How to Download and Use MetaMask, Add Solana Network, and Create USDT TRC-20 Wallet

Post Time: Jul 7, 2025

Update Time: Jul 7, 2025

To clarify, MetaMask cannot directly support Solana or TRC-20 USDT (which is based on the Tron network). However, I will walk you through the process of installing and setting up MetaMask, and I will guide you on alternatives for Solana and TRC-20 USDT.

Step 1: How to Download and Set Up MetaMask

MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet that supports Ethereum and Ethereum-compatible networks like Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, etc.

1.1 Download MetaMask

Go to the official MetaMask website:
https://metamask.io
Select your platform:
- Browser: Click "Download" and choose Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or Edge.
- Mobile: Download the MetaMask app from Google Play Store (for Android) or Apple App Store (for iOS).

1.2 Install MetaMask (Browser Extension)

Click "Add to Chrome" (or your respective browser).
A pop-up will appear asking you to confirm. Click "Add Extension".
After installation, you should see the MetaMask icon (a fox) in the top-right corner of your browser. Click it to open MetaMask.

1.3 Create a Wallet or Restore an Existing Wallet

If you are new to MetaMask, click "Get Started" > "Create a Wallet" > Set a strong password (this will be used to unlock MetaMask on your device).
Backup your recovery phrase: MetaMask will show you a 12-word recovery phrase. Write it down and store it securely. This phrase is crucial for recovering your wallet if you lose access.

If you already have an existing MetaMask wallet, you can click "Import Wallet" and enter your recovery phrase to restore it.

Step 2: How to Add the Solana Network to MetaMask (Not Possible)

MetaMask does not support Solana, as it is a different blockchain (not Ethereum-compatible). Solana uses a proof-of-history (PoH) consensus mechanism, which is different from Ethereum’s proof-of-work (PoW) and proof-of-stake (PoS) mechanisms.

What You Can Do Instead:

Use Phantom Wallet for Solana: Phantom Wallet is a popular wallet for managing Solana-based tokens, including USDT (TRC-20).
Solana dApps: You can interact with Solana decentralized applications (dApps) using Phantom Wallet.

Here’s how to install and use Phantom Wallet:

Download Phantom Wallet:
Go to the official website: https://phantom.app, then download the Phantom Wallet extension for Chrome, Firefox, or the mobile app for iOS/Android.
Set Up Phantom Wallet:
Follow the steps to create a new wallet, or restore an existing one using your recovery phrase. Make sure to securely store your recovery phrase.
Send and Receive USDT (Solana Network):
- Open your Phantom Wallet and copy your Solana wallet address (starts with
  Copy
```
1P
```
  ).
- To receive USDT (TRC-20) or any Solana token, share this address with the sender.
- You can now send and receive Solana-based tokens, including USDT on the Solana network.

Step 3: How to Create a USDT TRC-20 Wallet on MetaMask (Not Possible)

MetaMask is designed for Ethereum-based tokens (ERC-20), not for TRC-20 tokens (which are on the Tron network). TRC-20 tokens, like USDT on the Tron network, require a Tron-compatible wallet such as TronLink Wallet.

What You Can Do Instead:

Use TronLink Wallet for TRC-20 USDT: TronLink Wallet is designed specifically to manage tokens on the Tron network, including USDT (TRC-20).

Here’s how to set up and use TronLink Wallet:

Install TronLink Wallet:
Go to the official TronLink Wallet Chrome Extension and click "Add to Chrome." Alternatively, you can download the mobile app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Create or Restore Wallet:
- Open the extension or mobile app.
- Select "Create Wallet" or "Restore Wallet" if you already have a Tron wallet (use your recovery phrase to restore it).
Add USDT (TRC-20):
- In TronLink Wallet, you should see USDT TRC-20 automatically listed under your assets.
- If it's not visible, you can manually search for the TRC-20 token by entering its contract address (available on TronScan or official sources).
Receive USDT (TRC-20):
- Copy your Tron wallet address (it starts with
  Copy
```
1T
```
  ).
- Share this address with anyone sending you USDT on the Tron network (TRC-20).
Send USDT (TRC-20):
- In TronLink Wallet, click Send.
- Enter the recipient's address (starts with
  Copy
```
1T
```
  ) and the amount of USDT (TRC-20).
- Confirm the transaction and pay the network fee.

Step 4: Bridging USDT Between Ethereum (ERC-20) and Tron (TRC-20)

If you want to move USDT between Ethereum and Tron, you'll need to use a cross-chain bridge. This allows you to convert ERC-20 USDT (on Ethereum) to TRC-20 USDT (on Tron), and vice versa.

Using a Cross-Chain Bridge:

Wormhole Bridge or AnySwap are popular tools that allow you to bridge assets across blockchains. You can use them to transfer USDT ERC-20 to USDT TRC-20 or the other way around.

Go to Wormhole Bridge:
Visit the Wormhole Bridge.
Select the Asset (USDT):
Choose USDT as the token you want to bridge.
Select Source and Destination Networks:
- For example, select Ethereum as the source network and Tron as the destination.
Follow the Steps to Bridge:
After connecting your wallets (MetaMask for Ethereum and TronLink for Tron), follow the instructions to bridge your tokens.

Conclusion

MetaMask is not compatible with Solana or TRC-20 tokens. You can use Phantom Wallet for Solana tokens and TronLink Wallet for TRC-20 tokens like USDT on the Tron network.
You can bridge assets between Ethereum and Tron using tools like Wormhole.