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How to Import a Mnemonic Phrase from Core Wallet into MetaMask (Step-by-Step Guide)

· 4 min read

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to import a mnemonic phrase from Core Wallet into MetaMask and regain full access to your crypto assets — including tokens on networks like Avalanche and Polygon.

Starting Point​

At the moment, my Core Wallet holds several assets:

  • MATIC on the Polygon network — ~$20
  • AVAX on Avalanche — ~$8
  • Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) — ~$24
  • Other tokens — ~$24
  • Plus ~$49 in native Bitcoin (BTC)

We’ll now import this wallet into MetaMask, step by step.

Step 1: Access Your Mnemonic Phrase in Core Wallet​

  1. Open Core Wallet.
  2. Go to Settings → Security & Privacy.
  3. Find and click the button “Show Recovery Phrase.”
  4. Enter your wallet password and press Show.
  5. Your 24-word mnemonic phrase appears — copy it or use the one you’ve written on paper.

Never share your mnemonic phrase with anyone and never enter it on websites.
It must be stored offline and securely.

Step 2: Open MetaMask and Start Import​

  1. Open MetaMask in another browser (or device).
  2. Click Get Started.
  3. Choose Import Wallet — since you already have a mnemonic phrase.
  4. Select the 24-word format (Core Wallet uses 24 words).
  5. Enter all 24 words in exact order, separated by spaces.
  6. Set a password for local access to MetaMask.

This password only protects local access to the wallet interface.
It is not related to your private keys.
If forgotten, you can reinstall MetaMask, re-import the wallet using your mnemonic phrase, and set a new one.

Click Import — and your wallet is now added to MetaMask.

Step 3: Add Networks via Chainlist​

Your assets from Core Wallet are on Avalanche and Polygon, so let’s add these networks.

  1. Go to chainlist.org.
  2. Connect your MetaMask wallet.
  3. Add the following:
    • Avalanche C-Chain
    • Polygon Mainnet
  4. Approve the connection when MetaMask prompts you.

Now your MetaMask supports both networks.

Step 4: View and Add Tokens​

  • MATIC appears automatically, since it’s Polygon’s native coin.
    You’ll immediately see your MATIC balance (e.g., ~$11).

Other tokens, like USDT and WBTC, need to be added manually.

Adding Tokens on Polygon​

  1. Open the Polygon block explorer.
  2. Search for USDT.
  3. Copy the contract address.
  4. In MetaMask, click Import Tokens → Custom Token, paste the contract, and confirm.
  5. USDT now appears in your list.

You can also see your MATIC balance (e.g., 25.11 MATIC).

Adding Tokens on Avalanche​

  1. Switch MetaMask to the Avalanche network.
  2. AVAX appears by default (the network’s main coin).
  3. To add USDT, use the regular contract (not the version starting with “e”).
  4. Copy the contract, go to Import Tokens, and paste it.
  5. Your 24 USDT will appear.
  6. Repeat for Wrapped BTC (WBTC) — copy the correct contract and import it.

Done! In just a few minutes, you’ve imported your Core Wallet into MetaMask and restored all assets across both networks.

Step 5: Bitcoin — Why It Doesn’t Appear​

You may notice that your $49 in BTC doesn’t show up.
That’s because MetaMask doesn’t support Bitcoin’s native network.
It only works with EVM-based networks (Ethereum Virtual Machine).

BTC is on its own blockchain — not compatible with EVM-based wallets.

Options for Bitcoin​

  1. Keep using Core Wallet, which supports native BTC.
  2. Install a Bitcoin-only wallet (e.g., Electrum or BlueWallet).
  3. Optionally, import your phrase into a Bitcoin wallet — but only if it supports the same derivation path.

Note: When importing your mnemonic phrase into another wallet that uses a different key-derivation algorithm, you may see a different address or zero balance.
This doesn’t mean your BTC is lost — just that the wallet used a different derivation standard.

If the wallet allows, adjust the derivation path setting, and your Bitcoin balance will display correctly.

For convenience and safety:

  • Use one mnemonic phrase for your EVM wallets (Core, MetaMask, etc.).
  • Use a separate phrase for Bitcoin-only wallets.
  • Keep phrases offline and written on paper.
  • Never enter them into websites or browser extensions other than your verified wallet.

Key Takeaways​

ConceptExplanation
Mnemonic Phrase12 or 24 words that encode your private keys.
MetaMask CompatibilitySupports EVM blockchains (Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, etc.).
Native BitcoinNot supported in MetaMask; use Core or Bitcoin-only wallets.
Derivation PathAlgorithm that generates keys from your phrase — must match for correct address.
PasswordProtects local wallet access only; not related to blockchain security.

By following this guide, you can easily import your wallet into MetaMask, access your assets across multiple blockchains, and understand how different networks interact within Web3.

These materials are created for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice.