Swapping crypto is trading from one asset to another crypto asset, like swapping from ETH to PEPE or USDC to OP. Platforms like the Uniswap web app and wallet are some of the most trusted places to swap crypto – with one of the largest ranges of tokens.
What is a crypto swap?
DEFINITION
A crypto swap is a transaction that results in the direct exchange of one crypto for another, without the need for an intermediary to facilitate the trade.
Trading on a centralized exchange is facilitated by an intermediary that exchanges your crypto on your behalf. Swapping on a decentralized exchange (like Uniswap Protocol) uses smart contracts to execute your swap, so there is never a third party in control of your funds.
How to swap crypto: a step-by-step guide
All you need to swap crypto is a self-custody crypto wallet and funds in the wallet. If you need help with either of those, you can refer to our guides:
Step 1: Connect your wallet
Navigate to the swap interface of your choice and connect your crypto wallet.
Step 2: Select an input token
This is the token that you’ll send in your swap. You can search for it by name or contract address.
Step 3: Select an output token
This is the token you’ll receive from your swap. Just like in the previous step, search for it by name or contract address. Double-check you’ve selected the correct token.
Step 4: Choose the amount to swap
Keep in mind that you won’t be able to swap for a value greater than what you have in your wallet.
Step 5: Review transaction and confirm.
Carefully look over the transaction details and, if available to you, customizing advanced settings that are available to you. Then, follow the prompts on the screen to confirm.
Once you confirm, you may need to wait for your transaction to be completed. Wait times vary based on the blockchain you are using. Ethereum transactions may take a few minutes, while transactions on blockchains like Base may take a few seconds.
When the transaction is complete, you can verify that your swap has gone through by finding the output token in your wallet, or by looking up your transaction ID in a block explorer for the network you used, like Etherscan for Ethereum transactions. If you’re using the Uniswap Web app, you can easily view your transactions in the activity tab.
Crypto Swapping FAQs
What is the cost of swapping?
When you swap crypto, you'll need to pay a fee to the blockchain network. This fee is paid in the network's currency (like ETH on Ethereum) and goes to the computers that keep the network running smoothly and securely ‒ it’s a built-in cost of using a decentralized system. The fee amount changes based on network traffic, and you might also pay an additional fee to the platform you're using to swap.
How long do swaps take?
Swaps on Ethereum can take a minute or two, while swaps on other L2 chains like Unichain, Base, Polygon, Arbitrum, or Optimism can happen in two seconds or less.
Is there a limit on the amount or frequency of your swaps?
When you swap on platforms like Uniswap, you can swap as many times as you’d like! There is no centralized intermediary that caps how often you make swaps or the volume of your transactions.
How do I see my swaps?
Most wallets, including the Uniswap wallet, will show your transaction history in an “Activity” tab. You can also view your history by copying your wallet address and pasting it into a block explorer to see the full transaction history and details.
Make your first swap with the Uniswap web app
Whether you're new to crypto or a seasoned swapper, Uniswap web and wallet make swapping easy, safe, and secure. That’s why 80% of new Ethereum users make their way to Uniswap on day one.
Connect your wallet today to swap smarter on the Uniswap Web app — or get started by downloading Uniswap Wallet on your mobile device, and check out our guide for setting up your self-custody wallet.
