All articles

What are dApps?

Decentralized applications (dApps) are applications that run on a blockchain. You can access dApps using your cryptocurrency address and interact with them by signing transactions.
 

How do dApps work?


To use a dApp, you must sign a transaction to connect your wallet. This transaction verifies that you own the associated address.

dApps run on smart contracts, meaning they operate autonomously and are not controlled by a single entity.
 

For more information about smart contracts, please read our article called What are smart contracts?


Types of dApps


dApps serve various purposes. If you’ve used Web3 before, you’ve likely interacted with a dApp.

While dApps can have many use cases, they generally fall into the following categories:
 

Finance & DeFi


Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are dApps, including well-known platforms like Raydium, Jupiter, and Uniswap.

By connecting your wallet to a DEX, you can trade cryptocurrency directly on the blockchain—no account required on platforms like Coinbase or Kraken.
 

NFTs & gaming


Popular NFT marketplaces like OpenSea and Blur, as well as blockchain-based games like Axie Infinity, are also dApps.

These platforms allow users to trade cryptocurrency for NFTs, which can represent digital art, collectibles, or in-game assets. In blockchain-based games, NFTs can serve as playable characters, virtual land, or unique in-game items that can be traded or sold for cryptocurrency.
 

For more information about NFTs, please read our article called What is an NFT?


Governance


Governance dApps, also known as Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), are smart contract-based systems that allow individuals to vote on proposals by signing transactions with their private keys.

Each DAO operates differently, but a common model involves issuing tokens, where each token represents a proportional stake in the vote.

Examples include MakerDAO, a decentralized stablecoin issuer, and Uniswap, a decentralized exchange that allows users to vote on proposals using its UNI token.
 

Staying safe with dApps

 

As with any blockchain interaction, using a malicious dApp could put your funds at risk. Follow these key security tips when using dApps in Web3.

 

Watch out for Token approvals


Token approvals grant a smart contract permission to access specific tokens in your wallet. These approvals are common in DeFi, especially when using decentralized exchanges.

Before approving a transaction, review its details carefully to ensure you’re not granting excessive or unlimited access to your funds.

Watch out for malicious dApps

 

Some dApps are designed to trick users into signing contracts that drain their entire balance. These actions are irreversible.


Always verify that a dApp is legitimate before interacting with it. The best way to do this is to carefully review all transaction details before signing - all messages should have easy to understand text.

For extra security, consider downloading Wallet Guard, which scans every dApp you are about to connect to and makes sure it is not malicious.
 

 

Getting started with dApps


To use a dApp with your Trezor device:
 

  1. Connect your Trezor device to your computer.

  2. Open your web browser and visit the dApp’s website.

  3. Connect your wallet to interact with the dApp.


Some dApps work directly with Trezor, while others require a third-party wallet.

For a list of compatible third-party wallets and dApps, see our article: Third-party wallets & apps.

Each dApp is different, so follow its instructions carefully when connecting your wallet. Always stay vigilant and follow security best practices.