaMask Rewards". https://metamask.io/rewards. 
  9. ↑ Leising, Matthew (2020-09-02). "MetaMask's Blockchain Mobile App Opens Doors For Next-Level Web". Bloomberg News. 
  10. ↑ Dan Finlay (2020-08-20). "Evolving our License for the Next Wave of MetaMask Users". https://medium.com/metamask/evolving-our-license-for-the-next-wave-of-metamask-users-81b0b494c09a. 
  11. ↑ Schroeder, Stan (2021-03-17). "Crypto wallet MetaMask now lets you swap tokens on your phone". https://mashable.com/article/metamask-swaps. 
  12. ↑ "Introducing MetaMask Rewards". https://metamask.io/news/introducing-metamask-rewards. 
  13. ↑ Canellis, David (2019-03-22). "PSA: MetaMask reveals your Ethereum address to sites you visit". https://thenextweb.com/hardfork/2019/03/22/metamask-ethereum-privacy-address/. 
  14. ↑ Perez, Yessi Bello (2019-10-04). "ConsenSys acquires Infura". https://thenextweb.com/hardfork/2019/10/04/consensys-acquires-infura-the-centralizing-tech-powering-ethereum-dapps/. 
  15. ↑ "Stay Safe". https://support.metamask.io/stay-safe/. 

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