Welcome to Ethereum Classic! This guide will walk you through everything you need to start using ETC, from setting up a wallet to acquiring your first coins and exploring the ecosystem.
Step 1: Get a Wallet
Before you can use Ethereum Classic, you need a wallet to store your ETC and interact with decentralized applications. There are several wallet types to choose from:
Browser Wallets
For easy access to dApps, browser extension wallets like MetaMask are ideal. MetaMask can be configured to work with Ethereum Classic by adding a custom network:
- Network Name: Ethereum Classic
- RPC URL: https://etc.rivet.link
- Chain ID: 61
- Currency Symbol: ETC
- Block Explorer: https://etc.blockscout.com
The easiest method is to visit chainlist.org/chain/61 and click “Connect Wallet” to add ETC to MetaMask automatically.
Mobile Wallets
For everyday use, Trust Wallet is an easy-to-use mobile option that supports ETC along with many other cryptocurrencies.
Hardware Wallets
For larger holdings, hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor provide the best security by keeping your private keys offline.
Step 2: Acquire ETC
Ethereum Classic is listed on virtually every major cryptocurrency exchange. You can acquire ETC through several methods:
Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Purchase ETC with fiat currency (USD, EUR, etc.) or trade other cryptocurrencies on exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, and many others. Check our exchange listings for a complete list.
Decentralized Exchanges
Use DEXs like ETCswap to swap other tokens for ETC directly from your wallet without creating an account.
Mining
If you have a modern graphics card, you can mine ETC and earn it as block rewards. Check our mining guides for details.
Step 3: Secure Your Wallet
Security is paramount in cryptocurrency. Follow these essential practices:
Backup Your Seed Phrase
Your seed phrase (usually 12 or 24 words) is the master key to your wallet. Write it down on paper and store it securely offline. Never share it with anyone or store it digitally.
Verify Addresses
Always double-check addresses before sending transactions. Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible.
Use Hardware Wallets for Savings
Keep only what you need for regular use in hot wallets. Store larger amounts on hardware wallets.
Step 4: Explore the Ecosystem
Once you have ETC, you can explore the growing ecosystem of applications:
DeFi
Decentralized finance applications let you swap tokens, provide liquidity, and earn yield. ETCswap is the primary DEX on Ethereum Classic.
dApps
Ethereum Classic supports the same smart contracts as Ethereum, meaning many Ethereum applications can run on ETC. Browse our apps section for available services.
NFTs
Create, buy, and sell non-fungible tokens on ETC-native NFT marketplaces.
Understanding ETC Basics
What is Ether?
Ether is Ethereum Classic's native token, traded as ETC. It's created as mining rewards and used to pay for operations like deploying smart contracts and sending transactions.
What is Gas?
Gas is an internal transaction pricing mechanism that mitigates spam and allocates network resources. Every transaction requires gas, measured in units representing the computational effort required. You pay for gas in ETC.
Block Explorers
You can view your transactions and account balance on BlockScout, the most popular Ethereum Classic block explorer, at etc.blockscout.com.
Getting Help
The Ethereum Classic community is active and helpful. Connect through:
- ETC Discord server
- Reddit: /r/ethereumclassic
- GitHub repositories
- Network monitors: etc-network.info
Summary
Getting started with Ethereum Classic is straightforward: get a wallet, acquire some ETC, secure your keys, and start exploring. As a community-driven project with no central authority, ETC offers a truly decentralized platform for building and using unstoppable applications.