Whether it’s due to security concerns, forgetting your current password, or safety measures to periodically change it for stronger protection, whatever the reason, if you’re looking to change your MetaMask password, you can do it conveniently. MetaMask is a self-custodial wallet that allows you to store your passwords and personal data on any server of your choice. It is available as software and a browser extension, respectively, for mobile devices and computers. You can install the software on your mobile device or use it on your computer as a browser extension. Every MetaMask installation and device use is protected with a password locally. With the help of your secret recovery phrase, you can conveniently change your MetaMask password. This write-up provides you with simple processes that allow you to change your MetaMask password.
- If you know your current password, then you need to follow these steps:
- Open MetaMask (browser extension or mobile app).
- Log in with your current password.
- Click on your account icon (top right corner).
- Go to Settings > Security & Privacy.
- Click on Change Password.
- Enter your current password, then your new password.
- Confirm the new password and click Change.
- If You Forgot Your Password:
If you forget your MetaMask password, then you need to reset it using the Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP). Your 2-word Secret Recovery Phrase is the key to recovering your account wallet. Make sure you keep it safe and secure in a secure place where you can easily access it. Also, never save it on a software device. Here are the simple steps that you need to follow to change your MetaMask password:
- On the login screen, click “Forgot password?”
- Click “Restore using Secret Recovery Phrase”.
- Enter your 12-word phrase in the correct order.
- Set a new password.
- Click Restore.
- Desktop (Browser Extension)
- Lock MetaMask if it’s currently unlocked.
- On the unlock screen, click “Forgot password?”
- Enter your 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase, all in lowercase, in the correct order.
- Choose a new password and confirm it.
- Click Restore.
- MetaMask will decrypt your vault and recreate all accounts derived from that SRP.
- Mobile App
Lock the app from the sidebar (Settings → Lock).
On the unlock screen, tap “Reset Wallet”.
Confirm by tapping “I understand, continue”, then type “delete my wallet”.
You’ll be taken to the setup screen—tap “Import using Secret Recovery Phrase” to enter your SRP and create a new password.
What Happens When You Reset Your Password Using a Secret Recovery Phrase?
When you reset the password using your secret recovery phrase in that situation, you will only be able to recover or restore deterministic accounts. These are accounts that you originally generated in MetaMask using the SRP. These are part of your default MetaMask wallet structure. The accounts that you added to your wallet by importing a private key, a JSON file, or by connecting a Ledger or Trezor are not tied to your Secret Recovery Phrase. So, when you change your password using SRP, MetaMask won’t restore these accounts automatically to your accounts. You have to re-import those accounts manually once you have restored the deterministic accounts using the Secret Recovery Phrase. If you don’t have a private key or access to the hardware wallets for imported accounts, then you won’t be able to recover them with your SRP. Therefore:
- For private key imports, you’ll need to re-enter the private key.
- For JSON file imports, you’ll need the JSON file and its password.
- For hardware wallets, you’ll need to reconnect the hardware wallet and follow the prompts to re-add the accounts.
What are the Safety Tips You Need to Keep in Mind?
There are some safety tips that you need to keep in mind and actively apply when you are changing your account wallet. It will keep your accounts safe and secure from mishaps and upcoming damages. Here they are:
- Back up your Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP) offline. Make multiple copies of it and keep them in different places so that you can easily access them in case you forget the one location. Never save it on your phone, cloud, or any digital device that uses the internet.
- Export private keys for imported accounts. You won’t be able to restore imported accounts with the help of SRP. To restore them, you need to do it manually by using the private key.
- While changing or resetting the password, make sure you use a safe and trusted device. Make sure your device is free of malware and properly equipped with online security software such as antivirus, VPN, and a Firewall. Most importantly, it is highly recommended that you avoid public internet or freely available WiFi networks to open and browse the Web3 ecosystem.
- Use official MetaMask links only to access and open your wallets. There may be third-party platforms or links coming from unknown resources. You have avoided them and use only the official and legitimate resources to access and browse your MetaMask facilities.
- Set long, strong, and unique passwords to protect your wallet accounts. Avoid simple and easily guessable passwords to secure your accounts. Do not repeat the same passwords to protect multiple accounts. Do not share your access keys with anyone.
