Most onchain activity happens through apps — also known as decentralized applications or “dapps” — that let you swap, play, borrow, and more.
Dapps can offer advantages over traditional apps, like greater data security, transparency, user control, and access. If you have a crypto wallet and an internet connection, you’re only a few clicks away from being able to connect to thousands of dapps.
What are decentralized applications?
Decentralized applications (dapps) are software applications that run on a blockchain network instead of being controlled by a single centralized server.
What are decentralized applications used for?
Decentralized applications are used to provide financial services, games, marketplaces, and social platforms that operate without centralized control.
How do decentralized applications work?
Decentralized applications work by using smart contracts on a blockchain to manage logic and data, while users interact with them through wallets or web interfaces.
Smart contracts define the rules and behavior of decentralized applications and automatically execute actions when conditions are met.
What are the advantages of decentralized applications? Thanks to this onchain framework, common benefits and characteristics of dapps include:
- Accessibility: No signup or email required — you can get started using dapps with just a wallet.
- Efficiency: Dapps use smart contracts to handle user transactions automatically. No waiting for a supervisor, business hours, or a credit check!
- Security: Resistant to single points of failure, dapps provide enhanced security that helps protect sensitive customer data.
- Sovereignty: Decentralized apps let users manage their data and assets directly with their private keys, providing enhanced privacy.
- Transparency: Dapp transactions and data are publicly verifiable, and can be viewed using block explorer tools like Etherscan.
Examples of decentralized apps
There’s a dapp for just about everything. Here’s a list of some popular ones to help get you started onchain:
- Decentralized exchanges like Uniswap web app
- Token launchers like Flaunch
- NFT marketplaces like OpenSea
- Crypto wallets like Uniswap wallet
- Lending and borrowing apps like Morpho
- Social media platforms like Warpcast
- Global payments tools like Alchemy Pay
Getting started with dapps
You can interact with decentralized applications by connecting a crypto wallet, which allows them to sign transactions and interact with smart contracts.
Connecting your wallet to a dapp is simpler than it sounds — and once you’ve done it, it just clicks. Follow these three steps to get started:
1. Find a dapp
Instead of browsing Apple’s App Store or Google Play, check out websites like DappRadar that are specifically designed to help you discover thousands of dapps. Whether you’re into collecting artwork, swapping tokens, or exploring other ways to use crypto, there’s a dapp for that. Filter your search by category to make things easier.
2. Connect a wallet
To use a dapp, you’ll need a crypto wallet that supports the same network the app runs on. Most dapps make it easy to connect by offering a QR code, button, or similar prompt. Once connected, any transactions you make in the dapp will show up in your wallet.
Tip: Most dapps show which network(s) they run on — look for the name or logo near the top of the screen or in the settings.
3. Add some funds to your wallet
To take full advantage of a dapp’s features, your wallet needs to have enough crypto to cover network costs (or “gas fees”) and engage in any in-app transactions. If your wallet is empty or has a low balance, you can either buy crypto directly through your wallet with fiat onramps or transfer crypto from another wallet.
The wallet built for an onchain world
When you explore DeFi, it’s important to keep your assets secure and in your control.
Uniswap Wallet is both simple and secure. It connects you to apps on all major chains including Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Unichain and more. Plus, it works seamlessly with the Uniswap Web App to create a more efficient onchain swapping experience.
Swap smarter with Uniswap Wallet, available for iOS, Android, and Chrome extension.
Frequently asked questions
How are decentralized applications different from traditional apps?
Decentralized applications differ from traditional apps because they rely on blockchains and smart contracts rather than centralized servers and databases.
Are decentralized applications fully decentralized?
Not always. While the onchain components can be decentralized, some dapps may still use centralized components such as web frontends or hosted data services.
Do decentralized applications require cryptocurrency?
Yes. Most dapps require cryptocurrency to pay for transactions or interact with smart contracts.
Are dapps only built on Ethereum?
No. While Ethereum popularized dapps, they can be built on many blockchain networks.
