Key Takeaways

WalletConnect is an open-source protocol that lets you connect your crypto wallet to decentralized applications (DApps) using a QR code or deep link, without exposing your private keys.

The protocol supports many blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, Cosmos, and Bitcoin, making it useful across a wide range of Web3 applications.

WCT is the ecosystem's utility token, used for staking, governance voting, and rewarding node operators and wallet providers.

The organization behind WalletConnect rebranded to Reown in late 2024, though the WalletConnect protocol name and open-source codebase were retained.

Introduction

WalletConnect is an open-source communication protocol designed to bridge the gap between crypto wallets and decentralized applications (DApps). Rather than depending on browser extensions or manual copy-pasting of wallet addresses in order to connect a wallet to a DApp, WalletConnect replaces this with a simple QR code scan or deep link tap. Once a connection is established, your wallet can securely sign transactions and approve actions in a DApp without ever exposing your private key. To get started, you’ll need to set up a crypto wallet that supports the WalletConnect protocol.

The protocol was originally created to solve fragmented and vulnerable DApp-wallet interactions. It has since grown into a network infrastructure supporting millions of users and thousands of applications across multiple blockchains.

How WalletConnect Works

WalletConnect acts as a communication layer between your wallet and a DApp. It does not store funds, execute transactions, or have access to your private keys. Instead, it creates an encrypted session that lets the two sides exchange messages.

The session begins when you scan a QR code or click a deep link inside a DApp. This opens your wallet app, which prompts you to approve the connection. From that point on, any transaction or signature request from the DApp appears in your wallet for you to approve or reject.

WalletConnect is built on three main components:

Network: A decentralized system of nodes that relays encrypted messages between your wallet and the DApp. Nodes are operated by different parties to avoid central points of failure.

SDKs: Software development kits that developers use to integrate WalletConnect into their wallets and DApps. The SDKs handle encryption, session management, and message formatting behind the scenes.

Standards: A set of shared message formats and rules that allow different wallets and applications to work together reliably, regardless of which blockchain they operate on.

WalletConnect supports multiple networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cosmos, and Polkadot, and Bitcoin.

The Reown Rebrand

In late 2024, the organization that builds and maintains WalletConnect rebranded from the WalletConnect Foundation to Reown. The rebrand reflected a shift in focus: Reown aims to expand the protocol beyond a simple wallet-DApp connector and into a broader identity and onboarding layer for Web3.

Despite the organizational rebrand, the WalletConnect protocol name, open-source code, and developer tooling remained unchanged. Applications and wallets that integrated WalletConnect continued to work without disruption. The WCT token and the underlying network were unaffected by the name change.

The WCT Token

WCT is the native token of the WalletConnect ecosystem. It is an ERC-20 token originally launched on the Optimism network, with a fixed total supply of 1 billion tokens. WCT serves several purposes within the network:

Governance: WCT holders can vote on protocol upgrades, fee structures, and other decisions that shape the network's direction.

Staking: Users can stake WCT to help secure the network and earn rewards. Staking periods range from one week to two years, and longer commitments may earn proportionally higher rewards.

Performance-based rewards: Node operators and wallet providers receive WCT rewards based on measurable performance, such as uptime, connection success rates, and latency.

Future fees: WalletConnect does not currently charge session fees, but the community may vote to introduce WCT-denominated fees in the future.

WCT on Binance Launchpool

On April 10, 2025, Binance listed WCT as the 67th project on Binance Launchpool. A total of 40 million WCT, representing 4% of the total token supply, was allocated to the program.

After the farming period ended, WCT was listed for spot trading on Binance with the Seed Tag applied. 

WalletGuide and Certification

The WalletConnect team operates WalletGuide, a directory that reviews and lists crypto wallets based on quality and security standards. Wallets that meet the criteria can earn official certification, which helps users identify trustworthy options and gives developers confidence that a wallet will integrate well with their applications.

Certification criteria cover aspects such as protocol support, security practices, and user experience quality. The program aims to raise standards across the wallet ecosystem rather than simply endorsing specific products.

Adoption and Growth

According to the WalletConnect 2025 year in review report, it facilitated over $400 billion in onchain activity, with daily volume averaging $1.25 billion, and its user base has grown to over 55 million. Over 57,000 DApps have integrated the protocol, which reflects its broad adoption across the Web3 ecosystem.

FAQ

What is WalletConnect used for?

WalletConnect is used to connect a crypto wallet to a DApp without relying on browser extensions or copying wallet addresses. It creates an encrypted session via QR code or deep link, so you can approve transactions directly in your wallet while keeping your private keys secure.

Is WalletConnect safe to use?

WalletConnect is designed with security in mind. It does not expose your private key or seed phrase to the DApp you connect to. All messages are end-to-end encrypted. That said, you should always verify the DApp you are connecting to is legitimate before approving any transactions, as scams can impersonate real applications.

What blockchains does WalletConnect support?

WalletConnect supports a wide range of blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, Cosmos, Polkadot, and Bitcoin. The multi-chain support makes it one of the more interoperable wallet connection protocols in the Web3 space.

What is the WCT token and what is it used for?

WCT is the utility token of the WalletConnect ecosystem. It can be used for governance voting, staking to earn rewards, and compensating node operators and wallet providers. The total supply is 1 billion WCT, and it is an ERC-20 token.

What is the difference between WalletConnect and Reown?

Reown is the organization that builds and maintains WalletConnect. In late 2024, the WalletConnect Foundation rebranded to Reown to signal a broader mission around Web3 identity and onboarding. The WalletConnect protocol, its code, and the WCT token were all unchanged by the rebrand.

Closing Thoughts

WalletConnect enables secure and convenient connections between wallets and DApps across multiple blockchains for users. The introduction of the WCT token adds a governance and incentive layer to the network, giving users and operators a stake in its direction. With its continued growth in DApp integrations, the protocol is positioned to remain a key building block for DApps going forward.

Further Reading

What Are Decentralized Applications (DApps)?

Crypto Wallet Types Explained

What Is Staking?

Your Guide to Binance Launchpad and Launchpool

An Introduction to ERC-20 Tokens

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