Managing digital assets securely is a top priority for anyone involved in the blockchain space. MyEtherWallet (MEW) stands out as one of the most trusted and user-friendly decentralized wallets for storing and managing Ethereum (ETH) and ERC20 tokens. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know—from setting up your wallet to sending transactions, adding custom tokens, and maintaining top-tier security.
Whether you're new to crypto or expanding your self-custody toolkit, this step-by-step MEW wallet tutorial ensures a smooth and safe experience.
Creating a MyEtherWallet Account
To begin using MyEtherWallet, you'll first need to create a secure wallet. Since MEW is non-custodial, you retain full control of your private keys—meaning no third party can access your funds.
👉 Learn how to set up a secure crypto wallet in minutes
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official MyEtherWallet website at
myetherwallet.com(always double-check the URL to avoid phishing sites). - Click on "Create a Wallet" in the top-right corner.
- Choose the "Keystore File" option for enhanced security.
- Set a strong password—use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. This password protects your keystore file.
- Click "Next", then download the encrypted JSON keystore file and store it in a safe, offline location (e.g., USB drive or hardware storage).
- Confirm that you understand the risks by clicking "I understand, continue".
- Your wallet is now created! You’ll see your public Ethereum address (starts with
0x), which you can use to receive ETH or any ERC20 token.
🔐 Never share your keystore file or password. If lost, there’s no recovery option.
Sending Ethereum and Tokens via MEW
Once your wallet is funded, sending assets is straightforward.
- Access your wallet by selecting "Access My Wallet" on the homepage.
- Choose "Keystore File", upload your JSON file, enter your password, and unlock.
- From the dashboard, click "Send Ether & Tokens".
- Enter the recipient’s Ethereum address carefully—transactions are irreversible.
- Input the amount you wish to send.
- Select the transaction speed (you can adjust gas fees based on network congestion).
- Review all details, then click "Generate Transaction".
- Confirm the transaction in the pop-up window and click "Send Transaction".
After a few moments, the network will process your transfer. You can track its status using block explorers like Etherscan.
👉 Discover how to optimize transaction speeds and fees
Adding Custom ERC20 Tokens to Your Wallet
MEW supports thousands of ERC20 tokens by default, but if a specific token doesn’t appear automatically, you can manually add it.
- After logging into your wallet, scroll down to the "Tokens" section.
- Click "Add Custom Token".
Fill in the following details:
- Token Contract Address: Find this on the project’s official site or Etherscan.
- Token Symbol: Usually auto-filled once the contract is verified.
- Decimals: Most tokens use 18 decimals (same as ETH), but confirm with official sources.
- Click "Save".
The token will now appear in your balance list whenever there’s a balance in your wallet.
💡 Tip: Only add tokens from trusted sources. Fake contracts can lead to fund loss.
Backing Up and Recovering Your MEW Wallet
Your ability to recover funds relies entirely on your backup methods. Here’s how to safeguard access:
How to Back Up Your Wallet
- Log in to your MEW wallet.
- Click the settings icon (⋯) and select "View Wallet Info".
- Re-enter your password or upload your keystore file if prompted.
- You’ll see your public address, private key (displayed once), and keystore file option.
- Re-download the keystore file and store it securely—preferably offline and encrypted.
Additionally, consider writing down your private key on paper (a “paper wallet”) and storing it in multiple secure locations.
Recovering Your Wallet on a New Device
If you switch devices or lose access:
- Go to
myetherwallet.com. - Click "Access Wallet", then choose "Keystore File".
- Upload your backed-up JSON file and enter your original password.
- Your wallet loads instantly with all balances visible.
No registration or email required—your credentials are everything.
Security Best Practices When Using MEW
While MyEtherWallet provides robust tools, user behavior plays a critical role in safety.
✅ Do:
- Always verify the official URL before logging in.
- Use MEW in offline mode (downloadable version) when possible.
- Pair MEW with hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor for cold storage integration.
- Regularly back up your keystore file and password.
❌ Don’t:
- Share your private key, keystore file, or password with anyone.
- Store backups on cloud services without encryption.
- Use public Wi-Fi when accessing your wallet.
- Trust unsolicited links or support messages claiming to be from MEW.
For maximum protection, keep large holdings in a hardware wallet and only use software wallets like MEW for daily transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is MyEtherWallet safe to use?
A: Yes, MEW is a secure, open-source platform that never stores your keys. However, safety depends on how well you protect your password and keystore file.
Q: Can I use MEW without downloading anything?
A: Absolutely. MEW works directly in your browser. For extra security, download the offline version from GitHub.
Q: Does MyEtherWallet support other blockchains besides Ethereum?
A: Yes—through its integrated multi-chain wallet Enkrypt, MEW supports Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, and more.
Q: What happens if I lose my password?
A: Unfortunately, there's no way to recover access without the password or private key. Always maintain secure backups.
Q: Can I connect a hardware wallet to MEW?
A: Yes! MEW seamlessly integrates with Ledger and Trezor devices for added security.
Q: Is there a mobile app for MyEtherWallet?
A: While there’s no official MEW mobile app, Enkrypt offers a mobile-friendly interface with full MEW functionality.
By mastering these core features of MyEtherWallet, you gain full control over your Ethereum-based assets with flexibility and confidence. With strong attention to security practices and regular backups, MEW remains one of the most reliable tools for interacting with the decentralized web.
Whether you're swapping tokens, participating in DeFi protocols, or simply storing crypto long-term, understanding how to use MEW effectively empowers your journey in the blockchain ecosystem.
👉 Start managing your crypto with advanced security tools today