MetaMask does not store or have access to your private keys or seed phrase, and if you lose them, MetaMask cannot help you recover your funds — they will be permanently lost.
Unlike a bank or traditional financial institution, MetaMask has no ability to restore access to your account or funds if you lose your credentials, meaning user error results in permanent, irreversible financial loss.
The non-custodial structure limits Consensys's regulatory exposure as a money transmitter or custodian, but creates significant consumer risk disclosure obligations under applicable state money transmission laws and potential FTC consumer protection standards.
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MetaMask users bear full responsibility for safeguarding their private keys and seed phrases, with no recovery option if these are lost — meaning lost funds are permanently unrecoverable. The terms include mandatory arbitration and a class action waiver, which significantly limits users' ability to pursue legal remedies collectively. You can opt out of the arbitration clause by sending written notice to Consensys within 30 days of first agreeing to the Terms.