Is MetaMask a cold wallet?

No, MetaMask is not a cold wallet. MetaMask is a software wallet that runs as a browser extension and mobile app, and software wallets keep keys on a device that is online, which makes them hot wallets. You can, however, pair MetaMask with a hardware wallet to get cold storage while keeping the MetaMask interface.

Is MetaMask a cold or hot wallet?

MetaMask's own guide to wallet security lists MetaMask as a software wallet and describes software wallets as sometimes known as hot wallets. They store keys on an internet-connected phone or computer, which suits frequent activity like swapping or using apps. Hardware wallets, which MetaMask's guide calls cold wallets, suit funds that rarely move.

MetaMask is also self-custodial. According to MetaMask Support, you hold the Secret Recovery Phrase that controls your accounts, MetaMask cannot access it, and it cannot recover funds if you lose the phrase or password. Self-custody and cold storage are separate ideas, though. A wallet can be self-custodial and still hot. Our guide to hot wallet vs cold wallet explains the trade-offs, and is MetaMask safe covers its security features.

Is MetaMask a cold storage option on its own?

Not by itself. Because the keys of a regular MetaMask account are kept on the device running the app, anything that compromises that device, such as malware or a phishing approval, can put those funds at risk. Cold storage means the keys never touch an internet-connected machine, which requires separate hardware.

Does MetaMask work with a hardware wallet?

Yes. MetaMask's guide says some software wallets, MetaMask included, offer built-in hardware wallet support. When you connect one, transactions must be approved on the physical device, so someone with access to your computer alone cannot move those funds.

As of November 2026, MetaMask Support lists Ledger, Trezor and Lattice as direct-connection devices, plus QR-code devices such as Keystone, NGRAVE ZERO, OneKey and others. All of them work with the MetaMask extension. Keystone, Ledger and NGRAVE ZERO also work with MetaMask Mobile. If you want to move existing funds into this kind of setup, see how to move crypto to a cold wallet.

How do you connect a Ledger to MetaMask?

MetaMask Support describes these steps for the browser extension:

1. Update the Ledger firmware, your browser and the Ethereum app on the device.
2. Close the Ledger desktop app, plug the Ledger in by USB, unlock it and open the Ethereum app.
3. In MetaMask, open the account menu and choose "Add account or hardware wallet", then "Add hardware wallet".
4. Pick Ledger, select the device in the pop-up and click "Connect".

Only EVM accounts can be connected this way. Some actions also need blind signing turned on in the Ethereum app. If your existing Ledger accounts do not appear, MetaMask suggests checking both the Ledger Live and Legacy derivation paths. For background on the wallet itself, read what is MetaMask.