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Yes — MetaMask Is a Self Custody Wallet

MetaMask is a fully self-custodial wallet. When you create a MetaMask wallet, your private keys and Secret Recovery Phrase (seed phrase) are generated and stored locally on your device. MetaMask does not store, transmit, or have access to your private keys at any point. You — and only you — control your funds.

This self-custodial design is a core principle of MetaMask. As MetaMask states in its documentation, it cannot access your wallet from their side. You are the only person who can access it directly from the Extension or Mobile app.

is MetaMask a self custody wallet

What Makes MetaMask Self-Custodial

  • Your Secret Recovery Phrase is generated on your device and never sent to MetaMask's servers.
  • Private keys are encrypted and stored locally in your browser or mobile app.
  • MetaMask has no master password reset — if you lose your seed phrase, no one can recover your wallet.
  • You can import your MetaMask wallet into any other compatible wallet using your seed phrase.
  • MetaMask supports Ethereum, all EVM-compatible networks, and thousands of tokens and NFTs.

How to Use MetaMask Safely

After creating your MetaMask wallet, the most important step is securely recording your 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase. Write it on paper and store it in a physically secure location. Never enter your seed phrase on any website — this is the most common MetaMask phishing attack. Use a strong password to encrypt your local wallet file, and consider pairing MetaMask with a hardware wallet like Ledger for maximum security when holding significant funds.

A self-custodial wallet eliminates the third party between you and your crypto assets. MetaMask does not store your Secret Recovery Phrase or private keys — you are the sole custodian.

— MetaMask Documentation

MetaMask vs Coinbase Wallet: Which Is More Self-Custodial?

Both MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet (the separate wallet app, not the Coinbase exchange) are self-custodial wallets — neither stores your private keys. The key distinction is that Coinbase Wallet offers an optional encrypted cloud backup of your seed phrase (through iCloud or Google Drive), which adds convenience but reduces pure self custody. MetaMask's standard setup keeps everything entirely local to your device with no cloud backup of private keys.