What is WalletConnect?

WalletConnect is a bridge that connects Decentralized Applications (DApps) to your web3 crypto wallet. Once you've approved a connection request from the dApp (via WalletConnect), the dApp can send transaction requests to your wallet, which you must also manually approve in the wallet.

Use the multichain Bitcoin.com Wallet app, trusted by millions to safely and easily send, receive, buy, sell, trade, and manage the most popular cryptocurrencies. You can also connect to thousands of decentralized applications (dApps), from games to financial derivatives.

WalletConnect is an open source protocol that allows you to connect your crypto wallet to decentralized applications (dApps) on the web. If you are using a self-custodial web3 crypto wallet, like the Bitcoin.com Wallet app, you can use your wallet to interact with dApps without having to grant access to your private keys.

For example, let's say you have ETH in your Bitcoin.com Wallet and you want to use a Decentralized Finance (DeFi) application on Ethereum called "ABC Finance" that enables to you to lend your ETH in return for programmatic interest payments. WalletConnect establishes a secure connection between your Bitcoin.com Wallet and ABC Finance, allowing ABC Finance to see the contents of your Ethereum Wallet. Then you'll have the option to, for example, send ETH from your Bitcoin.com Wallet to ABC Finance's lending smart contract. When you've decided how much ETH to send, your Bitcoin.com Wallet will ask you to approve the request.

How do you connect to dApps using WalletConnect?

Continuing with our example, from "ABC Finance's" website or app, you'll first select the Connect button. This typically brings up a list of connection options, one of which will be WalletConnect. Select WalletConnect and, if you're on mobile, choose the Bitcoin.com Wallet from the list of wallets to connect to. If you're on desktop you'll be presented with a QR code which you can scan using the Bitcoin.com Wallet's scan function. In both cases, the Bitcoin.com Wallet will ask you to approve the connection before proceeding.

Here's how it looks on mobile:

Here's a more detailed guide for using WalletConnect in the Bitcoin.com Wallet.

Is WalletConnect safe?

It's safe in the sense that it establishes a secure (encrypted) connection, with your approval, between your Bitcoin.com Wallet and the DApps of your choosing. It also requests your approval for any transactions and never gives DApps access to your private keys. In other words, when you connect to a DApp via WalletConnect, it's impossible for the funds in your wallet to be spent without your approval. That being said, any time you (purposely) send cryptoassets to a smart contract, there are risks (see below).

About the Author

Neill Velardo

Neill Velardo is a crypto content specialist who has written numerous educational articles and step-by-step tutorials at Bitcoin.com. He has authored practical guides foc... Neill Velardo is a crypto content specialist who has written numerous educational articles and step-by-step tutorials at Bitcoin.com. He has authored practical guides focused on explaining complex cryptocurrency concepts in clear, beginner-friendly language, with an emphasis on safety and real-world use. His content is grounded in hands-on research and a deep understanding of blockchain technology, wallets, exchanges, and on-chain fundamentals. Neill aims to make complex innovations approachable and inspire greater participation in the crypto economy. Since 2017, Neill has been immersed in the crypto and Web3 space, developing a strong focus on how digital assets and decentralized systems are transforming economies and media. In addition to crypto education, Neill has written iGaming articles and guides based on his own firsthand experience using the platforms he reviews. His goal is to empower readers with accurate, trustworthy information that helps them confidently navigate both cryptocurrency and crypto-enabled platforms. Neill is a lifelong explorer who has traveled across multiple countries, visiting nearly 50 along the way. Passionate about culture and adventure, he has trekked the Himalayas, crossed the Andes, and surfed remote coastlines - experiences that shaped his perspective on global connection and deepened his appreciation for how technologies like Bitcoin can transcend borders and empower people everywhere.

What is WalletConnect?