decentralized applications (DApps) are on the cusp of going mainstream. Driven by the success of decentralized finance (DeFi) and emerging use cases like NFT gaming (GameFi) and the Metaverse, 2022 is being dubbed ‘The Year of DApps‘.
And sitting at the forefront enabling easy access to DApps is Trust Wallet‘s built-in browser.
I have been exploring blockchain protocols and building DApps for over five years now. So in this detailed guide, I‘ll be sharing:
- The evolution of DApps and their potential
- Step-by-step guide on accessing DApps using Trust Wallet
- Tips for beginners on understanding and staying secure
- And the trends shaping DApp adoption
So whether you‘re a developer looking to implement DApp capabilities or an end-user excited to explore these next-gen applications, do read on!
The Evolution of Decentralized Applications
Let‘s first understand what exactly are decentralized applications or DApps and how they have progressed over time.
A DApp is best defined by its attributes:
- 📄Open Source Code that runs transparently on networks like Ethereum, BNB Chain etc. allowing users to verify functionality
- 📑Digital Assets and Collectibles like crypto tokens, NFTs etc. that users own and control
- 🔐Decentralized consensus for records instead of a central authority
- 🤝Incentives to participate and secure the network
This sets them apart from traditional apps and websites which are hosted on company-owned servers with user data stored centrally often without their consent.
The Different Eras of DApp Adoption
DApps actually originated from the early ideas of distributed computing in the 90‘s where networks of computers collectively shared bandwidth and storage.
Several innovations came together to make modern DApps a reality:
- Increasing Internet speeds and access enabling decentralized networks
- Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin demonstrating digital scarcity and ownership
- Smart contract platforms like Ethereum allowing programmable money and contracts
This laid the foundation for the 1st wave of basic DApps from 2015-2017 like CryptoKitties, Decentralized Exchanges and marketplaces like OpenBazaar.
The 2nd growth phase from 2020 is being driven by DeFi – allowing traditional financial functions in a transparent non-custodial way.
In 2022, we are now entering the 3rd wave focused on usability, design and specialized use cases across gaming, identity, social engagement, communication commerce and content creation.
Advancements like Layer 2 scaling solutions, Ethereum upgrades to proof-of-stake consensus, faster blockchains like Solana and lower-fee ecosystems like Polygon are enabling this user-friendly phase.
DApps are now evolving beyond finance into sophisticated offerings like:
- 🎮GameFi – Play-to-earn blockchain games with asset ownership
- 🖼️NFT Services like marketplaces, galleries, fractionalization platforms etc.
- 🌎Virtual Worlds with immersive experiences, property ownership that can generate yield
- ⚖️Decentralized Justice solutions for dispute resolution through community involvement
This is expanding the design possibilities and total addressable market tremendously.
And powering this user adoption is easy plug-and-play access to DApps offered by wallets like Trust Wallet.
Why Trust Wallet is Key for Mainstream Adoption
Trust Wallet burst onto the crypto scene after it was acquired by Binance in 2018 and has quickly risen to become one of the largest multi-chain non-custodial wallets.
What sets Trust Wallet apart is how it simplifies accessing the emerging world of decentralized apps for everyday users.
Key Stats on Trust Wallet‘s Rise:
- 50-100 million total app downloads reported as of 2022
- Support for 5000+ crypto tokens and NFT collections
- Access to 1000+ decentralized apps through DApp browser
- 4.6 rating and over 370k reviews on the PlayStore reflecting user satisfaction
Beyond ease of use, some standout features that explain Trust Wallet‘s popularity growth are:
Multi-chain Experience
Support for multiple networks like Ethereum, BSC, Polygon from the same interface offers users more choices for yield opportunities while reducing app fatigue.
NFT Support
Ability to not just view but transact popular NFT collections brings crypto-art and gaming assets access to the masses.
Secure With No Identity Needed
User assets and data privacy is maintained through seeds and encryption allowing for anonymity. No emails or personal details needed to operate.
This combination allows Trust Wallet to capture mainstream audiences beyond just tech savvy crypto natives.
And the gateway enabling easy yet secure access to DApps from Trust Wallet is the…
DApp Browser
The DApp browser embedded within Trust Wallet makes interacting with this new world of decentralized apps simple through features like:
👆One-Click Access: Switch between DApps instantly without cumbersome connector installs
⚒️Usability: Approve transactions and contracts seamlessly maintaining control over wallet
📃Discoverability: Easy to browse DApps categorized across popular niches on curated interface
You can swap tokens on Uniswap, get yield on lending apps, buy NFTs or mine resources in blockchain games directly through the Trust Browser.
This eliminates much of the friction users face currently with managing extensions and connectors.
All a user needs is a supported wallet like Trust installed on their phone or desktop to unlock access to DApps.
And that brings us to…
How to Enable Trust Wallet‘s DApp Capabilities
I want to walk you through the exact steps involved in gaining DApp access on Trust Wallet whether you use an:
- Android smartphone
- iPhone
- Desktop/Web browser
This will equip you to start exploring DApps yourself across any device.
1. Enable DApp Browser on Android
Installing Trust Wallet from the PlayStore and enabling its DApp gateway is straightforward on Android devices:
- Download Trust Wallet app from the PlayStore
- Launch the app and click the gear icon on the top-right
- Go to Preferences and toggle on the DApp Browser option
That‘s it! The in-app browser with Web3 access gets activated.
2. Gain DApp Access on iPhone
Unfortunately, iPhone users cannot toggle the DApp functionality directly since Apple restricted it‘s use in their App Store policy guidelines.
But not to worry, you can easily enable it separately through any web browser on your iPhone:
Method 1
- Open Safari browser and type: trust://browser_enable
- Confirm the prompt to Launch Trust Wallet
- The app will open with DApp browser access
Method 2
- Access a DApp site like PancakeSwap through Safari
- Click Connect > Select WalletConnect > Choose Trust Wallet option
- Approve the Connect request in your Trust Wallet
This bridges the DApp site with your Trust Wallet instantaneously!
3. Desktop Browser Access
Besides mobile app connectivity, Trust Wallet also lets you connect with DApps directly through desktop and web browsers.
Here is how:
- Install Trust Wallet browser extension on Chrome/Firefox
- Click Connect wallet icon on DApp site
- A QR code will appear. Scan this code using your Trust mobile app by going to Settings > WalletConnect
- Approve the pairing request on mobile app
- Start accessing DApp via desktop browser while maintaining control through your phone!
This is made possible due to Trust Wallet‘s innovative WalletConnect integration.
So as you can see, gaining access to decentralized apps is quick and simple regardless of your device once you have Trust Wallet configured.
Now that you have access to this DApp ecosystem, what exactly can you achieve with them? Let‘s explore some usage examples…
What Can You Build and Achieve with DApps?
The possibilities with decentralized apps spanning sectors like finance, gaming, social platforms etc. are endless!
To give you an idea, here are some examples of what tech savvy users to casual individuals can achieve by harnessing DApps:
🏦 Lend, borrow and earn interest on crypto assets through sites like Aave and Compound Finance. Returns can be as high as 20% APR!
🎰 Invest in NFTs, virtual worlds like Decentraland and play games like Axie Infinity to earn income and rare collectibles.
⚖️ Settle legal disputes through decentralized arbitration platforms like Kleros that leverage the wisdom of crowds.
🗳️ Vote on key governance decisions related to DAOs and protocols you have invested in like Maker
These demonstrate the range of financial services, creative opportunities and community-based solutions DApps facilitate access to.
But DApps aren‘t limited just to these categories. Here are additional sectors seeing rising DApp innovation:
In fact there are now over 3000+ DApps that integrate blockchain connected through platforms like Trust Wallet!
However, I want to stress the importance of understanding risks as you navigate this new world…
Navigating Risks and Gotchas as a Beginner
The decentralized nature of DApps presents amazing opportunities. But it can also expose users to certain hazards if they don‘t follow security best practices.
Here are the top things to watch out for:
🔓 Private keys are everything! Never ever share your wallet seed phrase or private key with anyone. Legit services will never ask for it.
💵 Transaction errors are possible. Double, triple check addresses and network while sending funds.
🕵️Verify contracts through tools like Etherscan before interacting with new DApps.
🛡️Access original DApp sites rather than clicking random links to avoid phishing attempts.
Following these principles along with general crypto security hygiene will help avoid pitfalls as you traverse this new terrain.
For additional beginner tips, do check out my guide on Staying Safe in DeFi and Crypto.
Now that you know how to enable Trust Wallet‘s DApp browser and understand the basics of protecting yourself, let‘s round things up by looking at…
The Future of DApps and Trust Wallet
Despite crypto‘s current volatility, the long-term trajectory for DApps and products like Trust Wallet looks promising.
A 2022 Industry report by DappRadar reveals some fascinating adoption trends:
🔼 DApp usage grew 98% in 2021 hitting over 2.7 million active wallets
🔼 Top DApp categories now spread across DeFi, Exchanges, Gaming and Gamified DeFi
🔼 Ethereum network leads usage but competing chains like Polygon and BSC gaining adoption
Advancements enabling an enhanced user experience across onboarding, UI/UX design and transaction speed will likely accelerate adoption.
Trust Wallet itself has robust plans to expand functionality as indicated by recent updates and their 2022 roadmap:
✅ NFT support enhanced through partnership with leading minting platforms
✅ Launch of Desktop browser extension for DApp access
✅ Integrations with fiat on-ramps like MoonPay simplifying purchases
🔜 Support for additional programmable chains and tokens planned for 2022 like DOT, ADA etc.
With innovations in blockchain interoperability also taking place in parallel, I foresee Trust Wallet morphing into a portal for managing virtual identities and digital assets spanning multiple ecosystems.
The world of Web3 spanning open finance, immersive metaverse experiences and creator economies is coming. And Trust Wallet‘s DApp browser promises to be the gateway enabling easy yet secure access for regular users.
So unlock your pathway into decentralized applications today and let me know your experience!
