What Is WalletConnect and How to Use It

How to Use WalletConnect

WalletConnect makes it easy to connect any supported mobile or hardware wallets to dApp using QR codes and secure links, allowing users to sign transactions needed for these applications from their wallets. 

Key Takeaways

• WalletConnect enables dApp connection from over 150 supported blockchain networks, and over 500 wallet applications. 

• It uses an encrypted QR code scanner to map wallets to decentralized applications and enable users to sign transactions for these dApps from their wallets.

• WalletConnect was launched in 2018 by Pedro Gomes and has since grown into a popular option among crypto enthusiasts for connecting lesser known wallets to decentralized applications.

• This article explains how WalletConnect works and how users can connect to dApps using the protocol.

What Is WalletConnect?

WalletConnect is an open-source connectivity protocol for decentralized applications that allows users to securely connect and interact with smart contract applications. According to the project, it supports over 6,000 decentralized applications across over 150 blockchain networks, and over 500 wallet applications have integrated connection facilities for WalletConnect. 

WalletConnect handles the task of connecting users to dApps, enabling developers to focus on the quality of their applications. WalletConnect was developed by Pedro Gomes in 2018 and has grown in popularity since this time, serving connection requests for investors everywhere.

How Does WalletConnect Work?

WalletConnect uses deep linking and QR codes to create a connection between user wallets and a decentralized application. Users are required to scan a QR code or follow a deep-linking URL to initiate a connection with the decentralized application. Once a connection is initiated, the protocol listens for requests from the smart contract application and relays them to the wallet application for users’ review and approval. 

WalletConnect connections are encrypted with Transport Layer Security (TLS) and end-to-end encryption to ensure secure data exchange, and users’ wallet private key security is maintained throughout the process. These dApp connections are disconnected after a period of inactivity or on users’ request.

As a security measure, always revoke contract access after you are done with your transactions on any application.

Now, let's look at how you can use WalletConnect to connect your preferred wallets to dApps. 

Connecting to dApps on Desktop With a Mobile Wallet

To demonstrate the basic connection process involving WalletConnect, we will connect to Uniswap, a multichain decentralized AMM-powered exchange, via WalletConnect. You will need two devices: one to initiate the connection and another (which contains your wallet) to scan the QR code and connect to the platform.

1. Visit the application’s platform.

2. Click Connect Wallet from the platform.

3. From the available connection options, select WalletConnect.

4. This generates a QR code.

5. On your wallet application, navigate to the WalletConnect QR Code scanner.

6. If you use Trust Wallet, you can click the Scanner Icon on your homepage.

7. Alternatively, you can click the Settings icon on the top left corner of your wallet and select WalletConnect from the section.

8. Click Add New Connection to proceed.

9. When the scanner opens, position the indicated scanning area over the QR code presented on your other device.

10. When the scanner captures the QR code details, the connection is initiated automatically. 

11. Once completed, a connection request is sent to your wallet, and all you have to do is approve the connection to connect your wallet to the dApp.

Now, your wallet is connected to the platform, and requests for transaction signing will be sent to your wallet.

You can manage your connections from the WalletConnect section of your wallet. There, you can terminate your current session or initiate a connection to a new decentralized application.

Your connection will be automatically terminated after a period of inactivity.

Connecting to dApps on Desktop With a Desktop Wallet

To connect to a dApp using your desktop wallet via WalletConnect:

1. Visit the application’s platform.

2. Click Connect wallet from the platform.

3. From the available connection options, select WalletConnect.

4. This generates a QR code.

5. From the Desktop section in the QR code area, select your wallet. Click View All to see all available wallets.

6. Select your wallet and approve the connection request from your wallet to continue.

Your desktop wallet is now connected to the platform.

How to Use WalletConnect on Mobile

You can use WalletConnect to connect to dApps on your mobile device. To demonstrate this, we will connect to Jupiter Exchange – a DEX aggregator on Solana on mobile via WalletConnect.

1. Visit the application’s platform.

2. Click Connect Wallet from the platform.

3. From the available connection options, select WalletConnect.

4. Select your wallet application to continue.

5. A connection request will be sent to your wallet. Click Connect to approve the request and continue.

6. Now, your wallet is connected to the platform. Every request for transaction signing will now be sent to your wallet.

You can manage your connections from the WalletConnect section of your wallet. There, you can terminate your current session or initiate a connection to a new decentralized application.

Your connection will be automatically terminated after a period of inactivity. 

Final Thoughts

WalletConnect makes it easy to connect to decentralized applications on numerous chains with any supported wallets on the same chain. Where the preferred wallet is not available in the provided list on the dApp or based on personal preference, WalletConnect is a handy connection protocol for web3 operations. This article guides readers on how to connect to decentralized applications using the WalletConnect protocol. 

Keep in mind that this article doesn’t cover every operation that can be performed with WalletConnect. Also, when connecting your wallet, ensure that you check every transaction and verify the authenticity of any platform before connecting your wallet and signing transaction requests. Also, note that this article only guides readers on how to use the WalletConnect protocol and is not financial advice. Any mention of protocols in this guide is not intended to serve as endorsement.