Deep Linking
Web3 Infrastructure • Tools • Interfaces
direct navigation to specific app content or actions
Deep linking is a technology that enables users to open specific content or actions within a mobile or web application directly, bypassing the homepage or default landing screen. In the context of Web3 and crypto, deep linking allows wallets and dApps to interact seamlessly—for example, opening a wallet app to approve a transaction from a QR code or browser prompt—enhancing usability and streamlining the user experience.
Use Case: A user clicks “Connect Wallet” on a DeFi dApp. Instead of manually opening their mobile wallet and navigating to the connection screen, a deep link automatically launches the wallet app directly to the transaction approval page—reducing friction from five steps to one tap.
Key Concepts:
- WalletConnect — Protocol enabling deep link wallet connections across devices
- dApps — Decentralized applications using deep links for wallet interaction
- Mobile Wallet — Primary target for deep link wallet integrations
- Browser Wallet — Extension wallets with deep link capabilities
- MetaMask — Popular wallet supporting deep link protocols
- URI Scheme — Custom URL format triggering app-specific actions
- Universal Links — iOS deep linking standard for app navigation
- App Links — Android deep linking standard for seamless handoffs
- Smart Contracts — On-chain actions triggered via deep link flows
- Web3 — Decentralized web enabled by wallet deep linking
- Self-Custody — Wallet control maintained through deep link interactions
- Trustless — Direct wallet signing without intermediary custody
Summary: Deep linking bridges the gap between Web3 applications and wallet software, enabling one-tap interactions that preserve security while eliminating friction. This technology is essential for mainstream crypto adoption—making complex wallet interactions feel as simple as clicking a link.
How Deep Linking Works
the technology behind seamless wallet interactions
• User clicks button/scans QR
• dApp generates deep link URL
• Contains action parameters
• Example: wc:// or metamask://
• Encoded transaction data
• OS intercepts special URI
• Matches to registered app
• Checks app is installed
• Falls back to app store if not
• Passes parameters to app
• Wallet app opens directly
• Navigates to specific screen
• Pre-fills transaction details
• User sees approval request
• Context preserved from dApp
• User reviews and approves
• Wallet signs transaction
• Returns result to dApp
• dApp confirms completion
• Seamless round-trip
Types of Deep Links
different standards and implementations
Web3 Deep Linking Use Cases
where deep links power crypto interactions
• QR code scanning
• “Connect Wallet” buttons
• Session establishment
• Multi-wallet selection
• Cross-device pairing
• Token swaps
• NFT minting
• Staking operations
• Contract interactions
• Payment approvals
• Login authentication
• Proof of ownership
• Governance voting
• Terms acceptance
• Identity verification
• Request specific amount
• Pre-filled recipient address
• Token type specified
• Memo/reference included
• One-click checkout experiences
• Direct to specific pools
• Open NFT listings
• Jump to governance proposals
• Share portfolio views
• Marketing/referral links
WalletConnect: The Deep Linking Standard
how the leading protocol enables wallet-dApp connections
• Connects any wallet to any dApp
• Works across devices (mobile ↔ desktop)
• QR code + deep link hybrid
• End-to-end encrypted sessions
• Chain-agnostic protocol
• Industry standard
• dApp generates connection URI
• URI encoded in QR or link
• Wallet scans/clicks to connect
• Secure session established
• Requests sent over relay
• User approves in wallet
• Uniswap
• OpenSea
• Aave
• Most DeFi protocols
• Thousands of dApps
• Multi-chain support
• Improved performance
• Better mobile experience
• Sign API standard
• Auth API for login
Deep Linking Security
staying safe with wallet deep links
• Phishing Links — Fake deep links to malicious apps
• App Hijacking — Malware intercepting URIs
• Blind Signing — Approving without reviewing
• Session Hijacking — Stolen connection sessions
• Fake QR Codes — Physical QR replacements
• Clipboard Attacks — Modified addresses
• Verify Source — Only click links from trusted sites
• Check App — Confirm correct wallet opens
• Review Details — Read transaction before signing
• Use Hardware — Physical confirmation step
• Verify QR Source — Don’t scan random codes
• Keep Apps Updated — Security patches
• Opens your actual wallet
• Shows correct dApp name
• Transaction matches intent
• Amounts look right
• No rush/urgency pressure
• Unknown app opens
• Unexpected permissions
• Mismatched amounts
• Unusual contracts
• Pressure to act fast
• Physical verification
• Can’t sign remotely
• Screen shows tx details
• Ledger integration
• Extra security layer
Deep Linking Checklist
using wallet deep links safely and effectively
☐ Verify you’re on legitimate dApp
☐ Check URL matches expected site
☐ Confirm wallet app is official
☐ Review what permissions are requested
☐ Understand what you’re connecting to
☐ Start with small test if new dApp
☐ Read transaction details carefully
☐ Verify amounts match your intent
☐ Check contract address if possible
☐ Confirm recipient is correct
☐ Don’t rush—take time to verify
☐ Use hardware wallet for large amounts
☐ Use reputable wallet apps
☐ Download from official sources only
☐ Enable security features (biometrics)
☐ Keep wallet apps updated
☐ Consider Tangem for mobile
☐ Ledger for high-value assets
☐ Disconnect unused dApp sessions
☐ Review active connections regularly
☐ Revoke permissions when done
☐ Clear old WalletConnect sessions
☐ Don’t leave sessions open long-term
☐ Monitor wallet activity