Ethereum wallet service MetaMask launches a mobile app

September 4, 2020
By Sam Grant

Blockchain software company ConsenSys has finally released a mobile application for its Ethereum MetaMask wallet

The crypto wallet previously made use of a browser extension to support its ecosystem. It is because of this reason that the wallet was not widely used on mobile devices despite being an essential tool for crypto users. However, that will change soon as ConsenSys announced it had brought a MetaMask application supported on both Android and iOS platforms.

Up until now, MetaMask has only been available as a web-browser [Chrome and Firefox] extension. It is one of the most popular crypto wallets, having been downloaded over four million times.

The MetaMask mobile application will have slight differences compared to its desktop version. The app comes with functionalities such as the ability to manage digital assets and explore several dApps.

Migrating to the mobile application is a breeze. All that a user needs to do is generate a QR code in the desktop and scan it using the phone. The process allows users to import their whole transaction history to the mobile.

MetaMask Mobile also features an important functionality — the ability to purchase ether directly in the app. Some of the payment methods supported include Apple Pay and debit cards. This feature comes in handy, especially for users looking to interact with decentralised finance applications as it eliminates the complications that are usually present.

Note that the payment methods available will vary based on the user’s country. The app also comes with the ability to generate passwords & keys for dApps in addition to a key vault and secure login.

In addition to managing their crypto wallets, MetaMask users will also be able to sign messages, store non-fungible tokens, and even play blockchain-powered games on their mobile devices.

On the other hand, some of the features present in the desktop version that will be absent in the mobile app include support for Ledger and Trezor hardware.

Joseph Lubin, ConsenSys creator and Ethereum co-founder, explained, “What smartphones have done for Web2, we believe MetaMask Mobile will do for Web3. ConsenSys also revealed that it had officially acquired Quorum.