WalletConnect - Secure Crypto Wallet
A Guide to WalletConnect from start to finish
DApps (decentralized applications) provide an excellent opportunity for doing more with your crypto rather than just HODLing. Decentralized finance, games, and marketplaces are just a small part of what’s on offer to explore.
In order to interact successfully with a DApp, you will need to connect your wallet and give the DApp permission to make signed transactions. One such method of doing this is through WalletConnect.
Today we will be going on a journey and talking all about WalletConnect from start to finish.
So let’s get started.
What is WalletConnect and how does WalletConnect work?
Cryptocurrency wallets are an essential component of Web 3 applications. Apart from their standard use for crypto storage, crypto wallets also act as a gateway to decentralized applications (DApps) on blockchains like Ethereum.
Given the large number of blockchain wallets available, DApp developers are not able to implement native support for each and every wallet out there. This is where WalletConnect comes into play.
WalletConnect is an open protocol that lets users connect mobile crypto wallets to DApps through deep linking and QR code scanning.
WalletConnect ensures that users are able to securely process transactions without revealing any personal information, making the wallet arguably a much safer and more private option in comparison to browser extensions.
Now that we have brief information about what WalletConnect is, let's take a deep dive look into how WalletConnect works.
How does it work?
WalletConnect is a protocol that allows mobile wallets to connect to dApps (decentralized apps) on the web. It uses a QR code displayed on the dApp to establish a secure, peer-to-peer connection between the mobile wallet and the dApp, allowing the user to interact with the dApp using their mobile wallet's private keys, without having to enter sensitive information into the dApp. This enables users to easily sign transactions, access their assets, and interact with dApps from their mobile devices.
How to use WalletConnect?
Here are the basic steps to use WalletConnect:
Install any of the WalletConnect compatible wallets on your mobile device, such as Trust Wallet or MyEtherWallet.
Open the dApp that you want to connect to in your browser on your mobile device.
Look for the WalletConnect icon or button on the dApp.
Click the WalletConnect icon or button to initiate the connection.
A QR code will appear on the dApp.
Open your WalletConnect compatible wallet and scan the QR code to establish the connection.
Once the connection is established, you can interact with the dApp using your wallet.
When you are finished, disconnect the wallet by clicking the WalletConnect icon or button on the dApp.
Note: Always double-check the dApp's URL and make sure it's the correct one before connecting your wallet.
How to complete the WalletConnect download procedure?
Follow the steps mentioned below to download WalletConnect:
Go to the WalletConnect website (https://walletconnect.com/) and select the download option that is appropriate for your device or platform.
Follow the instructions provided to install the WalletConnect app on your device.
Once the app is installed, open it and create a new wallet or connect an existing one.
Use the QR code scanner within the app to scan the QR code displayed on the website or service you wish to connect to.
Approve the connection within the WalletConnect app to complete the process.
WalletConnect Troubleshooting guide
“Are you having trouble with your WalletConnect not working?” or “did you just receive the WalletConnect message that went wrong?”
“Having troubles with WalletConnect failing to connect?” or the most common issue ever seen is the WalletConnect session disconnected. If you happen to face such problems then this section is going to be extremely fruitful to you as we will be discussing some of the steps you can take to resolve your problem.
Follow the steps mentioned below:
Verify that you have the latest version of the WalletConnect-compatible wallet or browser extension.
Ensure that you disconnect all active WalletConnect sessions by navigating into Settings>WalletConnect Sessions>Disconnect All Sessions. Ensure to reload the browser tab where you loaded the dApp as well, and try connecting again.
Make sure that the device is connected to the internet.
Check that your device’s date and time settings are correct.
Try restarting your device and the WalletConnect wallet app or browser extension.
Try connecting to a different network or disabling any VPN or proxy connections you may be using.
If you are still experiencing issues, try reaching out to the WalletConnect team or community for assistance.
If you are facing issues with QR Code, try to move closer to the QR code to scan it properly, or try scanning it in a well-lit room.
Try clearing the cache and cookies of your browser.
Is WalletConnect free?
WalletConnect is an open-source protocol, so it is free to use. However, the implementation and maintenance of the protocol may incur costs for the developers and organizations using it. Additionally, any transactions made through WalletConnect may be subject to fees from the blockchain network.
Is MetaMask compatible with WalletConnect?
Yes, MetaMask is compatible with WalletConnect. MetaMask is a browser extension and mobile wallet that can connect to dApps (decentralized applications) using the WalletConnect protocol. Users can connect their MetaMask wallet to a dApp using a QR code, and then use the dApp to make transactions on the blockchain.
Note: WalletConnect Coinbase and WalletConnect Trust Wallet can be similarly connected with WalletConnect by visiting https://WalletConnect.com/ and clicking on the option of “Connect Wallet” located in the top right of the page.
Conclusion
WalletConnect is a popular tool throughout the DeFi DApp world which only takes a few minutes to learn but lets you access a variety of different services. With cryptocurrency wallets becoming even more flexible, WalletConnect is a useful tool for accessing DApps on the go.