You’ve already learned how to buy and receive cryptocurrency. Now let’s see how to send it.
You can send crypto to anyone who provides you with their wallet address and specifies the network they want to receive the asset on.

In this example, I’ll first send tokens to an exchange and then create a new wallet to show how to send from my wallet to another MetaMask installed in a different browser.

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Sending Crypto to an Exchange​

To send crypto, log in to your exchange account.
In my case, I’m funding my balance.

Steps:​

1. Go to Assets → Spot → Deposit.
2. Choose the coin or token you want to transfer — for example, USDT.
3. Select the Avalanche C-Chain network.
4. The exchange generates an address for you to send your USDT to.
5. Copy this address, open your wallet, select USDT, and click Send.
6. Paste the copied address, enter the amount (e.g., 10 USDT).

The fee is 0.04 AVAX (around $0.04). Confirm the transaction and send it.

✅ Done — the transaction is on its way. Now wait a few minutes until the exchange processes it and the balance appears in your spot account.

This way, you can send cryptocurrency to anyone in the world.
All you need is their address and the network they use. After that, the transfer takes just a couple of clicks.

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Sending AVAX or Other Tokens​

For example, I can also send AVAX tokens.
I select them from the list, again choose the Avalanche C-Chain network.

The address is the same because — as mentioned before — many networks (Ethereum, Avalanche, Fantom, and other EVM-compatible chains) use identical wallet addresses.
The only difference is the network you select when sending.

I copy the exchange’s address, paste it, enter the amount, and send with a fee of 0.01 AVAX (about $0.01).
Confirm — and the transaction is sent.

Then I check if the funds have arrived on my exchange account.
USDT should show up first — I go to Deposit History where I already see the transaction marked as “Pending,” waiting for confirmations.

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Understanding Confirmations​

Keep in mind: every transaction requires a certain number of confirmations before funds are fully credited on an exchange.
This number varies depending on the blockchain.
The balance updates only after the transaction has enough confirmations.

Now AVAX should also arrive. It requires 120 confirmations.

How do you check how many confirmations your transaction has received?
Besides seeing the number on the exchange, you can also go into your wallet’s transaction history and check all transfers.

For example:

• I open the transaction where I sent USDT.
• Click the details icon — it opens in a blockchain explorer.
• There I see everything: how many tokens were sent, from where, and to where.

By the way, I mistakenly sent 1 token instead of 10 — but that’s not a problem.
The explorer also shows the number of confirmations.
Right now, it’s 70, and as more blocks are added to the blockchain, the confirmations increase.
The more blocks since your transaction, the more confirmations it has.

For the exchange to credit the funds, 120 confirmations are required.
After that, the balance appears in my account.

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Choosing the Correct Network​

You can send any assets to any addresses — for example, to another person or to fund an exchange account.
But it’s very important to pay attention to networks.

For instance, in my Core Wallet, I have Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC) on Avalanche.
If I try to deposit it to the exchange and type “wBTC” in the search, I see that deposits are only supported on ERC-20.
That means the exchange only accepts Wrapped Bitcoin on the Ethereum network.

If I accidentally send wBTC from Avalanche, the balance won’t show up.

Why? Because the exchange doesn’t support that asset on that network.
That’s why you always need to double-check which networks are supported for deposits and withdrawals.

If you make a mistake with the network, don’t panic — contact the exchange’s support team, and they may be able to credit the balance manually.

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Sending to Another Wallet​

Now my 1 USDT has arrived. The history shows “Completed,” and the balance is credited.

Next, let’s send tokens to another wallet.
I’ll open a different browser, install MetaMask, and create a new wallet.

During setup:

• Create a password.
• Write down the seed phrase on paper — do not lose it.

You can also back up the recovery phrase later.
The wallet is now created and ready.

Here’s an important point: I’m going to send tokens on the Avalanche network.
But by default, MetaMask only has Ethereum.
That means if I send tokens right now, they’ll arrive but won’t show up in the wallet.

---

Adding a New Network​

To make them visible, add the Avalanche network.
I use Chainlist, a tool that lets you add any network to MetaMask in one click.

1. Open Chainlist.
2. Search for Avalanche.
3. Click Connect.
4. Approve it in MetaMask.

Now you have two networks: Ethereum and Avalanche.

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Importing Tokens Manually​

Even after switching to Avalanche, your balance may still show 0.
Why? Because you need to import the token manually.

Here’s how:

1. Go to the Avalanche blockchain explorer (SnowTrace).
2. Search for USDT and copy its contract address.
3. Return to MetaMask → click Import Tokens.
4. Paste the contract → click Add Custom Token.
5. Confirm the import.

Now the balance shows 5 USDT.
The wallet list displays 0 AVAX and 5 USDT.

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Sending Tokens Back to Core Wallet​

Next, I want to send these 5 USDT back to Core Wallet.
I copy the Core Wallet address, go into MetaMask, choose Send, paste the address, and select USDT.

But remember: every transaction requires gas — paid in the network’s native token.
On Avalanche, that’s AVAX.

Right now, I can’t send USDT because my MetaMask has no AVAX for gas fees.
So I need to send some AVAX to this wallet first — around 0.02–0.05 AVAX is more than enough.

After a short wait, the AVAX balance shows up.
Perfect — now I can safely send my 5 USDT back to Core Wallet.

1. Click Send.
2. Paste the address.
3. Select USDT.
4. Set the amount (e.g., maximum).
5. Confirm.

The transaction is sent. ✅

In the blockchain explorer, the status shows Success.
In Core Wallet under Activity, I see that my 5 USDT have arrived back.

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Key Takeaways​

You can send any tokens to any wallet that supports the chosen network.
For example:

• You can’t send AVAX to a wallet that doesn’t support Avalanche.
  The transaction may go through, but tokens won’t appear.

There are many types of wallets — multi-currency, single-currency, with enhanced features or extra security.

Which wallet is best to start with — and how to store crypto safely — I explain in detail in the modules:

• Security Basics
• Security PRO

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

What’s next? You’ve already learned how to store cryptocurrency with a Metamask wallet. You have some assets there, you withdrew funds from an exchange, you learned how to work with different networks, swap one asset for another using an aggregator, and send crypto from your wallet to an exchange or another wallet. All of this was covered in previous posts.

So what’s next? How do you start building your strategy and using your assets to generate passive income in decentralized finance?

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Step 1: Master Security​

The first thing I strongly recommend is to go through the Security Basics module in full.
There, I show in practice how wallet security works, what it depends on, and how to safely store your assets long-term.

You’ll also learn:

• How to protect your mnemonic phrase.
• How to detect phishing attempts.
• How to set up multiple wallets on a single device.

I also share my personal setup — how I manage wallets for daily operations, long-term storage, and DeFi interaction.

---

Step 2: Explore Crypto Wallets​

Next, go through the Crypto Wallets module.
In this one, I review different wallets I personally use. You can pick the ones that best fit your needs.

You can:

• Stick with MetaMask for Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains.
• Add wallets for Bitcoin, Solana, or hardware wallets for long-term cold storage.

This step prepares your working environment — a secure and flexible foundation before moving deeper into decentralized finance.

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Step 3: Enter Decentralized Finance (DeFi)​

After that comes the Introduction to DeFi module.
Here, I explain what DeFi tools exist and how to start using them with your wallets.

You’ll learn how to:

• Provide liquidity and earn trading fees.
• Work with decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and lending platforms.
• Build a long-term DeFi strategy based on your goals and capital size.

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Step 4: Follow This Action Plan​

1. Complete the Security Basics module.
2. Set up your working environment with wallets that fit your needs.
3. Go through the Crypto Wallets module.
4. Move on to the Introduction to DeFi module.

At first, it may be hard to understand which wallets you need.
That’s perfectly normal — as you progress, you’ll naturally add new ones for different tasks.

For now, MetaMask is enough. Later, expand to additional wallets when your DeFi activity grows.

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Step 5: Join the Community​

If your plan includes feedback and support, be sure to join our Discord community and the Q&A section.
You can ask any question there and get a clear, professional answer from experienced participants.

---

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

As promised, here’s how to bypass internet restrictions when your access is blocked by IP address. You’ll face this constantly when working with crypto tools, online services, or even just browsing the web.

Such restrictions don’t only apply in one country — users from different regions often encounter blocked websites due to sanctions, local regulations, or platform policies. Sometimes even decentralized services become unavailable because of geo-restrictions. Many people therefore miss out on top tools and valuable earning opportunities.

The solution is simple: don’t fight the block, just bypass it. You don’t need an expensive subscription costing tens or hundreds of dollars a year. A simple browser extension is enough, and it works in Chrome as well as other popular browsers.

Once installed, the extension gives you an interface to enter proxy details. After that, any websites blocked for your IP address will become accessible.

Where to get proxies? Specialized services sell access for nearly any country. The cost is very low — about $1–2 per month (around $12–20 per year). You select the desired country, pay, receive connection details (server address, port, login, and password), and enter them into the extension. From then on, you can freely use any websites and crypto services without restrictions.

You can top up your account balance using any bank card. Then you just create an account and deposit funds to buy a proxy.

I go to the “Proxy” section. For example, I have two proxies from a selected country. I’m currently using one, and I’ll show you how the second one works as an example.

I click on the proxy, and connection details appear. I take the first line — that’s the proxy I just purchased for 30 days. Then I go to the extension, open the “Import Proxy” tab, paste the details from my account, and save them.

Now the proxy appears in my list with a checkbox, which I can enable to change my IP address. In the settings, I also enable “Refresh current page.” Clearing cache and cookies is optional — the tab refreshes automatically when the proxy is enabled.

Here’s how it works: I visit a site that’s blocked in my region and see an error. I switch on the proxy, the page reloads — and the site becomes accessible. I can connect my wallet and use the service freely.

This applies to any other tools as well. If a site is blocked, enabling the proxy grants access. Proxies typically last for 30 days, after which you can renew or buy a new one.

Important: if too many people use the same proxy, the connection speed may drop. Never share your proxy details with others — it’s your personal access and must remain private.

You can set up multiple proxies from different countries depending on your needs. For example, one for crypto services, another for exchanges, and a third for regional websites.

When browsing local websites in your own country, you can disable the proxy to avoid issues. Use it only when you need to bypass restrictions.

In short, a simple browser extension (about $1–2 per month) unlocks full access to everything: decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, marketplaces, wallets, applications, and any blocked websites. This applies not only to crypto tools but also to regular sites, including social networks that may be unavailable in some countries. With a proxy enabled, they work without restrictions.

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

In this post, I will show you how to interact with tools from the Web3 ecosystem.

Let’s say in my Avalanche wallet I have some AVAX tokens and 50 USDT. Suppose I want to exchange my USDT for another asset — for example, buy more AVAX, swap into another stablecoin, or purchase an altcoin. Instead of using a centralized exchange (depositing funds on Bybit, swapping there, and then withdrawing back to my wallet), I can use decentralized exchanges.

These platforms allow me to swap assets directly and fully decentralized — quickly, without intermediaries, while keeping full control over my funds.

For example, using a decentralized swap tool:

1. I select the Avalanche network and connect my wallet.
2. My token balances are displayed automatically.
3. I choose the asset I want to receive in exchange for USDT — it could be AVAX, wrapped Bitcoin, Ethereum, another stablecoin, or any supported altcoin.

Let’s say I want to buy some Bitcoin. I enter 25 USDT and first confirm permission for the protocol to access my tokens (Permit). This is the first transaction, signed with my wallet.

Next, I confirm the swap itself. The transaction is sent to the blockchain, and a small amount of AVAX is charged as a gas fee.

It’s important to note: I’m not buying “real Bitcoin” on the Bitcoin network but rather its tokenized version (Wrapped BTC) on Avalanche. This token mirrors the price of Bitcoin but can be used directly in DeFi — for example, in yield strategies or passive income protocols.

This is how interaction with the Web3 ecosystem works. All you need is a wallet with assets. From there, you gain access to a wide range of tools: swaps, trading, farming, staking, and more. Essentially, everything you can do on centralized exchanges also exists in Web3 — but with one key difference: you always retain full control over your funds.

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

And the last relevant and simplest way to buy cryptocurrency is to use your bank card directly and purchase crypto in one click via a centralized exchange, without using exchangers or P2P trades.

Here’s how it works: go to the “Buy Cryptocurrency” section and choose the “One-Click Purchase” option. Depending on the currency of your card and the country where it was issued (for example, USD or EUR), you enter the amount. Then you select the payment method — bank card or bank transfer.

Keep in mind that the fees can be quite high. For example, an international bank transfer (SWIFT) can cost around 5% of the transaction amount. That’s a lot. But paying with a Visa or Mastercard usually comes with a lower fee — around 1.5–2%. In this case, you can buy crypto directly, without relying on third-party sellers in exchangers or P2P.

Next, you link your card and complete the payment. Cards from banks under sanctions are not accepted, but cards from most other countries are supported.

After the purchase, the balance will appear in the “Fiat” section of your account. For example, you’ll see USD, which you can then use to buy the cryptocurrency you’re interested in.

This is the simplest and most reliable way to buy cryptocurrency, but it requires a card issued by a bank that is not under sanctions.

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

EVM vs Non-EVM Blockchains​

So, MetaMask is ready, and at this point it may not be clear what to do next — and why there are only two networks available, such as Ethereum and another one. Let’s start with networks.

MetaMask supports quite a large number of networks. You can find them by clicking on the network selection button. There you’ll see different options, but that’s not all — those are only the networks MetaMask suggests by default. In reality, there are many more.

All the networks supported by MetaMask follow the same structure. They are called EVM-compatible networks or Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) networks. Since they are built on the same architecture, you can use MetaMask to interact with many blockchains — for example, Ethereum, Optimism, and others.

But there are also blockchains that MetaMask doesn’t support. A good example is Solana. You cannot add Solana to MetaMask because it has its own architecture that is not EVM-compatible. To use Solana, you need a separate wallet or a multi-chain wallet that supports both Solana and EVM-based networks.

The same applies to Bitcoin. Bitcoin has its own blockchain and architecture, which is not supported by MetaMask either. In other words, MetaMask only works with networks built on Ethereum’s model.

Other blockchains are not supported in MetaMask by default. Of course, there are some workarounds to add certain assets, but it’s better to use either a proper multi-chain wallet or dedicated wallets for each specific blockchain you plan to interact with.

By default, MetaMask opens in a small window at the top-right corner of your browser. To access the full interface, click on the three dots in the upper-right corner and select the button to expand.

This opens MetaMask in a larger view, which is more convenient for managing your wallet. However, most of the time you’ll be using the smaller pop-up window.

Now, let’s talk about networks. When you click on “Add Network”, you’ll see a list of networks available for connection. As you progress in the Web3 ecosystem, you’ll encounter different networks because some tools are only available on Ethereum, others on Arbitrum, and some on different chains. Each network has its own unique tools and opportunities.

In practice, the differences between networks come down to transaction fees, speed, and certain specific features. But all of them work within the same wallet. The key idea is to leverage tools across multiple networks to maximize your strategy.

To add a network, simply go to “Add Network” and connect it. Once added, the network will appear in your wallet, and you can easily switch between them — for example, Ethereum, Arbitrum, and others.

What if the network you need isn’t listed by default? That’s where Chainlist comes in. If the network isn’t in MetaMask’s dropdown, just open Chainlist, search for the network, connect your wallet, and click “Add”. After that, it will appear in MetaMask, ready to use.

MetaMask supports a huge number of networks. For example, the Mantle network doesn’t appear by default, but you can easily add it using Chainlist. Similarly, there are many other networks you’ll probably never interact with. In practice, your set of networks will usually be limited to just a few, where the real earning tools are. And if you ever need more, you can always add them later.

Let’s go back to Ethereum. The most important distinction between networks, beyond transaction speed and architecture (which is often built on the Ethereum model), is the token used to pay fees.

For example:

• In Ethereum, transaction fees are paid in ETH.
• In Arbitrum, fees are also paid in ETH.
• In Base — ETH.
• In Blast — also ETH.

So even though these networks differ, they all rely on ETH as their base token for fees.

But some networks use different tokens. For example, in Avalanche, fees are paid in AVAX. When you switch to Avalanche in MetaMask, your base currency becomes AVAX instead of ETH.

The same applies to other chains. Some are Layer 2 solutions built on top of Ethereum, so their fees are still paid in ETH. But independent networks, even if they use Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) architecture, often rely on their own tokens for fees.

This is always specific to each network, so you need to know which token is required for transactions in whichever chain you’re using.

As an example, let’s add another network: open “Add Network” again and connect it via Chainlist.

Here I see Polygon, so I click “Add.” This network also has its own token used for paying fees. Once I switch my active network to Polygon, all transaction fees will be paid in MATIC, since MATIC is the native coin of the Polygon chain.

This is essentially the main global difference between networks — each one uses a different coin for paying transaction fees. In Layer 2 networks, the fees are paid in ETH. For example, in Optimism, all fees are paid in ETH, just like in the Ethereum mainnet.

Another important point is the address. Your wallet address will always remain the same across all networks within one account. For example, here’s my address: it stays identical whether I’m on Base, Blast, or Polygon. Only the network changes, not the address.

Later in the course, I’ll show how to buy cryptocurrency via P2P on centralized exchanges and how withdrawals work across different networks. The key thing to remember: in MetaMask, your account address is always the same across all supported networks. Of course, you can create a new account, which will generate a new address, but for now, you don’t need to.

I’ve already made a detailed overview of MetaMask in the “Wallets” module, where I explain all the main features. One more important note: almost all networks that you can add to MetaMask have very low transaction fees — except Ethereum.

In Ethereum, fees can range from $3 to $15 per transaction. This is because Ethereum is the first and most heavily used blockchain, where the issue of high fees has not yet been fully solved. That’s why Layer 2 solutions were created — to offload the main network.

For example, in Arbitrum the fee can be as low as $0.01, in Base around $0.01–0.02, in Avalanche $0.15–0.20, and in Polygon about $0.05. Almost all networks supported by MetaMask are cheap to use, except for Ethereum.

In the next post, I’ll show step by step how to buy cryptocurrency on a centralized exchange (like Bybit), how to withdraw it to your wallet, which network to use, and what to keep in mind during the process.

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

Before I show you how to buy cryptocurrency using a P2P exchange on a centralized platform, let’s briefly talk about blockchain networks and how they work in your wallet.

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Core Wallet Default Networks​

By default, the Core wallet supports:

• Ethereum blockchain
• Avalanche blockchain
• Bitcoin blockchain (runs on its own separate chain)

Ethereum and Avalanche share the same architecture, so they use the same address format.
Switching between them won’t change your wallet address.

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Adding New Networks​

You can add many other networks to your wallet as you explore the Web3 ecosystem.

• Each blockchain has its own:
  • Fees
  • Transaction speed
  • Features

For example:

• Polygon runs on Ethereum’s architecture.
• Adding it is simple — press “Connect” in the wallet, and details fill in automatically.
• Once confirmed, Polygon appears in your wallet’s list of networks.
• Your address remains the same across Ethereum, Avalanche, and Polygon — but the networks are different.

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Transaction Fees and Native Tokens​

The most important difference between blockchains is the token used for paying fees:

• Ethereum → ETH
• Avalanche → AVAX
• Polygon → MATIC
• Optimism → ETH (since it’s built on Ethereum)

Every transaction (send, swap, transfer) requires fees in the native token of the network.

Example:
If you want to transfer assets on Avalanche, you must hold AVAX to pay the fee, even if you’re sending USDT or another token.

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Tools and Features Across Networks​

Blockchains also differ in their ecosystem tools:

• Some apps may exist on Ethereum but not on Avalanche, and vice versa.
• By connecting to multiple blockchains, you expand your options and work more efficiently in Web3.

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Fee Levels: Why It Matters​

• On Ethereum, fees are relatively high (≈ $15–20 per transaction).
• On other blockchains (e.g., Polygon, Avalanche), fees can be just a few cents (≈ $0.05–0.15).

If your deposit is small, using low-fee networks helps you save significantly and trade more efficiently.

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Key Takeaway​

• Your wallet can hold multiple networks with the same address format (Ethereum, Avalanche, Polygon).
• Always keep some of the native token for fees.
• By strategically choosing blockchains, you can reduce costs and unlock more tools in DeFi.

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What’s Next​

In the next post, I’ll show you how to:

• Buy cryptocurrency using P2P exchange on a centralized platform
• Withdraw assets to your wallet using one of the connected networks

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

In this post, I’ll show you how to buy cryptocurrency using the first method — through an exchange service with payment by bank card.

We’ll use an exchange monitoring platform to find the best exchanger.
Use only the verified link (in the description of this post). Phishing sites often copy domains with just one letter changed, and many people lose money this way. Bookmark the correct site immediately to avoid scams.

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Step 1: Select the Exchange Direction​

1. Open the monitoring platform.
2. On the left side (“You give”), select your national currency (e.g., $100).
3. On the right side (“You receive”), select Bitcoin (BTC).
4. A list of exchangers that support this direction will appear.

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Step 2: Choose a Reliable Exchanger​

The monitoring service shows details for each exchanger:

• Minimum and maximum trade limits
• Exchange rate
• Total reserves
• Number of user reviews
• Age of the exchanger (how long it’s been operating)

Tips:​

• For small amounts (e.g., $100), choose an exchanger with a low minimum entry.
• Always prefer services with many positive reviews and large reserves.
• Longevity matters — a platform operating for years is more trustworthy.

Sometimes rates differ slightly. For small purchases, reliability is more important than saving a few cents. For larger amounts ($1,000+), always pick the exchanger with both the best rate and strong reviews.

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Step 3: Fill Out the Exchange Form​

On the exchanger’s site:

1. Make sure the direction is set (Your Currency → Bitcoin).
2. Enter the amount (e.g., $100).
3. The system instantly shows how much BTC you’ll receive.
4. Enter your bank card number for payment.
5. Enter your email address (to receive transaction updates).
6. Enter your Bitcoin wallet address:
   • Open your wallet app → select Bitcoin → Receive → copy address.
   • Paste it into the exchanger form.
   • Always double-check the first and last 5 characters to avoid errors.

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Step 4: Make the Payment​

1. Click Exchange.
2. Some services may ask you to slightly adjust the amount (e.g., $105 instead of $100).
3. The exchanger provides recipient card details.
4. Send the money from your banking app exactly as shown.
5. After payment, click “I have paid” on the exchanger’s site.

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Step 5: Wait for the Transaction​

• The exchanger confirms receipt of your funds.
• Processing usually takes 5–15 minutes.
• Once processed, the transaction is broadcast to the Bitcoin blockchain (15–30 minutes for confirmations).

Your BTC will then arrive in your wallet.

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Example Result​

• Amount exchanged: $100
• BTC received: 0.00047 BTC (~$47.24 value in this example)
• Confirmation: Shows up in wallet after at least 1 block confirmation.

⚡ Important:
Sometimes your wallet may show “0” balance at first.

• This means the transaction is pending confirmation.
• Once it’s included in a block, your balance updates automatically.

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Step 6: Apply the Same Process for Other Coins​

You can also buy:

• Ethereum (ETH)
• Polygon (MATIC)
• Stablecoins (USDT, USDC, etc.)
• Other altcoins

When buying tokens like USDT:

• ERC-20 → requires an Ethereum address.
• BEP-20 → requires a BNB Smart Chain address.

Make sure your wallet supports the network before pasting the address.
(Network configuration will be explained in a future lesson.)

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Summary​

Buying crypto through an exchanger with a bank card is:

• ✅ Simple
• ✅ Fast
• ✅ Beginner-friendly

But always:

• Use a verified monitoring platform
• Double-check your wallet address
• Pick exchangers with good reviews and high reserves

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What’s Next​

In the next post, I’ll explain how to:

• Buy cryptocurrency via P2P exchange on centralized platforms
• Withdraw assets directly to your own non-custodial wallet

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

Why Start with MetaMask?​

Your first non-custodial wallet should be MetaMask.
It’s the foundation for understanding how wallets work, and nearly everyone in crypto begins with it.

Later, as you progress, you’ll explore other wallets (hardware, mobile, multi-chain, Bitcoin-only, etc.), but MetaMask gives you the core experience you need.

On our platform:

• The “Security Basics” module explains how wallets, mnemonic phrases, and private keys function.
• The “Crypto Wallets” module provides reviews of wallets I personally use, so you can choose the right mix for yourself.

But first — let’s set up MetaMask.

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Installing MetaMask​

MetaMask works as a browser extension. Supported browsers include:

• Chrome (recommended)
• Opera
• Yandex Browser
• Brave
• Firefox

Always download MetaMask from the official website (link at the bottom of this post) to avoid phishing.

Steps:​

1. Visit the official MetaMask website.
2. Click Download for your browser.
3. Install the extension and confirm with Add Extension.
4. Accept MetaMask’s Terms of Use.
5. Click Create a New Wallet.

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Initial Setup​

1. Data Collection Prompt

   • MetaMask asks to share anonymous usage data.
   • Click No, thanks (not needed).

2. Language

   • You can switch the interface language.
   • I strongly recommend using English for crypto.
   • Translations are often inaccurate, and nearly all documentation and tools in crypto are English-first.

3. Password Creation

   • Set a strong password.
   • This protects your local app only.
   • If forgotten, you can reset MetaMask and restore access with your mnemonic phrase.

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Securing Your Wallet​

1. MetaMask prompts you to Secure Your Wallet.

   • Click Secure My Wallet.

2. You’ll be shown a 12-word mnemonic phrase.

   • This phrase is your private key in human-readable form.
   • It is the only way to recover your wallet on a new device.

3. Write it down on paper — never store it digitally.

   • ❌ Do not screenshot.
   • ❌ Do not save in browser bookmarks or on cloud storage.
   • ✅ Write on paper and store it safely offline.

4. MetaMask will ask you to confirm by re-entering several words.

   • Enter the correct words.
   • Click Confirm.

Your wallet is now successfully created.

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After Setup​

• MetaMask shows some basic usage instructions.
• You can close the pop-ups.
• Your first non-custodial wallet is ready.

⚡ Remember: Whoever has your mnemonic phrase has full control over your wallet.
Keep it secret, keep it safe.

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Other Wallet Mentions​

In some posts, you may see examples using CryptoWallet (Korvalut) or other wallets instead of MetaMask.

• This wallet supports Bitcoin and has a slightly different interface.
• The setup process is similar to MetaMask.

Over time, you’ll likely need multiple wallets:

• One for Ethereum/DeFi (MetaMask)
• One for Bitcoin (e.g., Bitcoin Core or hardware wallet)
• One hardware wallet for long-term cold storage

Never rely on a single wallet. A diversified wallet setup is safer and more practical.

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What’s Next​

Now that you’ve set up MetaMask:

• In the next lesson, we’ll explain networks:
  • What they are
  • How they differ
  • How to configure MetaMask properly for multiple blockchains and DeFi tools

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

What Is a Crypto Wallet?​

To use cryptocurrency, you’ll need your own wallet.
A crypto wallet is a tool that allows you to store funds and interact with the crypto ecosystem (send, receive, swap, stake, etc.).

All wallets fall into two main categories:

1. Custodial wallets
2. Non-custodial wallets

This is the most important classification in crypto.

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Custodial Wallets​

What They Are​

Custodial wallets are services offered by centralized platforms (mainly exchanges).
You create an account, link your phone number, provide personal data, and pass verification (KYC).

Essentially, you’re using someone else’s infrastructure to hold your crypto.

How They Work​

• You deposit funds into the exchange.
• The platform manages your assets on your behalf.
• You access them through your login and password.

Key Risks​

• You don’t fully control your funds.
• The exchange can:
  • Freeze your account
  • Block transactions
  • Restrict withdrawals due to regulations or sanctions

Best practice:
Use custodial platforms only for buying crypto → then immediately withdraw to your own wallet.

Examples​

• Binance
• Bitget
• Crypto.com
• Coinbase

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Non-Custodial Wallets​

What They Are​

Non-custodial wallets are the best type of wallet in crypto.
They give you full control over your funds without relying on third parties.

• No one can freeze your account.
• No one can block your transactions.
• Sanctions or restrictions on exchanges don’t affect you.

How They Work​

• When you create a wallet, you receive a mnemonic phrase (12 or 24 words).
• No email, phone number, or KYC required.
• This phrase is literally the key to your funds.

Example: A 12-word phrase (e.g., apple road shadow …).

• Write it down on paper and store it safely offline.
• Anyone with your phrase can access your funds.
• If you lose it, your funds are lost forever.

Examples​

• MetaMask (multi-currency, popular in DeFi)
• Bitcoin Core (single-currency, BTC only)
• Trezor (hardware wallet for maximum security)

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Wallet Subcategories​

Beyond custodial vs. non-custodial, wallets can be:

• Single-currency wallets → support only one asset (e.g., Bitcoin Core, Ethereum wallets).
• Multi-currency wallets → support many assets in one interface (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet, hardware wallets).
• Hardware wallets → physical devices for cold storage (e.g., Trezor, Ledger).
• Mobile/Browser wallets → apps or extensions for daily use and DeFi interactions.

For working with the crypto ecosystem, you’ll need a non-custodial wallet — and ideally, more than one (e.g., one for active trading, one for long-term storage).

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What’s Next​

In the next post, I’ll show you:

• How to create your own non-custodial wallet
• How to use it correctly
• The essentials of safe storage

After that, we’ll cover how to buy cryptocurrency and withdraw it to your own address.

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