In the rapidly evolving decentralized network (Web3) world, securely and conveniently connecting various decentralized applications (dApps) is a core need for every user. WalletConnect, as an open-source protocol, was created to address this issue, establishing a secure and reliable bridge between user wallets and dApps.
What is WalletConnect?
WalletConnect is an open-source communication protocol that allows users' cryptocurrency wallets to connect and interact securely with decentralized applications (dApps). It is not an application but a standard adopted by hundreds of wallet applications and thousands of dApps, including well-known ones like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Ledger, and Bybit Wallet. This wide compatibility simplifies the user experience significantly by eliminating the need for different wallets for different dApps.
How does WalletConnect work?
The core working principle of WalletConnect is to establish an encrypted connection between the user's wallet and the dApp through scanning a QR code or clicking on a deep link. This process is very intuitive:
1. Initiate Connection: The user selects 'WalletConnect' as the connection method in the dApp.
2. Scan or Click: The dApp generates a QR code, and the user scans this QR code with their mobile wallet. If on a mobile device, it usually redirects directly to the wallet application.
3. Authorization: The user's wallet will receive a connection request; after confirmation, a secure encrypted channel is successfully established.
Importantly, throughout the process, the user's private key never leaves their device. WalletConnect itself cannot access the user's funds, and all transactions must be manually approved by the user in their own wallet, ensuring the absolute security of user assets.
Main Advantages of WalletConnect
Enhanced Security: Through end-to-end encryption, WalletConnect ensures the confidentiality of data transmitted between the wallet and the dApp. Private keys are always held by the user, effectively reducing the risk of phishing and hacking attacks.
Excellent Interoperability: WalletConnect breaks down ecological barriers, allowing users to connect to a vast number of dApps across different blockchains using their preferred wallets.
Enhancing User Experience: The simplified connection process allows even novice users to get started easily. It changes the cumbersome situation in the past where developers needed to integrate each wallet separately, promoting the prosperity of the Web3 ecosystem.
Multi-chain Support: The latest WalletConnect 2.0 version supports multi-chain connections, allowing users to interact with applications across multiple blockchain networks simultaneously, such as Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and more.
WalletConnect 2.0: A More Powerful Evolution
WalletConnect 2.0 is a significant upgrade to the protocol, bringing several key improvements:
Chain Agnosticism: v2.0 is no longer limited to chains compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), but supports more diverse blockchain architectures like Cosmos and Polkadot through Chain Agnostic Improvement Proposals (CAIPs).
Multi-chain Sessions: Allows a session to connect to multiple blockchains simultaneously, so users don't need to repeatedly switch and reconnect for operations on different chains.
Optimized Session Management: v2.0 introduces a session expiration mechanism, typically lasting 7 days, eliminating the presence of numerous zombie sessions in v1.0. At the same time, pairing and sessions are separated, so as long as the pairing remains valid, users do not need to rescan the QR code after a session disconnects.
Decentralized Message Relay: The introduction of a decentralized message relay further enhances communication privacy and resistance to censorship.
Recommendations for Safely Using WalletConnect
Although the WalletConnect protocol itself is very secure, users still need to remain vigilant to guard against potential risks:
Verify dApp Source: Before connecting, make sure to confirm that the dApp you are accessing is official and trustworthy.
Carefully Review Transactions: Before approving any transaction or message signature request in the wallet, carefully verify the contents of the request to ensure they meet your expectations.
Timely Disconnect: After using the dApp, it is recommended to actively disconnect from the application in the wallet. Many wallets will also automatically disconnect after a period of inactivity.
Conclusion
WalletConnect has become an indispensable key infrastructure in the Web3 ecosystem. By providing a universal, secure, and user-friendly connection standard, it greatly lowers the barrier for users to enter the decentralized world while offering significant convenience to developers. As Web3 continues to evolve, WalletConnect will continue to play a crucial role in connecting users to the future internet.
