WalletConnect Safety Guide: Approvals, Sessions, and Revocations Explained
Feb, 6 2026
WalletConnect is an open protocol that securely connects your cryptocurrency wallet to decentralized applications (dApps) without exposing private keys. Over 83% of non-custodial wallets use it, making it the industry standard for Web3 interactions. It solves a critical problem: how to let you use dApps like Uniswap or OpenSea safely without risking your assets.
How Approvals Keep Your Assets Safe
Every time a dApp tries to interact with your wallet-whether signing a transaction or accessing your account-WalletConnect requires your explicit approval. No automatic signing happens. You must confirm each action in your wallet app. A Reddit user with 856 upvotes explained in February 2023: "Using WalletConnect with Trust Wallet gives me peace of mind because I have to approve every single transaction-none of that auto-signing nonsense." This simple step stops hackers from draining your wallet even if a dApp gets compromised.
Understanding Sessions: What They Are and How They Work
When you connect your wallet to a dApp, WalletConnect creates a session. This session acts as a temporary bridge between your wallet and the app. Sessions are encrypted end-to-end using x25519 key exchange, ensuring only your wallet and the dApp can read the data. However, the Trail of Bits audit in 2022 found sessions were stored in HTML5 local storage, which is vulnerable to XSS attacks (CVE-2022-28843). WalletConnect's parent company, Reown, plans to replace this with decentralized storage in Q2 2026. Until then, always use updated wallet apps that patch these risks.
Revoking Sessions: Taking Control Back
Need to disconnect a dApp? Revoking sessions is simple. Open your wallet app, go to "Connected Sites" or "Session Management," select the dApp, and hit "Revoke." This immediately cuts off access. For example, if you connected to a game dApp but now want to stop it from accessing your wallet, revoking ensures no further transactions can occur. WalletConnect's revocation feature is critical for security-imagine a dApp being compromised; revoking sessions stops hackers before they can do damage.
Security Features That Make WalletConnect Stand Out
WalletConnect's Verify API is a game-changer for phishing prevention. When a dApp tries to connect, WalletConnect checks the domain against trusted sources. If the domain is invalid or a known scam (like a fake Uniswap site), it shows a clear warning. In September 2024, this feature blocked a phishing attempt targeting Uniswap users, saving them from losses. Additionally, institutional-grade security controls like 1-click authorization for Travel Rule compliance ensure regulatory adherence without compromising safety. These layers of protection make WalletConnect the go-to choice for both everyday users and institutions.
Common Mistakes That Compromise Safety
Even with strong features, mistakes can leave you vulnerable. Many developers skip checking the verifyContext object during integration. Reown's data shows 15% of initial WalletConnect implementations in 2025 had this error, leading to security holes. For users, not regularly reviewing connected sites is a risk. Always check your wallet's session list monthly. If you see a dApp you don't recognize, revoke it immediately. Another issue is ignoring domain verification warnings-never proceed if WalletConnect flags a domain as suspicious.
Final Thoughts: Staying Safe in Web3
WalletConnect's safety features are robust, but your actions matter. Regularly review connected sessions, update your wallet app, and never skip approval prompts. As the protocol evolves, expect better session storage and more decentralized security measures. With 67 of the top 100 institutional custody solutions using WalletConnect by Q1 2026, it's clear this is the future of secure Web3 access. Stay vigilant, and you'll enjoy the benefits of decentralized apps without the risks.
Can WalletConnect be hacked?
WalletConnect itself hasn't been hacked due to its end-to-end encryption and no private key exposure. However, vulnerabilities in session storage (like CVE-2022-28843) were found in audits. These are fixed in updated wallet apps. The main risk comes from user mistakes, like approving phishing sites. Always check domain verification warnings before connecting.
How do I revoke a session?
Open your wallet app, find the "Connected Sites" or "Session Management" section. Select the dApp you want to disconnect and tap "Revoke." This instantly ends the connection. For example, in Trust Wallet, go to Settings > Connected Sites, then choose "Disconnect" next to the dApp. Always revoke sessions for unused dApps to reduce risk.
What is the Verify API?
The Verify API checks if a dApp's domain is legitimate before allowing a connection. It compares the domain against trusted lists and scam databases. If the domain is invalid or flagged as malicious, WalletConnect shows a warning. For instance, in September 2024, it blocked a phishing site pretending to be Uniswap, preventing users from losing funds. This feature is critical for stopping phishing attacks.
Why does WalletConnect use local storage?
Initially, WalletConnect stored sessions in HTML5 local storage for simplicity. However, the Trail of Bits audit in 2022 identified this as a vulnerability (CVE-2022-28843) due to XSS risks. WalletConnect's parent company, Reown, is replacing this with decentralized storage in Q2 2026. Until then, using updated wallets that patch this issue is essential for security.
Is WalletConnect safe for institutions?
Yes, WalletConnect is widely used by institutions. Its 1-click authorization feature complies with the Travel Rule for regulatory requirements, and 67 of the top 100 custody solutions adopted it by Q1 2026. The protocol's institutional-grade security controls, including end-to-end encryption and domain verification, make it suitable for high-value transactions while maintaining user control.