🌐 How to Use a Decentralized Exchange (DEX) – Step-by-Step

🧩 What’s a DEX?


A Decentralized Exchange allows you to trade crypto directly from your wallet — no account, no third-party holding your funds. Popular DEXs include:

  • Uniswap (for Ethereum tokens – ERC-20)

  • PancakeSwap (for BNB Smart Chain – BEP-20)

  • Trader Joe, SushiSwap, 1inch, etc.

🛠️ Step 1: Set Up a Wallet


Before using a DEX, you’ll need a self-custodial wallet like:

  • MetaMask

  • Trust Wallet

  • Rabby Wallet


✅ Follow the previous tutorial if you need help setting one up.



🔗 Step 2: Connect to a DEX


  1. Go to the DEX website (e.g. uniswap.org)

  2. Click “Launch App”

  3. Click “Connect Wallet”

  4. Choose your wallet (e.g. MetaMask)

  5. Confirm connection in your wallet popup

🪙 Step 3: Choose Tokens to Swap


  1. In the swap interface:

    • “From” = token you own (e.g. ETH)

    • “To” = token you want to buy (e.g.$USDC )

    • $USDC

    • Enter the amount you want to trade

  2. Wait for the price quote (includes fees & slippage)



🔐 Step 4: Confirm the Swap

Click “Swap”

  1. Review details: amount, price impact, network fee

  2. Confirm the transaction in your wallet

  3. Wait for blockchain confirmation (few seconds to minutes)!!

⛓️ You’ll need some native coin (like ETH or SOL) to pay your gas fees!.



📲 Step 5: View Your New Token

  • Some tokens may not show up automatically.

  • Add them manually using the token contract address (can be found on CoinGecko or Etherscan/BscScan).

In MetaMask:

  • Click “Import Token”

  • Paste the token address

  • Done!

✅ Safety Tips

  • Only use official DEX URLs (watch out for fake sites!)

  • Double-check token contract addresses

  • Use small amounts first when trying a new token or DEX

  • Don’t click “Approve unlimited” unless you trust the token