Setup Your Wallet

Learn how to install and configure MetaMask to connect with KhipuVault on the Mezo testnet.

Prerequisites

• A computer with Chrome, Firefox, or Brave browser
• Basic understanding of what cryptocurrency wallets are
• 5-10 minutes of time

What You'll Learn

By the end of this tutorial, you will:

• Install MetaMask browser extension
• Create a new wallet and secure your seed phrase
• Add Mezo testnet network to MetaMask
• Get testnet tokens for transaction fees
• Connect your wallet to KhipuVault

Step 1: Install MetaMask

Download the Extension

1. Visit metamask.io
2. Click "Download" in the top right
3. Select your browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Brave)
4. Click "Install MetaMask for [Your Browser]"
5. Click "Add to [Browser]" in the extension store

Verify Installation

After installation, you should see:

• MetaMask fox icon in your browser toolbar
• A welcome screen from MetaMask

Step 2: Create Your Wallet

Setup Process

1. Click the MetaMask icon in your browser toolbar
2. Click "Get Started"
3. Choose "Create a new wallet"
4. Agree to the terms and conditions
5. Create a strong password (at least 12 characters)
6. Click "Create a new wallet"

Secure Your Seed Phrase

This is the most important step:

1. MetaMask will show you a 12-word seed phrase
2. Click "Reveal Secret Recovery Phrase"
3. Write down all 12 words in order on paper
4. Store this paper in a secure location (fireproof safe, safety deposit box)
5. Click "Next"
6. Confirm your seed phrase by selecting words in the correct order
7. Click "Confirm"

Seed Phrase Best Practices

• Write it on paper, not digitally
• Make 2-3 copies and store in different secure locations
• Never take photos of your seed phrase
• Never store it in email, cloud storage, or messaging apps
• Consider using a metal backup plate for fire/water resistance

Step 3: Add Mezo Testnet Network

Automatic Setup (Recommended)

1. Visit app.khipuvault.com
2. Click "Connect Wallet"
3. Select MetaMask
4. Approve the connection in MetaMask popup
5. When prompted, click "Add Network" for Mezo testnet
6. Click "Approve" to add the network
7. Click "Switch Network" to use Mezo testnet

Manual Setup (Alternative)

If automatic setup doesn't work:

1. Open MetaMask
2. Click the network dropdown (top center)
3. Click "Add Network"
4. Click "Add a network manually"
5. Enter the following details:

Network Name: Mezo Testnet
RPC URL: https://rpc.test.mezo.org
Chain ID: 31611
Currency Symbol: BTC
Block Explorer URL: https://explorer.test.mezo.org

6. Click "Save"
7. Switch to Mezo Testnet in the network dropdown

Step 4: Get Testnet Tokens

You need testnet BTC for transaction fees (gas).

Using the Faucet

1. Copy your wallet address from MetaMask (click the address at top to copy)
2. Visit the Mezo Testnet Faucet
3. Paste your wallet address
4. Complete the CAPTCHA
5. Click "Request Testnet BTC"
6. Wait 1-2 minutes for tokens to arrive

Verify Receipt

1. Open MetaMask
2. Check your balance (should show testnet BTC)
3. If you don't see tokens after 5 minutes, try the faucet again

Alternative Faucets

If the official faucet is down, try these alternatives:

• Alchemy Faucet
• QuickNode Faucet

Step 5: Connect to KhipuVault

First Connection

1. Visit app.khipuvault.com
2. Click "Connect Wallet" in the top right
3. Select "MetaMask" from the wallet options
4. Review the connection request in MetaMask
5. Click "Connect"
6. Approve the network switch to Mezo Testnet if prompted

Understanding Permissions

When connecting, you're giving KhipuVault permission to:

• View your wallet address
• Request transaction signatures
• View your token balances

KhipuVault CANNOT:

• Move funds without your approval
• Access your seed phrase or private keys
• Make transactions without your signature

Troubleshooting

MetaMask Won't Install

Problem: Extension won't add to browser

Solutions:

• Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave)
• Disable other wallet extensions temporarily
• Clear browser cache and try again
• Restart your browser

Can't See Mezo Testnet

Problem: Network doesn't appear in MetaMask

Solutions:

• Try manual network setup (see Step 3)
• Verify you entered the Chain ID correctly (31611)
• Update MetaMask to the latest version
• Clear MetaMask activity data: Settings → Advanced → Clear activity tab data

Faucet Tokens Not Arriving

Problem: No testnet BTC after requesting from faucet

Solutions:

• Wait 5-10 minutes (blockchain can be slow)
• Verify you're on Mezo Testnet network
• Try an alternative faucet
• Check you copied the correct wallet address

Connection to KhipuVault Fails

Problem: Can't connect wallet to app

Solutions:

• Refresh the KhipuVault page
• Disconnect wallet in MetaMask: Settings → Connected sites → Disconnect
• Try connecting again
• Clear browser cache
• Disable ad blockers temporarily

Security Best Practices

Do's

• Keep your seed phrase offline and secure
• Use a hardware wallet for large amounts (Ledger, Trezor)
• Enable password/biometric lock on your device
• Keep MetaMask and your browser updated
• Verify URLs before connecting (app.khipuvault.com)
• Use different wallets for testing vs. mainnet

Don'ts

• Never share your seed phrase or private key
• Don't connect to unknown websites
• Don't keep large amounts in hot wallets
• Never enter your seed phrase on websites
• Don't click suspicious links in emails or messages
• Never share screenshots containing seed phrases

Next Steps

Now that your wallet is set up, you're ready to start using KhipuVault:

Additional Resources

• MetaMask Support
• Mezo Network Documentation
• KhipuVault Security Guide
• Video Tutorial: Wallet Setup