Before you start learning how to send crypto from MetaMask, run this short checklist. It only takes a minute and avoids most mistakes:
Short and practical. What if you paste the wrong address? Test with a small amount first. But you can do more than guess—read the safety checks below.
Step-by-step guide for the browser extension (desktop):
Image:
Tip: If a transaction gets stuck you can use Replace (speed up) or Cancel from the pending transaction menu.
This answers "how do I send ETH from my MetaMask wallet" for mobile users. Mobile flows prioritize quick actions and often include a QR scanner.
In my experience the mobile app makes small, everyday transfers faster, especially when you're scanning a QR code at a meetup or moving funds between your own accounts. And yes, I've accidentally sent ETH to the wrong network—here's what happened: I selected a different network and the transaction failed (or the funds were locked depending on the destination). Always double-check the network.
See the differences between desktop and mobile at metamask-mobile-vs-desktop and the full mobile setup at metamask-mobile-guide.
Sending ERC-20 tokens is similar to sending ETH, but there are two extra considerations:
Token allowance (token approval) comes into play when interacting with dApps: granting permission to spend tokens is separate from sending tokens. If you want to revoke or audit allowances before sending or interacting, check revoke-approvals.
MetaMask exposes EIP-1559 style fee controls: you typically set a Max Fee and a Priority Fee (tip). The network determines the base fee component (which is burned). Want to save money? Use L2s or wait for lower congestion. (See layer2-and-transfers for guidance.)
Short tip: if a transaction is urgent, increase the priority fee; if it can wait, choose a lower priority and monitor pending status.
A practical pre-send checklist — do these every time:
What I've found: a tiny test (like $1 worth) catches most mistakes. But if you already approved a dApp, check allowances and revoke when necessary (revoke-approvals).
If you want a deeper check, simulate the transaction (see transaction-simulation) before sending.
| Problem | Likely cause | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| "Insufficient funds for gas" | No native token to pay gas | Send a small amount of native token first (receive-crypto) |
| Transaction stuck | Low priority fee or pending nonce | Speed up or replace the tx from the pending menu |
| Wrong network / chain mismatch | Sending token on wrong network | Double-check network, and use a bridge if you meant cross-chain (see bridging-overview) |
| Token not showing | Custom token not added | Add via add-custom-token |
Who this fits:
Who should look elsewhere or add hardware for large balances:
Q: Is it safe to keep crypto in a hot wallet? A: Hot wallets are convenient for daily activity but carry more risk than cold storage. I keep spending money in a hot wallet and the majority of funds in an offline solution. Balance convenience and self-custody based on how much you hold.
Q: How do I revoke token approvals? A: Use an allowance/revoke tool (or MetaMask permissions page) to see current approvals, then revoke any unlimited or unused allowances. See revoke-approvals for step-by-step guidance.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone? A: If you've safely stored your seed phrase, you can restore your account on a new device. If not, funds are likely unrecoverable. See lost-phone and seed-phrase-backup-and-recovery.
Sending crypto with MetaMask is straightforward once you get the checks right: confirm network, verify address, and watch gas fees. Test with small transfers if you're unsure, and consider hardware wallet integration for large balances. In my experience, those three habits prevent most common mistakes.
Ready to learn more? Check guides on transactions and gas, how to swap, or bridge-on-mobile next.
But remember: double-check before you confirm. Safe sending!