How do I view authorized DApps in MetaMask?

What Are DApps and Why Do They Need Authorization?

Decentralized Applications (DApps) are applications built on blockchain networks that operate without a central authority. When you interact with a DApp, especially one built on Ethereum or compatible blockchains, it often requires permission to access your wallet information. MetaMask acts as a bridge between your browser and the Ethereum blockchain, allowing DApps to request access to your wallet address and initiate transactions. Before granting access, MetaMask prompts users for approval. Once approved, the DApp becomes an authorized DApp within your wallet.

How Does MetaMask Store Authorized DApp Permissions?

MetaMask maintains a list of websites that have been granted access to your wallet. These permissions are stored locally in your browser profile under the website data section. Each time you approve a connection request from a DApp, MetaMask saves this authorization so that future visits to the same site won’t require repeated approvals. This feature enhances user experience by reducing friction during interactions. However, it also means that users should be cautious about which sites they grant access to.

How to Access Site Permissions in MetaMask

To view authorized DApps in MetaMask, you need to navigate through the Settings menu. Here’s how:

• Open the MetaMask extension in your browser.
• Click on your account avatar located at the top-right corner.
• Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
• Navigate to the Advanced tab.
• Scroll down until you find the Connected Sites section.

In this section, you will see a list of all websites that currently have access to your wallet. Each entry includes the name of the website and a button labeled Disconnect. Clicking this button revokes the DApp's access to your wallet information.

How to Review and Manage Connected DApps

Managing connected DApps is essential for maintaining security and privacy. To review each authorized DApp:

• Go to the Connected Sites section as described above.
• Locate the DApp you want to inspect.
• Check the Origin field to verify the exact domain name of the connected site.
• If unsure about the legitimacy of a connection, click Disconnect to revoke access immediately.

It's important to note that disconnecting a site does not affect your account balances or assets stored on-chain. It simply prevents the DApp from reading your wallet address or initiating transaction requests without reauthorization.

Why Should You Regularly Audit Your Authorized DApps?

Over time, users may connect to multiple DApps for various purposes such as trading, lending, or gaming. Some of these platforms might no longer be in use or may pose potential risks if compromised. Regular audits help ensure that only trusted and active DApps retain access to your wallet. Additionally, reviewing these connections allows users to identify unfamiliar domains that could indicate phishing attempts or unauthorized access.

How to Clear All Authorized DApps at Once

If you prefer to start fresh or suspect that some permissions were granted unintentionally, MetaMask provides an option to clear all connected sites simultaneously:

• Go to Settings > Advanced.
• Find the Connected Sites section.
• Click on the Clear all button.

This action will disconnect every DApp previously authorized, requiring reapproval the next time you visit those sites. Use this option carefully, especially if you frequently interact with multiple DApps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I recover access to a disconnected DApp?Yes. Simply revisit the DApp’s website and attempt to connect your wallet again. MetaMask will prompt you to approve the connection once more.

Q: Will disconnecting a DApp affect my NFTs or tokens stored on it?No. Disconnecting a DApp removes its ability to read your wallet address but does not impact your on-chain assets. Your NFTs and tokens remain safe in your wallet.

Q: Is there a way to see when a DApp was last accessed?Currently, MetaMask does not display timestamps for when a DApp was last used or connected. Users must manually track their interactions outside the wallet interface.

Q: Can someone else see which DApps I’m connected to?The list of connected DApps is stored locally in your browser and is not visible to others unless they have access to your device or browser profile.