How to use WalletConnect with Trust Wallet? How to securely connect to DApps?

Understanding WalletConnect Integration

1. WalletConnect is an open-source protocol enabling secure communication between cryptocurrency wallets and decentralized applications without exposing private keys.

2. Trust Wallet supports WalletConnect v2, offering improved session management, cross-chain compatibility, and enhanced encryption standards.

3. The connection process relies on a QR code handshake, where the DApp generates a pairing URI and Trust Wallet scans it to establish an encrypted bridge.

4. Each session is assigned a unique topic identifier and persists only as long as the user maintains it or until manually disconnected.

5. No wallet data is stored on the DApp’s servers; all signing requests are routed directly through the WalletConnect relay network using end-to-end encryption.

Step-by-Step Connection Process

1. Open the target DApp in a mobile browser or its dedicated interface and locate the “Connect Wallet” button.

2. Select “WalletConnect” from the available options, triggering a QR code display with a 12-word recovery phrase warning overlay.

3. Launch Trust Wallet, tap the wallet icon in the top-right corner, then select “WalletConnect” from the menu.

4. Use the built-in camera to scan the QR code; Trust Wallet validates the DApp’s domain and displays its name, logo, and requested permissions.

5. Confirm the connection by tapping “Approve”; a persistent session badge appears in Trust Wallet’s active connections list.

Security Verification Practices

1. Always inspect the DApp’s URL before initiating connection — phishing sites often mimic legitimate interfaces with subtle domain variations.

2. Check the displayed DApp name and icon in Trust Wallet against official sources; cloned apps may show mismatched branding or generic placeholders.

3. Review requested permissions: legitimate DeFi protocols rarely ask for unlimited token allowances during initial connection.

4. Disable auto-approval for transaction signing; Trust Wallet allows per-transaction confirmation with visible gas estimates and contract interaction details.

5. Manually disconnect unused sessions via Trust Wallet’s “Connected Apps” screen to reduce exposure surface.

Risks of Misconfigured Sessions

1. Stale sessions can persist across app restarts and device reboots, allowing unauthorized signature requests if the device is compromised.

2. Malicious DApps may exploit poorly validated callback URIs to redirect users to fake wallets or intercept session payloads.

3. WalletConnect relays do not verify DApp integrity — reliance on centralized relays introduces trust assumptions about message routing fidelity.

4. Some DApps inject custom WalletConnect clients that bypass Trust Wallet’s native validation layer, increasing susceptibility to UI spoofing.

5. Session resurrection attacks have been observed where attackers reuse expired topics to hijack pending approvals under specific timing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can WalletConnect sessions be shared across multiple devices?WalletConnect v2 supports multi-device pairing, but Trust Wallet does not synchronize sessions across installations. Each device requires independent scanning and approval.

Q: Does Trust Wallet store my seed phrase when using WalletConnect?No. Trust Wallet never transmits or stores your seed phrase during WalletConnect operations. Signing occurs locally within the app’s secure enclave.

Q: Why does Trust Wallet show “Unknown DApp” for some connections?This occurs when the DApp fails to provide valid metadata in its WalletConnect proposal, such as missing name, description, or icon fields in the session request payload.

Q: Can I revoke a WalletConnect session without opening Trust Wallet?No. Revocation must occur inside Trust Wallet under “Settings > WalletConnect > Connected Apps”. There is no remote logout mechanism supported by the current protocol specification.