WalletConnect.org Review: Open Protocol for Connecting Wallets to Dapps

About WalletConnect

WalletConnect.org is an open source protocol for connecting decentralised applications to mobile wallets with QR code scanning or deep linking. A user can interact securely with any Dapp from their mobile phone, making wallets a safer choice compared to desktop or browser extension wallets.

WalletConnect is an open protocol to communicate securely between Wallets and Dapps (Web3 Apps). The protocol establishes a remote connection between two apps and/or devices using a Bridge server to relay payloads. These payloads are symmetrically encrypted through a shared key between the two peers.

The connection is initiated by one peer displaying a QR Code or deep link with a standard WalletConnect.org URI and is established when the counter-party approves this connection request. It also includes an optional Push server to allow Native applications to notify the user of incoming payloads for established connections.

WalletConnect Wallet Points Table

How To Install & Send/Receive Coin

How does it work?

WalletConnect connects web applications to supported mobile wallets WalletConnect session is started by a scanning a QR code (desktop) or by clicking an application deep link (mobile).

Smart Contract Wallets

Smart Contract wallets like Argent are fully supported by WalletConnect protocol. However there is some considerations to be taken when integration WalletConnect in your dapp regarding Smart Contract wallets about how the accounts are exposed in the session, the message signatures are returned and the transactions are broadcasted.

Mobile Linking

For a long time WalletConnect served only as secure remote communication between a mobile wallet and a desktop application.

However connecting a mobile wallet and a mobile application was always possible by design.

Using the URI commonly displayed in the QRCode it is possible to establish a connection by sharing this URI through a deep link or universal link on both Android and iOS.

Despite the multiple UX caveats that mobile linking encountered, we’ve been able to simplify this pattern with own QR Code Modal package.

How do install WalletConnect?

WalletConnect is not an app, but a protocol supported by many different decentralised applications and wallets. Install any of mobile wallets supporting protocol. WalletConnect wallets are available for Android and iPhone.

How to use WalletConnect

Here’s how to use WalletConnect on both mobile and desktop Dapps:

1. Open a compatible Dapp

Find the Dapp you want to use, either on your desktop or mobile browser. An example application to try out WalletConnect is available at https://example.walletconnect.org/

2. Connect Your Wallet…

Nearly all Dapps on Ethereum now have an option to ‘Connect your Wallet’, or similar. After you select this option, you will be able to connect via WalletConnect if the Dapp supports it.

…On Desktop

Select WalletConnect, then use your wallet to scan the QR code that’s displayed.

…On Mobile

If you’re using a Dapp in your mobile browser, after selecting the WalletConnect option in the Dapp, you’ll see an option appear to ‘Choose your preferred wallet’. Simply tap on the symbol that corresponds to the wallet you’d like to connect with.

This will open your wallet, and you can move on to authorizing the Dapp.

3. Authorize Dapp

Next, you’ll receive a notification from your wallet asking if you’d like to approve the connection to your wallet.

When you authorize a Dapp you give it permission to access your wallet, and withdraw an amount of assets (i.e. Tokens) up to a limit you choose.

Authorization for Dapps can be withdrawn at any time.

In Argent you can do this by going to Security → Authorized Dapps, and following the instructions on-screen.

4. Confirm transaction

You should now be connected and ready to use WalletConnect. When you make a transaction with the Dapp a popup will appear in your wallet asking for approval for the transaction.

As with any other transaction you’ll need to pay network fees (“gas”). Remember to disconnect your wallet from the Dapp afterwards if you no longer intend to use it.

Mobi Wallet FAQ