Quick summary
This guide shows how to migrate Trust Wallet or Coinbase Wallet accounts into MetaMask without guessing. It covers two common approaches: restoring a seed phrase into MetaMask (creates the same derived addresses) and importing private keys into an existing MetaMask install. I’ve done both methods during testing, and each has trade-offs. Which one you choose depends on whether you want the same addresses preserved, whether you already use MetaMask, and what blockchains your assets live on.
Note: all three wallets discussed are non-custodial software wallets (hot wallets). That means you control private keys and seed phrases — and you’re fully responsible for them. Read backup-and-recovery-options before moving anything.
Pre-migration checklist
- Inventory everything first: tokens (ERC-20/BEP-20), NFTs, staked positions, and any pending transactions. Use the wallet UI and a block explorer if needed.
- Confirm which chains are involved. MetaMask is EVM-compatible; it will not natively manage Solana, Tron, or NEAR assets. (See solana-tron-near for more.)
- Write down the seed phrase (or export private keys) from the source wallet. Do not store the seed phrase in cloud notes or email. Paper is fine. Hardware wallets are better.
- Check for smart-contract accounts. Some wallets can create smart-contract-based accounts that MetaMask (an EOA-first wallet) cannot import. If that’s the case, you’ll need to transfer assets on-chain.
- Clear pending transactions before migrating (or wait until they confirm). See stuck-pending-transactions.
How MetaMask handles accounts (restore vs import)
MetaMask manages two different types of additions:
Import account (private key / JSON): this adds a single external account to an existing MetaMask profile without touching your current vault. Use this when you already have a MetaMask wallet and just want to add addresses from Trust Wallet or Coinbase Wallet. See how-to-export-import-private-key.
What I've found: restoring a seed phrase is the cleanest if you are replacing a wallet, but it can overwrite or orphan an existing MetaMask profile (so be careful). But importing private keys is safer when you already use MetaMask daily.
Step-by-step: Restore from seed phrase (new MetaMask)
When you want the same addresses to appear automatically in MetaMask (useful for preserving ENS, DeFi allowances, or cross-chain tokens on EVM chains):
- On your source wallet (Trust Wallet or Coinbase Wallet) reveal the seed phrase. Follow the wallet UI and confirm the password to display it.
- Verify the phrase physically and back it up offline. Don’t screenshot.
- Install MetaMask on your device (mobile or extension). See install-mobile and install-extension.
- During MetaMask onboarding choose "Import using seed phrase", enter the phrase, and set a new strong password.
- After import, check addresses (Account 1, Account 2) and balances. Add custom networks if needed (see below).
Warning: restoring a seed phrase into a MetaMask profile that already holds funds will replace that profile. If you already have a MetaMask wallet with funds, consider the private-key import method instead.
Step-by-step: Import private keys into an existing MetaMask
This is the least disruptive option when you already use MetaMask.
- In the source wallet, export the private key for the address you want to move. (If multiple addresses exist, export each one separately.)
- In MetaMask click the account icon → "Import Account" → paste the private key (or upload JSON if you have it). Confirm.
- The imported address will appear as a separate account in MetaMask. It uses the same address, so tokens and approvals tied to that address are preserved.
- Repeat for additional addresses.
Practical tip: import one account, then send a tiny test transaction (like $1 worth of token or native chain gas currency) to confirm the address matches and balances show correctly.
Moving tokens and NFTs (including "move NFT from Coinbase Wallet to MetaMask")
If the address you imported/restored is the same address that holds tokens or NFTs, you don’t need to move them — they belong to the address, not to a specific app. So "migrate trust wallet to metamask" or "migrate from coinbase wallet to metamask" often just requires restoring the seed phrase or private key.
If you cannot import the same address (for example, the source wallet is a smart-contract account or you don’t want to reveal the seed phrase), you must transfer assets on-chain:
- For ERC-20/BEP-20 tokens: send from source address to the MetaMask address. Keep gas for the transaction on the source chain.
- For NFTs on EVM chains: transfer the NFT contract token ID to your MetaMask address (this will cost gas). See migrate-nfts-between-wallets and nft-management.
If the NFTs live on non-EVM chains (Solana, etc.), MetaMask can’t hold them. You’ll need a wallet that supports that blockchain or a bridge (if available). See solana-tron-near.
Post-migration: add networks, custom tokens, revoke approvals, and test gas
Comparison: methods at a glance
| Method |
Preserves same address? |
Works if source uses smart-contract account? |
Gas cost |
Recommended when |
| Restore seed phrase into MetaMask (onboarding) |
Yes |
No (smart-contract accounts won’t restore as EOA) |
None (local) |
You want identical address(es) and setting up a fresh MetaMask profile |
| Import private key into existing MetaMask |
Yes (per key) |
No |
None (local) |
You already use MetaMask and want to add specific addresses |
| On-chain transfer (send tokens/NFTs) |
No (new address) |
Yes |
Yes (on-chain gas) |
You cannot import the address or prefer not to expose seed phrase |
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Q: Is it safe to keep crypto in a hot wallet?
A: Hot wallets trade convenience for exposure. They’re fine for daily DeFi activity and small balances. For large holdings use a hardware wallet. See hardware-best-practices.
Q: How do I revoke token approvals after migrating?
A: Use the revoke tool in MetaMask or a third-party approval dashboard and revoke from the source address before you abandon it. See revoke-approvals.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone?
A: If you have the seed phrase backed up, you can restore your MetaMask on a new device. Without the seed phrase or exported private keys, funds are lost. See backup-and-recovery-options.
Who should migrate (and who should look elsewhere)
Migrate if:
- You want a single EVM-compatible interface across multiple dApps and L2s.
- You use Uniswap-like DEXs, many Layer 2s, or WalletConnect dApps regularly.
Look elsewhere if:
- Your main assets live on non-EVM chains like Solana and you don’t want to run multiple wallets.
- You need smart-contract account features that MetaMask doesn’t support (you’ll need a compatible wallet).
Conclusion & next steps
Moving Trust Wallet or Coinbase Wallet accounts to MetaMask is straightforward if you plan. Back up the seed phrase, decide whether to restore the seed phrase or import private keys, and test with small transfers before committing large amounts. And always revoke old approvals and add the right RPCs for non-Ethereum chains.
Start here: install-mobile or install-extension to set up MetaMask, then follow import-and-recovery and how-to-export-import-private-key depending on your chosen method.
(Image: seed phrase backup placeholder)
If you want a checklist version or a walk-through for NFTs specifically, see migrate-nfts-between-wallets and nft-management. And if anything looks off after the move, check not-showing-balance and transaction-troubleshooting.
