The MetaMask wallet has become a cornerstone of the decentralized web, boasting over 100 million installs and 30 million monthly active users. As one of the most widely adopted Web3 wallets, it powers more than 17,000 dApps and processes around 100 million transactions each month. This massive reach makes MetaMask the go-to platform for developers aiming to engage deeply with active Web3 users across multiple blockchain ecosystems.
To support this growing developer community, MetaMask Developer was created — a unified suite of tools, APIs, and SDKs designed to help onboard millions of engaged Web3 users. Built on the trusted infrastructure of MetaMask and Infura, it provides everything developers need to build secure, scalable, and user-friendly decentralized applications.
What Is the MetaMask Wallet API?
The MetaMask Wallet API is a global JavaScript interface that enables websites to interact directly with users who have the MetaMask wallet installed. This connection is made possible through the window.ethereum provider object, which acts as a bridge between your dApp and the user’s wallet.
Compliant with EIP-1193, the industry-standard specification for Ethereum providers, the MetaMask Wallet API supports essential blockchain operations such as reading on-chain data, requesting transaction signatures, and managing user accounts. Under the hood, it uses the window.ethereum.request(args) method to execute JSON-RPC calls — extending standard Ethereum methods with MetaMask-specific enhancements.
These methods are grouped into five distinct categories:
Ethereum API
Includes standard Ethereum JSON-RPC methods defined by EIP-1193, forming the foundation for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain.
MetaMask-Specific Methods
Unique functions available only in MetaMask, enabling advanced features like token tracking, permission management, and improved sign-in flows.
Snaps
Enables interaction with MetaMask Snaps, a plugin system that allows custom functionality beyond native Ethereum support — including integration with non-EVM blockchains.
Restricted Methods
Require explicit user consent via wallet_requestPermissions, ensuring users remain in control of sensitive actions and data access.
Mobile Methods
Tailored specifically for MetaMask Mobile, these methods unlock native mobile capabilities not available in the browser extension.
For full technical details — including parameters, response formats, and usage examples — developers can explore the interactive API reference documentation provided by MetaMask.
While direct integration using the Wallet API is possible, MetaMask strongly recommends using the MetaMask SDK for a smoother, more robust development experience.
👉 Discover how easy it is to integrate Web3 functionality into your app today.
Why Use the MetaMask Wallet API?
Integrating with the MetaMask Wallet API offers several compelling advantages for developers building modern dApps:
1. Access to MetaMask-Exclusive Features
Leverage battle-tested, wallet-specific methods that streamline critical user interactions. From simplifying connection flows to enabling deep asset tracking and secure message signing, these tools enhance both functionality and usability.
2. Tap Into a Massive Power User Base
With over 30 million monthly active users, MetaMask gives developers immediate access to one of the largest and most engaged Web3 audiences. These are not casual users — they actively participate in DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and governance across chains.
3. Native Cross-Chain Support
MetaMask natively supports all EVM-compatible blockchains. With Snaps, developers can extend support to non-EVM chains like Bitcoin, Solana, Cosmos, Polkadot, Algorand, Sui, and Tezos, creating truly cross-chain dApps without complex middleware.
4. Unified Cross-Platform Integration
Whether you're building for web, mobile (iOS/Android), or even game engines like Unity, the MetaMask SDK ensures consistent behavior across platforms. Integration often requires just a few lines of code, reducing development time and maintenance overhead.
5. Seamless Compatibility with Popular Libraries
The SDK integrates smoothly with leading Web3 libraries such as Wagmi, ethers.js, web3-react, Web3Onboard, WalletConnect, and Web3Auth. This flexibility allows developers to maintain existing workflows while enhancing wallet connectivity.
How to Get Started Building With MetaMask
Getting started with the MetaMask Wallet API is straightforward:
- Ensure your development environment includes a modern JavaScript framework (React, Vue, etc.) or runs in a browser context.
- Check for
window.ethereumavailability when the page loads — this confirms MetaMask is installed. - Request account access using
eth_requestAccounts. - Listen to events like account changes or chain switches for real-time updates.
- Use
ethereum.request()to call any supported method from the API.
For enhanced functionality, adopt the MetaMask SDK, which automatically detects MetaMask instances via EIP-6963 (a standard for enumerating available wallet providers). This eliminates manual detection logic and improves reliability across devices and browsers.
Additionally, the SDK handles deep linking for MetaMask Mobile, enabling seamless redirection from web to app — crucial for mobile-first dApps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do users need to install MetaMask to use my dApp?
A: Yes, but integration is simple. You can guide users to install the MetaMask extension or app directly from your interface. Once installed, they can connect instantly.
Q: Can I use the MetaMask API with non-Ethereum blockchains?
A: Absolutely. While Ethereum is primary, MetaMask supports all EVM-compatible chains (like Polygon, BSC, Arbitrum) out of the box. For non-EVM chains, use Snaps to expand compatibility.
Q: Is user privacy protected when using the Wallet API?
A: Yes. The API follows strict permission models. Sensitive actions require explicit user approval through secure prompts within the wallet interface.
Q: How does the MetaMask SDK differ from direct API use?
A: The SDK abstracts complexity by handling connection logic, provider detection (via EIP-6963), mobile linking, and error handling — making integrations faster and more reliable.
Q: Can I build mobile dApps with the MetaMask Wallet API?
A: Yes. The SDK supports both iOS and Android environments, allowing hybrid or native apps to interact securely with MetaMask Mobile.
👉 Start building your next-generation dApp with powerful Web3 tools now.
Onboard Millions of Web3 Power Users
By integrating the MetaMask Wallet API and leveraging the full power of the MetaMask SDK, developers gain access to an expansive ecosystem of active Web3 participants. These tools simplify onboarding, improve cross-chain interoperability, and deliver a polished user experience — all while maintaining high security standards.
Whether you're launching a DeFi protocol, an NFT marketplace, or a blockchain-based game, connecting with MetaMask means reaching real users who are ready to engage.
Core keywords naturally integrated throughout: MetaMask Wallet API, Web3 dApps, EIP-1193, MetaMask SDK, cross-chain support, JavaScript Ethereum Provider, wallet integration, decentralized applications.
To begin your journey, visit the official MetaMask Developer Portal for comprehensive guides, code templates, tutorials, and best practices tailored for modern Web3 development.
👉 Unlock seamless Web3 integration and elevate your dApp experience now.