# Client: Getting started

Canonical: https://docs.projectbabbage.com/docs/metanet-client/getting-started

Install Metanet Client 0.8.11, set up or recover your account, fund it and connect your first app.

This walkthrough covers **Metanet Client 0.8.11**, verified October 26, 2026. You need a supported desktop computer, internet access and access to the phone number used for the default account setup. On mobile, follow [Explorer getting started](https://docs.projectbabbage.com/docs/metanet-explorer/getting-started).

## 1. Install the right build

Open the [official download page](https://desktop-binaries.getmetanet.com/) and choose macOS Apple Silicon, macOS Intel, Windows x64 or Linux x86_64. The [published release](https://github.com/p2ppsr/metanet-client-downloads/releases/tag/v0.8.11) also provides installers and update payloads. Use the installer for your platform; update payloads are for the app's updater.

Install and launch Metanet Client. If another BRC-100 desktop wallet is running, quit it first. These wallets share local connection ports, so only one can own the desktop bridge at a time. Opening Client again brings the existing instance forward.

If your operating system rejects an installer, check its origin, platform and version before continuing. Report the exact message through [Babbage support](https://projectbabbage.com/contact).

## 2. Set up or recover the right account

For ordinary use, keep the supplied mainnet, authentication and storage defaults. Advanced or testnet setups must use matching services and testnet funds throughout.

Complete the phone verification and wallet-password steps. Save the recovery key when prompted. On desktop you can save the `Metanet Recovery Key.txt` file; **File saved** confirms that the save completed. Cancelling the file chooser does not create a backup.

Already have an account? Use the existing-account or recovery flow rather than making a replacement account. Check the identity, network and storage configuration before funding it. See [backups and recovery](https://docs.projectbabbage.com/docs/metanet-client/backup-and-recovery) if your phone, password or device has changed.

Your password, verification codes and recovery material belong in the wallet's own interface. A website or support agent does not need them.

## 3. Add BSV when you need it

Opening the app and connecting a website are separate from funding the wallet. Paid app actions and some wallet-account updates require BSV and transaction fees.

- From another compatible Metanet wallet, use the receiving profile's identity key and the [Send & Receive flow](https://docs.projectbabbage.com/docs/metanet-client/payments).
- From an exchange or a wallet that requires a traditional address, follow [the Mountaintops funding walkthrough](https://docs.projectbabbage.com/docs/metanet-client/funding).

A fiat display such as USD expresses a BSV value in your preferred currency; it does not establish that a bank/card purchase has happened. Buying BSV, withdrawing it and importing it into Metanet are separate steps.

## 4. Open a Metanet app

Keep Client running and unlocked, then open the app's website in your desktop browser. When it requests a wallet capability, read the wallet prompt: the app origin, requested access, amount and scope should match your task. Approve only what you intend.

If the wallet window is behind the browser, bring it forward. A website waiting for permission can look stalled until its wallet prompt is answered. Denying a request should return control to the app; it is not a reason to approve broader permissions.

For your own website, use the [builder guide](https://docs.projectbabbage.com/docs/metanet-client/developers). A connection check should report the wallet version and network without creating a transaction.

## 5. Check the result

Confirm that you are using the intended profile and network. Review Activity after a payment or purchase; an app's timeout alone does not prove the transaction failed. Keep your recovery material and wallet-data backups current before changing computers or removing the app.

For common problems, continue to the [Client FAQ](https://docs.projectbabbage.com/docs/metanet-client/faq).