metamask demo account: There isn't a one-click demo mode. Use a testnet (Goerli/Sepolia), faucet ETH, or run a local node (see local development) to simulate trades without real funds.
(Short answers above. Keep reading for step-by-step fixes and reproductions.)
Step-by-step fixes
How to safely delete/uninstall MetaMask (metamask delete wallet)
- Backup your seed phrase now. Write it down on paper (offline). Not in email or cloud. And yes, do that before anything else.
- Export any imported accounts' private keys if you plan to move them to another app (Settings → Account → Export Private Key). Do this on a secure machine.
- On desktop: Remove the extension (browser → extensions → remove). Optionally clear site data for the extension to purge cached info.
- On mobile: Go to your phone settings or long-press the app icon to uninstall.
Removing MetaMask from a device does not move funds. Funds remain on-chain tied to the private keys. See remove-uninstall for a deeper guide.
Restore a deleted wallet (metamask deleted my wallet)
- Confirm the on-chain balance: copy your wallet address (if you have it) and check a block explorer (search by address).
- If you have your seed phrase: Install MetaMask and choose "Import using seed phrase" (enter exactly). Create a strong password and verify addresses.
- If you only have private keys for imported accounts: use Import Account → Private Key.
- If you have neither: review browser profiles, check other devices, and consult recover-lost-wallets.
Common pitfall: the tokens are present but hidden because you’re on the wrong network. Check network selection and use add-custom-tokens-to-metamask.
Close a dApp connection (metamask close connection)
- Open MetaMask (extension or mobile).
- Go to the account menu → Connected Sites (or Manage Connected Sites).
- Select the site and click Disconnect.
But disconnecting doesn't remove existing token allowances. To revoke approvals, follow the steps at token-approvals-and-revoke.
Create a demo/test account (metamask demo account)
Want to experiment without real ETH? Two options:
- Use a testnet: Switch network to Goerli or Sepolia in MetaMask, then request test ETH from a faucet. Try swaps on testnet DEXs.
- Isolate a burner account: Create a separate MetaMask vault or import a throwaway private key (see multiple-accounts-and-burner-wallets).
If you run a local node or Ganache, connect with a custom RPC. See local-development-ganache-geth.
Troubleshooting checklist — quick fixes
- Did your wallet "disappear" after an update? Check browser profile or reinstall and restore with seed phrase.
- Tokens missing? Switch networks and manually add token contract if needed (add-custom-tokens-to-metamask).
- Transaction stuck? Try cancel or speed up (see cancel-and-speed-up-transactions).
- dApp still authorized? Disconnect in Connected Sites and revoke approvals.
A short checklist like this solves most common problems fast.
Security & backup essentials
- Never paste your seed phrase into a website. Ever.
- Prefer paper or metal backups for seed phrases; cloud backups make you more vulnerable.
- If you export private keys, do it offline and remove the exported file immediately.
- For long-term holdings, consider moving large amounts to hardware wallets (see integrate hardware guides at [/integrate-hardware-ledger-trezor]).
For step-by-step recovery and backup best practices, see backup-and-recovery-seed-phrase and security-and-safety.
My hands-on tests: how I verified these fixes (replicable)
What I did (so you can repeat):
- Installed MetaMask extension and mobile app on separate devices. Created a new vault and wrote down the seed phrase.
- Sent a small test amount on a testnet and confirmed it on a public block explorer.
- Uninstalled app/extension, reinstalled, and restored from the seed phrase — balance and accounts returned.
- Created an imported-account with a private key, removed it, and tested inability to restore without the exported key.
Results: seed phrase restores all derived accounts. Imported accounts require their private keys. Revoke tests: disconnecting a dApp removed site access but did not remove previously granted allowances (so I used the approvals tool to revoke). If you want to replicate: follow the steps in each section above.
Mobile vs Extension vs Hardware — feature comparison
| Feature |
Extension (desktop) |
Mobile app |
Hardware (via MetaMask) |
| dApp browser / in-app browsing |
Partial (injected provider) |
Yes (in-app browser + WalletConnect) |
No (transactions must be signed on device) |
| WalletConnect support |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Built-in swap aggregator |
Yes |
Yes |
Limited (signing via device) |
| Manage Connected Sites |
Yes |
Yes |
Limited |
| Hardware wallet integration |
Can connect |
Can connect |
Native (recommended for cold storage) |
![image: MetaMask connected sites view (placeholder)]()
FAQ (short answers to common searches)
Q: Is it safe to keep crypto in a hot wallet?
A: Hot wallets are convenient for daily DeFi and small balances. For large holdings use a hardware wallet. Follow daily-security-practices and never expose your seed phrase.
Q: How do I revoke token approvals?
A: Disconnect the dApp (Connected Sites) and use an approvals manager (see token-approvals-and-revoke). Revoking costs gas.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone?
A: If you have your seed phrase you can restore on another device. If not, funds are likely lost. See lost-phone-reset-recovery.
Conclusion & next steps
If your immediate problem is a missing wallet, start by confirming on-chain balances and locating your seed phrase. But don't panic if things look wrong — most issues are recoverable with the right backup. For step-by-step walkthroughs, try the setup and recovery pages: create-metamask-wallet, recover-lost-wallets, and remove-uninstall.
Want hands-on guidance? Follow the step-by-step repair paths above and run the same quick tests I used (backup → uninstall → restore). If you'd like a specific checklist for your device or scenario, ask and I’ll walk you through it.
(And one last practical tip: keep a tiny amount of ETH in a secondary burner account for gas testing before moving larger balances.)
