How do I know if my MetaMask wallet is connected?

To know if your MetaMask wallet is connected, check the dApp interface for your wallet address and balance.

Checking the MetaMask Icon

Browser Toolbar Icon

To verify if your MetaMask wallet is connected through the browser toolbar icon:

• Visible Icon:
  • Ensure the MetaMask fox icon is visible in your browser’s toolbar.
  • If not visible, click the puzzle piece icon (Extensions) and pin MetaMask to the toolbar.
• Connected Status:
  • Click on the MetaMask icon. A connected wallet will display your account balance and network information.
  • Look for any error messages or prompts indicating connection issues.
• Network Indicator:
  • Check the network indicator at the top of the MetaMask window. It should show the network you are connected to (e.g., Ethereum Mainnet).

Mobile App Status

To verify if your MetaMask wallet is connected on the mobile app:

• App Icon:
  • Open the MetaMask app on your mobile device. Ensure the app opens without errors.
• Account Information:
  • Upon opening the app, your account information, including balance and recent transactions, should be displayed.
  • If you see a connection error or a prompt to reconnect, follow the instructions provided.
• Network Status:
  • Check the network status displayed at the top of the app screen. It should show the current network you are connected to.

Verifying Account Balance

Viewing Balance in MetaMask

To verify your account balance directly within MetaMask:

• Open MetaMask:
  • Click the MetaMask icon in your browser’s toolbar or open the MetaMask app on your mobile device.
• Select Account:
  • Ensure you are viewing the correct account. If you have multiple accounts, select the one you want to check.
• Check Balance:
  • Your account balance will be displayed prominently on the main screen, showing the amount of Ether (ETH) and any other tokens held in your wallet.

Confirming Balance on Etherscan

To further verify your account balance using Etherscan:

• Copy Wallet Address:
  • In MetaMask, copy your wallet address by clicking on the account name. This action will copy the address to your clipboard.
• Visit Etherscan:
  • Go to Etherscan.io using your web browser.
• Search Wallet Address:
  • Paste your wallet address into the search bar on Etherscan and press enter.
• Review Balance:
  • On the wallet’s Etherscan page, you will see a detailed overview of your account balance, including Ether and any ERC-20 tokens.
• Transaction History:
  • You can also view recent transactions to verify any recent changes to your balance.

Interacting with dApps

Connecting to a dApp

To connect your MetaMask wallet to a decentralized application (dApp):

• Open the dApp:
  • Visit the website of the dApp you want to use. Make sure it’s a trusted site.
• Connect Wallet:
  • Look for a “Connect Wallet” button, usually found on the dApp’s homepage or in the navigation menu.
• Select MetaMask:
  • Click on “Connect Wallet” and choose MetaMask from the list of available wallet options.
• Authorize Connection:
  • A MetaMask pop-up will appear asking you to authorize the connection. Review the details and click “Next” and then “Connect.”

Confirming Connection Status

To confirm that your MetaMask wallet is connected to the dApp:

• Check dApp Interface:
  • The dApp interface should now display your wallet address or account balance, indicating a successful connection.
• MetaMask Notification:
  • MetaMask will show a notification confirming that your wallet is connected to the dApp.
• Network Indicator:
  • Ensure that the network indicated in the dApp matches the network your MetaMask wallet is connected to (e.g., Ethereum Mainnet, Ropsten Testnet).

Transaction History

Viewing Recent Transactions

To view your recent transactions in MetaMask:

• Open MetaMask:
  • Click the MetaMask icon in your browser toolbar or open the MetaMask app on your mobile device.
• Select Account:
  • Ensure you are viewing the correct account. If you have multiple accounts, select the one you want to check.
• Check Transaction History:
  • On the main screen, scroll down to see the list of recent transactions. Each transaction will display details such as the date, amount, and transaction status (e.g., pending, confirmed).

Confirming Transactions on Blockchain

To confirm your transactions on the blockchain using Etherscan:

• Copy Wallet Address:
  • In MetaMask, copy your wallet address by clicking on the account name. This action will copy the address to your clipboard.
• Visit Etherscan:
  • Go to Etherscan.io using your web browser.
• Search Wallet Address:
  • Paste your wallet address into the search bar on Etherscan and press enter.
• Review Transaction History:
  • On the wallet’s Etherscan page, you will see a detailed list of all transactions associated with your address.
• Check Transaction Details:
  • Click on a specific transaction to view more details, including confirmation status, gas fees, and the number of block confirmations.

Network Connection

Ensuring Correct Network Selection

To ensure you are connected to the correct network in MetaMask:

• Open MetaMask:
  • Click the MetaMask icon in your browser toolbar or open the MetaMask app on your mobile device.
• Select Network:
  • At the top of the MetaMask interface, you will see the current network displayed (e.g., Ethereum Mainnet).
  • Click on the network name to open the network selection dropdown.
  • Choose the correct network from the list (e.g., Ethereum Mainnet, Ropsten Testnet, Kovan Testnet). Ensure it matches the network required by the dApp you are using.

Checking Network Status

To check the status of the network you are connected to:

• Network Status Indicator:
  • In MetaMask, the network status indicator should show a green dot next to the network name if the connection is stable.
• Visit Network Status Websites:
  • For Ethereum network status, visit sites like Etherscan, EthGasStation, or Ethereum Network Status to see if there are any reported issues or high congestion.
• Check Social Media and Forums:
  • Check MetaMask’s official Twitter account or community forums for any announcements about network issues or maintenance.

Account Settings

Verifying Connected Sites

To verify which sites are connected to your MetaMask wallet:

• Open MetaMask:
  • Click the MetaMask icon in your browser toolbar or open the MetaMask app on your mobile device.
• Access Account Menu:
  • Click on the account icon (usually a circular icon with your account image) in the top right corner.
• Open Connected Sites:
  • Select “Connected Sites” from the dropdown menu to view a list of websites that have access to your MetaMask wallet.
• Review List:
  • Check the list of connected sites and ensure that only trusted sites have access to your wallet. If you see any unfamiliar or untrusted sites, consider disconnecting them.

Managing Permissions

To manage the permissions of sites connected to your MetaMask wallet:

• Open MetaMask Settings:
  • Click the account icon in the top right corner and select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
• Access Privacy and Security:
  • In the settings menu, navigate to the “Privacy & Security” section.
• Manage Permissions:
  • Click on “Manage Permissions” to see a detailed list of sites and their granted permissions.
• Edit or Revoke Permissions:
  • For each site, you can edit the permissions or completely revoke access if you no longer trust the site. This ensures that only necessary permissions are granted to each site.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Common Connection Problems

When experiencing connection issues with MetaMask, consider these common problems:

• Network Mismatch:
  • Ensure you are connected to the correct network required by the dApp (e.g., Ethereum Mainnet).
• Browser Issues:
  • Browser extensions or settings might interfere with MetaMask. Ensure your browser is up-to-date and disable any conflicting extensions.
• Outdated MetaMask Version:
  • Using an outdated version of MetaMask can cause connectivity issues. Ensure MetaMask is updated to the latest version.
• Cache and Cookies:
  • Corrupted cache and cookies can prevent proper connections. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
• Internet Connectivity:
  • A poor or unstable internet connection can disrupt MetaMask’s functionality. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.

Steps to Reconnect MetaMask

If you encounter connection issues, follow these steps to reconnect MetaMask:

• Refresh the Page:
  • Sometimes, a simple page refresh can resolve connection issues. Press the refresh button or F5 on your keyboard.
• Reconnect Wallet:
  • In the dApp, click the “Disconnect” button if available, then click “Connect Wallet” again and select MetaMask.
• Restart Browser:
  • Close and reopen your browser to clear temporary issues. Ensure no other extensions are interfering with MetaMask.
• Switch Networks:
  • In MetaMask, switch to a different network (e.g., from Ethereum Mainnet to Ropsten Testnet) and then switch back to the correct network.
• Check Browser Permissions:
  • Ensure MetaMask has the necessary permissions in your browser settings. Go to your browser’s settings, find MetaMask under extensions, and verify permissions.
• Reinstall MetaMask:
  • As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall MetaMask. Ensure you have your seed phrase securely stored before uninstalling.