Wallets

A Web3 wallet stores your private keys and lets you interact with blockchains. This guide covers what wallets are, how to get one, and how to stay safe.

What a Wallet Actually Is

Despite the name, a wallet doesn't "hold" your tokens. Your tokens live on the blockchain. What the wallet holds is the private key that proves you own them and lets you send them.

Think of it like this: the blockchain is a giant ledger that says "address X owns 100 tokens." Your wallet holds the key that proves you control address X.

Types of Wallets

Browser extensions are the most common. They live in your browser and pop up when a site needs you to sign something. Examples: MetaMask, Phantom, Coinbase Wallet.

Mobile apps work on your phone. Many browser extension wallets also have mobile versions. Examples: MetaMask Mobile, Phantom Mobile, Rainbow.

Hardware wallets are physical devices that store your keys offline. They're the most secure option for large amounts. Examples: Ledger, Trezor.

Getting a Wallet

For EVM Chains (Base, Optimism, Ethereum)

MetaMask is the most popular:

1. Go to metamask.io
2. Download the browser extension
3. Click "Create a Wallet"
4. Set a password
5. Write down your seed phrase on paper (not digitally)
6. Confirm your seed phrase

Your wallet is ready. Your address appears at the top of the extension.

For Solana

Phantom is the most popular:

1. Go to phantom.app
2. Download the browser extension
3. Click "Create New Wallet"
4. Set a password
5. Write down your recovery phrase
6. Confirm your recovery phrase

Your Seed Phrase

When you create a wallet, you get a seed phrase: 12 or 24 random words. This is the master key to your wallet.

Write it on paper and store it somewhere safe. If you lose access to your wallet, the seed phrase is the only way to recover it. If someone else gets your seed phrase, they can steal everything.

Connecting to Sites

When you visit a Web3 app, it will ask to "connect" your wallet. This is safe, it just lets the site see your public address. The site cannot take your funds just by connecting.

What's safe:

• Connecting your wallet (sharing your address)
• Signing messages to prove you own the address

What requires caution:

• Signing transactions that send tokens
• Approving token spending permissions

Always read what you're signing. If something looks suspicious, reject it.

Addresses

Your wallet has an address: a unique identifier on the blockchain.

EVM addresses look like: 0x1234...abcd (starts with 0x, followed by 40 hex characters)

Solana addresses look like: 7Gy4eE...9kD3 (base58 encoded, usually 32-44 characters)

Your address is public. Share it freely when you need to receive tokens. It's like an email address, not a password.

Switching Networks

EVM wallets can connect to multiple chains (Ethereum, Base, Optimism, etc.) using the same address and seed phrase. You just switch networks in the wallet.

In MetaMask:

1. Click the network dropdown at the top
2. Select the network you want
3. If the network isn't listed, click "Add Network" and enter the details

Solana wallets switch between Mainnet and Devnet in settings.

Getting Tokens

To do anything on a blockchain, you need tokens:

Native tokens for gas: You need ETH (on EVM chains) or SOL (on Solana) to pay transaction fees. Without gas, you can't send transactions.

Other tokens: For voting or receiving awards, you might need USDC or other tokens. These are transferred like any other token.

Where to get tokens:

• Centralized exchanges (Coinbase, Binance) let you buy crypto and withdraw to your wallet
• You can receive tokens from other people who send to your address
• For testnets, use faucets (free test tokens)

Security Basics

Use a strong, unique password for your wallet.

Secure your seed phrase on paper, stored safely offline. Consider a fireproof safe or safety deposit box for significant amounts.

Verify URLs carefully. Phishing sites look identical to real ones. Bookmark the sites you use.

Start small. When trying something new, test with a small amount first.

Consider a hardware wallet if you're holding significant value. They keep your keys offline, protected from malware.

Review connected sites periodically. Revoke connections you don't use anymore.

Common Issues

"Wallet not detected" - Make sure the browser extension is installed and enabled. Try refreshing the page.

"Wrong network" - Switch to the correct network in your wallet settings.

"Insufficient funds for gas" - You need the chain's native token (ETH, SOL) to pay for transactions, even if you have other tokens.

"Transaction failed" - Could be many causes: not enough gas, network congestion, or contract issues. Try again or increase the gas limit.

Next Steps

Understanding Chains →