Getting Account Information Using Metamask
When integrating Web3.js and the Metamask Extension Provider into your JavaScript project, you may wonder whether you can get information such as the account name and icon.
Unfortunately, you cannot directly access the account name and icon using the Metamask Extension Provider. This information is usually stored on-chain with the Ethereum blockchain and is not accessible through the browser or client-side JavaScript code.
However, there are a few workarounds you can consider:
1.
Finding a joke
You can use the Web3.js eth_address object to get the account address. Then, you can use the ethers.js library methods: “eth_name” and “eth_icon” to get the account name and icon.
const web3 = new Web3(window.ethereum);
// Get the account address
const address = await web3.eth.getAddress();
// Get the account name and icon
const name = await web3.eth.name(address);
const icon = await web3.eth.icon(address);
2.
Using a provider
Another approach is to use a provider, such as the MetaMask API, that provides access to on-chain data. You can log in with your MetaMask account, then use the “eth_name” and “eth_icon” methods of the MetaMask object.
const metaMask = new window.Metamask({ accessToken: 'YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN' });
// Log in with MetaMask
metaMask.sign();
// Get the account name and icon
const name = await metaMask.eth.name();
const icon = await metaMask.eth.icon();
3.
Using a third-party library
There are also third-party libraries, such as “web3-utils”, that provide access to on-chain data via an API. These libraries may provide methods to retrieve account information.
import { signName, signIcon } from 'web3-utils';
const web3 = new Web3(window.ethereum);
// Sign in with MetaMask
metaMask.sign();
// Retrieve account name and icon
const name = await characterName(web3.eth.address());
const icon = await signIcon(web3.eth.address());
console.log(name, icon);
While these solutions may provide access to some on-chain data, keep in mind that they are not officially supported by Ethereum or Web3.js. Always make sure you are using a reputable and compatible solution for your project.
Always remember to follow best practices when using sensitive data such as account addresses and names.
