Trust Wallet — What it is and how to use it safely

Trust Wallet is a mobile-first, self-custody cryptocurrency wallet that puts you in control of your private keys. It supports a wide range of blockchains and tokens, includes a web3/DApp browser, lets you receive/send tokens and NFTs, and offers optional features such as staking on supported chains. This guide explains the essentials, security best practices, and practical tips so you can use Trust Wallet responsibly.

At a glance — core features

Self-custody: private keys and seed phrase stay on your device.
Multi-chain support: Ethereum, BSC, Polygon, and many EVM and non-EVM chains (list evolves over time).
DApp browser: connect to decentralized apps directly from the wallet (use caution and vet dApps).
Token and NFT management: view, send, and receive tokens and NFTs in a single interface.
Staking and DeFi integrations: stake supported tokens or interact with DeFi protocols from the wallet.

How Trust Wallet works — the basics

When you create a new Trust Wallet, the app generates a seed phrase (usually 12 or 24 words). That seed phrase is your master key: anyone with it can restore your funds. Trust Wallet stores the private keys locally on your phone (encrypted by the OS), and the app signs transactions from your device — it never stores your private keys on remote servers.

Important: Trust Wallet is an interface to blockchains. It does not insure your funds. Self-custody means you are responsible for protecting your seed phrase and device.

Step-by-step: setting up Trust Wallet (safe approach)

Download only from official sources: use the Apple App Store or Google Play and confirm the developer/publisher is the official one.
Create a new wallet: follow the on-screen steps and write down the seed phrase exactly, in order, on paper (or another secure offline method).
Store the seed phrase securely: a fireproof safe, encrypted hardware backup, or offline metal backup are good options. Never store the phrase in cloud notes, email, or screenshots.
Set a strong passcode: enable device cryptography (biometrics/OS passcode) to protect the app.
Test small amounts: before moving large balances, send a small test transaction to confirm the address and settings are correct.

Security best practices

Never share your seed phrase: no legitimate service will ask for it.
Beware of phishing: verify URLs, never paste your seed into a website, and be cautious when connecting to unknown dApps.
Use hardware wallets for large holdings: if possible, use Trust Wallet only for frequent, smaller transactions and a hardware wallet for long-term cold storage.
Keep software up to date: OS updates and app updates often fix security issues.
Review transactions: double-check recipients and gas fees before confirming any transaction.

Common tasks explained

Receiving tokens

Choose the relevant blockchain account (for example, BSC or Ethereum), tap “Receive”, and copy the address or show the QR code to the sender. Always double-check the network — sending across incompatible chains will likely result in permanent loss.

Sending tokens

Paste the recipient address, enter the amount, and review the network fee. If the token uses a different chain than your asset (for example sending ERC-20 vs BEP-20), make sure the destination supports that token standard.

Using the DApp browser

Trust Wallet’s browser allows direct interaction with decentralized exchanges, NFT marketplaces, and other web3 services. Only connect to trusted dApps, and close connections when finished. When in doubt, read the smart contract permissions carefully before approving.

Limitations and what to watch out for

Mobile devices can be lost, stolen, or compromised — consider a dedicated device or hardware wallet for large balances.
Not every chain or token is supported equally; some networks update and support may lag.
Third-party dApps can request wide permissions. Approve only what you understand and, where possible, set minimum allowances.

Practical tips

Use a burner wallet for interacting with high-risk dApps; keep your main holdings offline or on a hardware wallet.
Regularly export and re-secure backups (and verify you can restore them) — a backup that can’t be restored is useless.
Consider splitting holdings: some on a hardware wallet, some in a mobile wallet for everyday use.

Quick glossary

Seed phrase / mnemonic: human-readable master key of your wallet.
Private key: the secret cryptographic key derived from the seed that authorizes transactions.
Address: the public identifier used to receive funds.
DApp: decentralized application running on a blockchain.
Staking: locking tokens to support network operations and earn rewards (available for some tokens/chains).