MetaMask is really a well-known wallet for Ethereum-enabled distributed applications (dApps). But could MetaMask hold Bitcoin (BTC), which continues to be the largest cryptocurrency?
For a lot of crypto investors, Bitcoin is an integral part of the portfolio. Besides becoming an investment asset, Bitcoin may also be used like a payment method. Because of wallets for example MetaMask, having to pay via blockchain technologies have become much simpler. This Ethereum crypto wallet enables countless investors to sign up in everything the crypto market provides. Despite the fact that Ether (ETH) is an extremely popular way of payment, many people buy Bitcoin.
Related: So how exactly does Bitcoin work and why was BTC produced?
However, Bitcoin isn’t the cryptocurrency you consider whenever you discuss purchasing a non-fungible token (NFT) or purchasing decentralized finance (DeFi). Still, there might be situations where you want to use Bitcoin of these actions. So in the following paragraphs, become familiar with how you can store Bitcoin using the MetaMask!
MetaMask crypto wallet
MetaMask is definitely an Ethereum wallet that’s available being an application so that as extra time within the internet browser. Quite simply, MetaMask enables users to keep their private keys after which safely use apps and websites with Ethereum-based DApps and smart contracts. Probably the most popular crypto wallets, MetaMask lately passed the $ 30 million user mark in March 2022. This really is due, partly, towards the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) and nonfungible tokens (NFTs).
Is MetaMask just for Ethereum?
MetaMask is just appropriate for tokens which use the Ethereum blockchain, the so-known as ERC-20 tokens. If you wish to use other tokens (i.e., tokens that aren’t ERC-20 tokens), you’ll have to exchange them for ERC-20 tokens. It might then be easy to store these tokens inside your MetaMask.
A good example of this really is Zcash, a cryptocurrency appropriate to make anonymous transactions. This cryptocurrency isn’t in line with the Ethereum network and it is therefore no ERC-20 token. But by wrapping Zcash tokens, you may still use Zcash.
MetaMask hardware wallet
Protecting cryptocurrencies frequently pops up when individuals begin their crypto research. It’s crucial, and that’s why a great wallet is indispensable. A hardware wallet is frequently suggested because you can use it to keep your cryptocurrencies offline. But is MetaMask additionally a hardware wallet?
MetaMask isn’t a hardware wallet. It’s a software wallet. These wallets will also be known as hot wallets and therefore are attached to the internet. Nevertheless, you may still connect MetaMask to some hardware wallet. By doing this, you may also use MetaMask having a Ledger, the best-known hardware wallet.
To do this, open the ETH application, and choose “Connect Hardware Wallet” to integrate your Ledger hardware wallet into MetaMask. Then, a pop-up window will open, prompting you to select your tool and click “Connect.”
If you use a Ledger using the MetaMask browser extension, the program wallet only functions like a portal and never like a wallet. Your private keys don’t leave the Ledger so they aren’t stored on MetaMask.
Does MetaMask support Bitcoin?
MetaMask supports Bitcoin, but away from the way an exchange wallet accepts the cryptocurrency. Bitcoin isn’t an ERC-20 token, therefore the largest cryptocurrency isn’t recognized directly by MetaMask. However, you will get BTC to your MetaMask ultimately.
That stated, don’t try to transmit Bitcoin straight to your MetaMask. By trying to do this, MetaMask won’t be able to get the token, which can lead to negative effects. You can lose all of the Bitcoin you’ve sent at the same time, which will be a terrible situation!
How you can send Bitcoin to MetaMask?
As you’ve read, it’s not easy to send BTC straight to MetaMask. But it doesn’t mean it’s unattainable Bitcoin to your MetaMask wallet. BTC runs by itself blockchain. About this Bitcoin blockchain, transactions are only able to be delivered to Bitcoin addresses. This is correct not just for Bitcoin but in addition for other blockchains for example Ethereum.
Around the Ethereum blockchain, it is just easy to send Ethereum-related tokens. Delivering Bitcoin within the Ethereum network resembles having to pay using the euro within the U . s . States. The euro isn’t recognized like a currency within the U . s . States, but you should use your euros ultimately. By exchanging these euros, you could get exactly the same value in U.S. dollars and employ this as an approach to payment.
Nevertheless, if you don’t wish to exchange your Bitcoin for Ethereum, there are more solutions. What this means is you need to lock your BTC in one location after which take it towards the Ethereum blockchain like a new token, addressing the Bitcoin locked around the Bitcoin blockchain. This is known as Wrapped BTC (wBTC), meaning Bitcoin being an ERC-20 token.
Related: Bitcoin wallets: A beginners help guide to storing BTC
How you can wrap Bitcoin?
There are many methods to wrap your Bitcoin. Let us take Binance for example. On Binance, BTC and wBTC are a couple of different tokens, so that you can trade them. By hitting “Classic” within the Trade portion of Binance, you’ll be come to the exchange’s buying and selling platform. Here you’ll find the buying and selling pair with Bitcoin tokens. Here you are able to enter the number of WBTC you need to buy and ensure this by hitting Buy WBTC.
What should you not visit your wBTC inside your MetaMask? It is simple to change this with the addition of the wBTC token while using steps below:
MetaMask wallet address
To place your wBTC to operate, the wallet address of the MetaMask is essential and simple to find. By opening the applying and signing in, you’ll reach the primary MetaMask screen. Beneath your account name, you’ll find your specific code, which functions as the address. This address may be used to receive crypto.
You are able to share this code with other people, but never share another codes with anybody. Your login and recovery data should safeguard your assets. If others get these codes, they are able to abuse them and lead you to lose your crypto assets.
MetaMask alternatives
MetaMask is a well-liked software wallet, but there’s also alternative options. Because of all of the different blockchains, several wallets are appropriate just for a particular blockchain. Two examples are the Yoroi wallet of Cardano and the Phantom wallet of Solana.
Several software wallets are appropriate for that ERC-20 tokens around the Ethereum blockchain. The benefit of MetaMask is you can utilize it through websites and also the application. This is when MetaMask distinguishes itself from the competitors.
The Trust Wallet, for instance, is really a much respected software wallet, that you can use like a mobile application instead of MetaMask. The MyEtherWallet and Mist Wallet, two website wallets that accept ERC-20 tokens, will also be popular MetaMask alternatives.
Although MetaMask is easily the most popular all-around software wallet, it never hurts to make use of multiple wallets. Using different wallets is a kind of risk management strategy. By utilizing multiple wallets, you won’t lose all of your crypto assets when just one wallet is hacked.
