Wallet is not just a tool to create accounts and access private keys, it has one more important function - connection.
When a wallet is connected to a decentralized application (DApp), users gain a convenient gateway to freely navigate the Web3 world. When a wallet is connected to another wallet (e.g. connecting hot wallet with cold wallet ), users can access their tokens more securely and flexibly.
This connectivity empowers wallets beyond being a mere entrance to the blockchain world; it becomes a powerful passport leading users to a more immersive and enriching blockchain ecosystem.
Two Types of Wallet Connections
Wallet-to-DApp Connection
When entering any DApp’s frontpage, you can usually see a “Connect” button, which connects the DApp to a blockchain wallet. When users click on “Connect” they can find a variety of options, such as WalletConnect, imToken, OKX Wallet, MetaMask, etc. Just choose one of them to connect to, and as long as the connection is successful, the user can log in to the DApp and use it smoothly.
The connection options offered by Lido
Among the many options, WalletConnect is the most common connectivity protocol that allows DApps to request users to sign transactions and verify ownership of a wallet with signature request and supports various chains. Notably, WalletConnect allows easy login via QR code scanning.
In addition to WalletConnect, there are other well-known protocols that can realize Wallet-to-DApp Connection, such as EIP-1193. Both MetaMask and imToken employ EIP-1193, so when accessing a DApp within imToken to establish a wallet connection, even if you opt for MetaMask, imToken can successfully connect to the DApp.
Wallet-to-Wallet Connection
As more and more users tend to use offline wallets (e.g., hardware wallets, cold wallets) to securely access private keys, this has given rise to a new wallet connection scenario - connecting an offline wallet to a watch-only wallet.
Note: A watch-only wallet, whether in the form of a mobile wallet, PC wallet, or extension wallet, is the gateway for users of offline wallets to transfer tokens or conduct asset transactions on the blockchain. The watch-only Wallet does not access or record any private key or keystore information.
The watch-only wallet sends unsigned transaction data to the offline wallet, which signs it and returns the signed data. Upon receiving the signed data, the watch-only wallet can then broadcast the transaction.
Three Ways of Data Transmission: USB, Bluetooth, QR code
The data transfer between offline wallets and watch-only wallets can be done through USB, Bluetooth, and QR code. For example, when using a hardware wallet, you can connect to a PC wallet via USB, or you can connect to a software wallet such as imToken via Bluetooth.
It is worth noting that compared to USB and Bluetooth, QR-based connection has easier data decoding and stronger compatibility, and can be connected to more types of watch-only wallets, and is not subject to differences in operating systems or application versions. As a result, this connection method has gradually become mainstream and is widely used in various protocols, especially in the "wallet connection" scenario.
In this type of connection, the public key and signature data are transmitted through the QR code.
Choose the Wallet Connection Method that Suits You
| Usage Scenarios | Wallet Type | Use case |
| Storing large amounts of tokens only | Offline wallet | Tokens can be accessed securely by using imKey hardware wallets or imToken cold wallets. |
| Storing large amounts of tokens and planning to make transfer, exchanges and so on | Offline wallet and watch-only wallet | Using imKey Hardware Wallet / imToken Cold Wallet to connect to imToken Software Wallet to securely store private keys, transfer, and transact. |
| Storing small amounts of tokens | Software wallet | Tokens can be accessed by using imToken. |
| Storing small amounts of tokens and planning to make transfer, exchanges and so on | Software wallet and extension wallet | Using imToken directly, or scan the QR code to connect to other extension wallets to transfer, transact tokens on the web side. |
In the access to tokens, choosing the right connection for your needs is key to achieving a balance between security and convenience. Such a choice allows you to better access your tokens and enjoy an even better experience. It is worth mentioning that the latest version of imToken provides more choices, supporting the connection of extension wallets and hardware wallets via QR code, bringing users more flexible operation possibilities. This not only ensures the security of transactions, but also provides great convenience.
The flexibility allows you to choose the most suitable connection method based on your needs, whether safeguarding large tokens or transacting smaller amounts. ImToken provides a full range of options, freeing you from traditional constraints and enabling easy switching and access to tokens. This convenience in the digital age enhances comfort on the path of token management.