Mirror uses the Ethereum blockchain, and Ethereum layer 2 networks, to provide users with web3 tools for publishing entries and engaging with their audiences via NFTs.
Before jumping in, let’s review some important terms:
- Wallet: A cryptocurrency wallet allows you to hold and transfer cryptocurrencies (e.g. Ether (ETH), the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain) and collectable NFTs.
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Keys: Your wallet has two identifiers: (1) a public key and (2) a private key.
- The public key is the wallet address that other people may use to send you cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
- The private key is like your password, which you can use to authorize actions from your wallet, like sending cryptocurrencies and NFTs to other wallets and smart contracts.
- Your wallet can only be controlled with your private keys. This is how you interact with web3 features across the Internet.
- Note that Mirror is not able to access your private key.
- Gas: Transaction fees on blockchains are called gas. In order to pay gas, you need to hold its native cryptocurrency.
- Ether (ETH): This is the native cryptocurrency on the Ethereum blockchain and on most Ethereum-compatible “layer 2” blockchains, including layer 2s supported by Mirror.
- MATIC: This is the native cryptocurrency of Polygon Network, another layer 2 supported by Mirror.
You can learn more about Ethereum and wallets here.
If you don’t already have a wallet, you’ll need to create one in order to use Mirror. There are many options available. The most common services are described below: Metamask, Coinbase, and WalletConnect.
Set up a MetaMask wallet
- Download and install the MetaMask browser extension from MetaMask.
- Select “Create a Wallet”.
- Create a password.
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Record your uniquely assigned Secret Recovery Phrase.
- If you lose this series of words or forget what order they’re in, you may lose access to your wallet, and it will be unrecoverable. We recommend writing the phrase on a piece of paper and storing it in a memorable, safe, and secure place.
- Confirm the phrase by placing all of the words in the assigned order.
- MetaMask should now be set up and will appear in your browser extensions.
- If you have any trouble, visit MetaMask Support.
Set up a Coinbase wallet
- Download and install the Coinbase Wallet browser extension from Coinbase.
- Select “Create a new wallet.”
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Record your uniquely assigned Secret Recovery Phrase.
- If you lose this series of words or forget what order they’re in, you may lose access to your wallet, and it will be unrecoverable. We recommend writing the phrase on a piece of paper and storing it in a memorable, safe, and secure place.
- Confirm the phrase by selecting the first and last words of the phrase respectively.
- Create a password. You can also create an optional username.
- Coinbase Wallet should now be set up and will appear in your browser extensions.
- If you have any trouble, visit Coinbase Support.
Connect with WalletConnect
Alternatively, you can use a wallet supported by WalletConnect - a few commonly used options are Rainbow Wallet and Trust Wallet.
The setup process for each wallet is similar. You can learn about their features and then choose the one that best suits your needs.
Linking your email and wallet on Mirror
You can subscribe via email to updates on other users’ activities on Mirror. We recommend linking your Mirror profile to your preferred email. This is a simple and quick process:
- Sign in to Mirror by connecting your wallet.
- Under Settings in the Dashboard menu, navigate to the Accounts tab.
- Enter your email and click submit. This will send a confirmation email to make sure it’s really you!
- Once you’ve confirmed your email address, return to Settings and you’ll see “Email Address Verified”. You’re all set!
Note: If you are already subscribed to updates from other users by email, but have not connected a wallet yet, you may still do so by following the steps above and confirming your email again or when you subscribe to another user.