Why can't I swap tokens on Trust Wallet?

Understanding Token Swapping on Trust Wallet

Trust Wallet is one of the most widely used mobile cryptocurrency wallets, allowing users to store, send, receive, and swap various tokens. However, some users encounter issues when trying to swap tokens, especially if they're new to decentralized finance (DeFi). Before diving into troubleshooting, it's important to understand how token swapping works within Trust Wallet.

Token swaps in Trust Wallet are powered by decentralized exchanges (DEXs) such as PancakeSwap or SushiSwap. This means that instead of using a centralized platform like Binance or Coinbase, you're interacting directly with smart contracts. Any issue during this process could stem from network conditions, wallet configuration, or user error.

Tip: Ensure you have sufficient network fees (gas) in your native blockchain token (e.g., BNB for Binance Smart Chain) before attempting a swap.

Check Supported Networks and Tokens

One of the most common reasons users cannot swap tokens is because the token or network they’re trying to use isn't supported or properly configured in Trust Wallet.

• Make sure the blockchain network you're using supports token swaps.
• Confirm whether the token you want to swap is listed on a DEX integrated with Trust Wallet.
• If the token is not listed, you may need to add its contract address manually.

If the token is not supported by any DEX, or if the network doesn’t allow liquidity pools, the swap option will be unavailable. Always double-check the token’s contract address and decimals to ensure accuracy.

Important: Some tokens require approval before being swapped. You must approve the token for spending via a smart contract before proceeding.

Verify Your Wallet Balance and Gas Fees

A frequently overlooked step is ensuring that you have enough native token balance to cover gas fees. For example:

• On Binance Smart Chain, you need BNB to pay for transaction fees.
• On Ethereum, you need ETH.
• On Polygon, you need MATIC.

Even if you have a large amount of the token you wish to swap, without sufficient gas fees, the transaction will fail or never be processed. Additionally, network congestion can cause spikes in gas prices, so always check current gas rates before initiating a swap.

Note: Use tools like BscScan Gas Tracker or Etherscan Gas Tracker to estimate current gas costs.

Approving Tokens for Swap

Before swapping certain tokens, you must grant permission to the DEX smart contract to access your funds. This is known as token approval.

• When initiating a swap, if prompted with an “Approve” button, click it.
• This will trigger a small transaction requiring gas.
• Once approved, you can proceed with the swap.

Some users skip or ignore this step, thinking it's optional. It is not — skipping token approval will prevent the swap from occurring.

Caution: Only approve tokens on trusted networks and DEXs. Never approve tokens unless you fully understand what you’re authorizing.

Using the Correct DEX Integration

Trust Wallet integrates with several decentralized exchanges. If one DEX doesn’t support your token, switching to another might resolve the issue.

• Open the DApp browser in Trust Wallet.
• Visit a supported DEX like PancakeSwap, SushiSwap, or QuickSwap.
• Connect your Trust Wallet and try swapping directly through the DEX interface.

Sometimes the built-in swap function in Trust Wallet doesn’t show all available options. Using the DApp browser gives you more flexibility and control over the swap process.

Pro Tip: Bookmark your favorite DEXs in the DApp browser for easier access.

Troubleshooting Common Swap Errors

Even after following all steps, users may still face errors like:

• Transaction failed
• Slippage too high
• Insufficient liquidity

These messages usually indicate specific issues:

• A failed transaction often results from low gas or incorrect approvals.
• High slippage occurs when the price changes between when you initiated the swap and when it was executed.
• Low liquidity means there isn’t enough trading volume for the token pair you selected.

To fix these:

• Increase the slippage tolerance slightly (usually up to 12%).
• Choose a different token pair with higher liquidity.
• Retry the transaction during less congested times.

Remember: High slippage increases the risk of getting a worse price than expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my token say 'Not enough liquidity' when I try to swap?This typically means there isn’t a sufficient trading pool for that token pair on the connected DEX. Try switching DEXs or choosing a different intermediary token.

Q: Can I swap BEP-2 tokens on Trust Wallet?No, BEP-2 tokens are not compatible with Trust Wallet’s DEX integrations. They must be converted to BEP-20 first or traded on a centralized exchange.

Q: How do I know if a token requires approval before swapping?If you see an 'Approve' button when initiating a swap, then the token needs approval. This is standard for most ERC-20 and BEP-20 tokens.

Q: Is it safe to approve tokens for swapping?Yes, but only on trusted DEXs. Always verify the contract address and avoid approving tokens unnecessarily.