Take control of your crypto — and keep it safe while you explore DeFi.
Self-custody gives you full control of your digital assets. That’s a huge advantage, and also a big responsibility. Because onchain transactions are irreversible, protecting your crypto is just as important as owning it.
Here’s how to keep your wallet secure and to identify common scams so you can swap, store, and explore confidently.
Keeping your crypto wallet secure
Think of your crypto wallet like a debit card, but for DeFi. Just like you wouldn’t share your card’s PIN or display it in plain sight, you’ll want to take a few simple steps to secure your wallet:
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Choose a trusted wallet provider. Start with a wallet that’s easy for you to use and prioritizes security. Uniswap Wallet gives you self-custody of your assets, supports 13+ chains, and helps you swap easily across networks.
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Store your recovery info safely. Keep your private key or recovery phrase offline — never in your notes app, email, or Google Docs. If you do store it digitally, use a secure password manager.
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Be discreet. Don’t post your wallet’s private key publicly or flex your balance on social media. Keep in mind that public wallet addresses are transparent, meaning anyone can look up its transaction history.
Avoiding common crypto scams
Crypto scams often look polished. They’re purposefully designed that way to catch you off guard. Learning how to spot them is the best way to stay safe.
Here are a few to watch for:
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Phishing attacks. If you get a message that looks like it’s from a crypto platform asking for login info or your recovery phrase, ignore it. No legit project will ever ask for that.
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Malicious or scam tokens. Some tokens are designed to mimic real ones by using similar tickers (a.k.a. the token’s abbreviated symbol, e.g., $ETH). Others are “honeypots” — you can buy them, but you can’t sell. Use the Uniswap Web App or Uniswap Wallet, where token warnings powered by Blockaid can help you make informed decisions when you swap.
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Impersonation & airdrop scams. Be skeptical of “airdrop” tokens that show up in your wallet or links promising free crypto. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
A sample token warning from the Uniswap Wallet.
You can learn more about token warnings and labels in our Help Center.
Smart swapping tips
A few simple habits can go a long way in helping you avoid slip-ups. Here are some good ones to build:
- Double check wallet and token addresses before confirming a swap.
- Leave some ETH in your wallet to cover network costs (aka “gas fees”).
- Use secure WiFi, especially when confirming high-value transactions.
Once you’ve taken a few steps to secure your wallet, you’ll be better equipped to explore the world of onchain apps — on your terms.
Swap smarter with Uniswap Web & Wallet
Uniswap Wallet and Uniswap Web App are built for DeFi, combining simplicity with smart features like token warnings and multi-network support. Whether you're bridging, swapping, or exploring what else is possible with DeFi, Uniswap Labs apps help you stay informed and in control.
