MetaMask Reinstall Issue: Old Ethereum Network Accounts No Longer Showing
I am writing this article as a troubleshooting guide for those who are facing frustrating issues after reinstalling MetaMask on their desktop or mobile devices. The issue is common and it is important to understand what is happening and how to fix it.
Problem: Unsaved old network accounts disappear during reinstallation
When you switch from Note to a fresh installation of MetaMask, the old accounts associated with your Ethereum network are not automatically preserved. This may seem trivial, but trust me, when you are trying to restore your favorite wallet or access an online service that relies on these saved accounts, it can be infuriating.
Symptoms: Old network accounts no longer showing up after reinstalling MetaMask
Symptoms of the issue include:
- Old Ethereum network addresses and passwords are not showing up in MetaMask.
- If you try to log in with your old account, you may be prompted to enter a new password or connection details.
- You may need to manually restore your saved accounts from Note before reinstalling MetaMask.
Solution: Reinstalling MetaMask from Note
To resolve the issue, follow these steps:
- Reopen Notepad: Launch Notepad (or whatever text editor you are using) and reopen it from the “Recent” list.
- Copy old Ethereum accounts: Click the “Edit” menu and select “Copy”.
- Paste into MetaMask: Return to your new MetaMask installation and click the “Wallets” tab.
- Add old Ethereum accounts: Click the “+” button and paste the copied account information.
Tips and Precautions
Before attempting to reinstall MetaMask from Note, consider the following:
- Make sure you have saved some important account information to Note (e.g. wallet address, passphrase) before reinstalling.
- If you are using a private network or Tor Browser, this issue may be more severe and may require a manual reset.
Conclusion
Reinstalling MetaMask from Note may seem like a simple process, but it is easy to overlook the importance of preserving your old account information. Following these steps should resolve the issue and restore your saved Ethereum network accounts. If the issue persists or you encounter additional issues, consider contacting MetaMask support for assistance.
Additional Resources
- MetaMask User Guide: [
- Notepad User Guide: [