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MyEtherWallet: An Introduction
MyEtherWallet: An Introduction

An introduction to MEW and how to interact with your wallet on the Ethereum blockchain.

Brittany avatar
Written by Brittany
Updated over a week ago

MyEtherWallet (MEW) is a non-custodial, open-source, client-side interface that allows users to interact directly with the Ethereum blockchain, staying in full control of their crypto assets. The suite of MEW tools includes MEW Portfolio, MEW Mobile for iOS and Android, and the multichain browser wallet extension Enkrypt.

What can I do with MEW?

  • Create your own unique Ethereum wallet.

  • Send and receive ETH and tokens.

  • Access on MEW web with a variety of wallet types, including our MEW Mobile wallet app and our browser extension Enkrypt, as well as any web3 wallet, any mobile wallet supporting WalletConnect, and partnering hardware wallets.

  • Swap different cryptocurrencies including ERC20 tokens, ETH, ETC, BTC, and more!

  • Explore our dApp store where you can use DeFi, stake ETH, register ENS domains, and more.

  • Create paper wallets and send offline through the use of our Offline Helper.

  • Deploy and interact with smart contracts.

  • Access a wealth of educational material on our Help Center and blog.

What do 'non-custodial', ‘open-source’ and ‘client-side’ mean?

  • Non-custodial means that only you have control over your crypto. MEW can't access or freeze your account, and can't prevent you from moving your assets whenever you want.

  • Open-source means anyone can view, copy, or make suggestions to our code on GitHub.

  • Client-side means we do not have behind-the-scenes servers, and don't collect or store personal user information.

  • MEW has no access to user wallets or assets.

  • The user is in complete control of their own security and privacy.

Where are my assets stored then?

  • All ETH and tokens are stored on the Ethereum blockchain.

  • When using any site, exchange, hardware wallet, or interface based on the blockchain, all crypto is stored on the blockchain itself. Wallets just allow users to interact with the blockchain in a simplified way.

  • The Ethereum blockchain is not owned or controlled by a centralized entity, but is transparently verified and maintained by thousands of remote validators that are run by individuals and organizations.

  • This is why our site, and block explorers like EthVM, are able to pull your wallet information. Not because of behind-the-scenes servers, but because they are pulling information from the blockchain itself.


MEW is NOT a bank or exchange.

What does that mean?

  • We cannot cancel, reverse, or refund transactions.

  • We cannot recover phished crypto.

  • We cannot recover lost passwords, nor can we reset passwords.

  • We do not store names, emails, or any personal information about our users.

  • The only one who has access to your assets is you.


How do I remain secure?

  • The most secure way to access your crypto is through a hardware wallet, like a Ledger Nano S or Trezor. If you have over $200 in crypto, there is little excuse not to get one.

  • Get our MEW Mobile wallet for iOS or Android. It’s simple, fast, and secure.

  • Use our multi-chain browser extension wallet Enkrypt.

  • Follow our educational blogs MEWtopia and Enkrypt Blog for the latest on MEW and Ethereum.

  • When using a private key, keystore/JSON file, or mnemonic/recovery phrase, make sure to keep them solely on physical paper and offline computers. This information is extremely sensitive. And make backups! If you lose this information, it’s gone forever.

  • Always check the URL you are using to make sure it says www.myetherwallet.com. And bookmark us for future use!

  • Make sure the URL bar shows a secure padlock on the left and shows 'Certificate is valid.'

  • Do not trust any messages sent to you randomly from ‘our team’. We do not have your information, and they are likely trying to scam you. We never email or DM our users first.

  • Consider installing an ad blocker and do not click on any ads you see on your search engine.

  • Do your research! If something seems fishy to you, it's likely someone mentioned it in crypto communities on social platforms.

  • Read our tips for avoiding phishing and scams.

  • If you have additional questions or concerns, reach out to us! Our support team is always happy to help. They can be reached at support@myetherwallet.com


~ Follow us on X (Twitter) ~

~ Check out our MEWtopia blog ~

~ Love browser wallets? Download Enkrypt ~

or scan code below~

Tags:

mewwalletios, mewwalletandroid, whatis, mew


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