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How to Fix "Deep Link is not supported" on Trust Wallet

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As a fellow crypto enthusiast, I‘m sure you‘ve noticed that Trust Wallet recently removed support for accessing dApps directly within their iOS app. This understandably frustrates a lot of users who relied on Trust Wallet‘s integrated dApp browser to easily connect to DEXs like PancakeSwap and Uniswap.

When you try to enable the dApp browser now, you‘ll see an error pop up saying "Deep Link is not supported." As a long-time Trust Wallet user myself, I totally get the annoyance. But don‘t worry – I‘ve dug into why this happened and want to share several reliable workarounds to get your favorite dApps up and running again.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll explain:

  • What caused Trust Wallet to remove deep linking that powers the dApp browser
  • Multiple step-by-step solutions to start accessing dApps again
  • How to move crypto assets from Trust Wallet to use in dApps if needed
  • When deep linking might return to Trust Wallet on iOS

Let‘s get started bringing decentralized apps back into your mobile crypto experience!

Why Did Trust Wallet Remove Deep Linking on iOS?

First things first – why did this happen in the first place?

Deep linking is the technical foundation that allowed Trust Wallet‘s dApp browser to function. It‘s what enabled Trust Wallet to open other apps and websites directly from within its own app.

Here‘s a quick technical overview of how deep linking works:

  • Each app or website has its own unique deep link URL

  • When you tap a deep link, the associated app launches instantly

  • The link passes data to the app to show specific content

For example, when you tapped "Browser" in Trust Wallet, it would fire off a deep link to quickly launch the dApp browser. Or when you connected to PancakeSwap, it passed your wallet address to auto-populate fields.

This created a seamless experience connecting Trust Wallet to decentralized apps and exchanges. However, in May 2021, Trust Wallet had to remove support for deep linking on iOS to comply with new App Store regulations.

See, Apple updated their policies to prohibit apps from using deep linking to access external websites for "transactions or trades of cryptocurrencies and NFTs."

Here are the key guidelines Trust Wallet had to comply with:

App Store Review Guidelines Section 4.7 – Cryptocurrencies

"Apps using cryptocurrencies or related services should enhance people’s lives and not risk customer funds, data privacy or compliance. Cryptocurrency apps may not use their own mechanisms to unlock content or functionality."

Guidelines Section 5.5k – Approved Business Models – In-App Purchase Unlocking

"Apps offering cryptocurrency, decentralized finance (DeFi), or NFT services and transactions must come from the provider’s domains and websites."

Because Trust Wallet relied on deep linking to power in-wallet crypto dApp access, they had to remove this functionality to remain compliant with Apple‘s rules and stay on the App Store.

Android devices are not affected since Google Play does not prohibit deep linking cryptocurrency apps at this time. But iOS users are stuck with the disruptive "Deep Link is not supported" message for now.

I know this is frustrating after enjoying seamless dApp integration previously. But the good news is there are workarounds to restore access on mobile, which I‘ll cover next!

Workaround #1: Use Trust Wallet on Android

If you have an Android phone or tablet handy, the easiest workaround is to just use Trust Wallet on Android instead of iOS for now.

Since Google Play does not prohibit deep linking, the dApp browser still works normally in the Android version of Trust Wallet.

Simply download Trust Wallet from the Google Play store, import your wallet using your seed phrase, and you‘ll have access to PancakeSwap, Uniswap, etc directly within the app again.

If you don‘t already have an Android device, here are a few affordable options to consider solely for Trust Wallet mobile dApp access:

Tablet

Device Price
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 $169.99
Amazon Fire HD 10 $149.99

Used Phone

Device Price
Google Pixel 4A $259
Samsung Galaxy S10 $250

As you can see, you can pick up a decent used Android phone or tablet for under $300 to use with Trust Wallet until they (hopefully) re-enable deep linking on iOS.

Workaround #2: Connect via WalletConnect on dApp Websites

If getting an Android device solely for Trust Wallet access seems like overkill, don‘t worry – you‘ve got options. The next best workaround is to connect Trust Wallet to dApps directly through their websites using WalletConnect.

WalletConnect is an open protocol that securely connects decentralized apps to mobile wallets by scanning a QR code. It acts as a bridge between the dApp‘s website in your mobile browser and Trust Wallet on your phone.

Here are the steps to connect Trust Wallet to decentralized apps via WalletConnect:

  1. Open the dApp website in your mobile browser. For PancakeSwap, go to pancakeswap.finance. For Uniswap, go to app.uniswap.org.

  2. Tap "Connect Wallet" on the site. Don‘t choose Trust Wallet here.

  3. Select "WalletConnect." This will initiate the connection.

  4. Choose "Trust" from the list of wallets. This is where you connect specifically to Trust Wallet.

  5. Open in "Trust" when prompted. A prompt will open Trust Wallet to confirm connecting.

  6. Tap "Connect" in Trust Wallet. This approves the WalletConnect connection.

  7. You‘re connected! You can now interact with the dApp via your mobile browser.

To make this process easier, I recommend adding your most-used dApp sites to your home screen. Here‘s how on iOS:

  1. Open the dApp website in Safari.

  2. Tap the Share button in Safari.

  3. Scroll down and select "Add to Home Screen."

  4. Name it whatever you like.

Now you can open PancakeSwap, Uniswap, etc from your home screen just like an app! Combine this with WalletConnect and it mimics the native Trust Wallet dApp experience fairly closely.

Workaround #3: Import Trust Wallet into MetaMask Mobile

Another option is to use MetaMask Mobile as a workaround Trust Wallet alternative.

MetaMask has both a browser extension wallet and a mobile app. You can connect Trust Wallet to MetaMask Mobile via WalletConnect similarly to the steps outlined above.

Here‘s how to set it up:

  1. Download the MetaMask app on your iPhone.

  2. Sign up and create a new wallet. You can leave this empty for now.

  3. Tap the top right menu and go to "Settings."

  4. Select "Connected Wallets."

  5. Tap "Connect a Wallet."

  6. Choose "WalletConnect."

  7. Select "Trust" as your wallet.

  8. Open in Trust, connect, and you‘re all set!

Now you can access decentralized apps through MetaMask‘s mobile browser while keeping your keys secure in Trust Wallet.

The main advantage here is MetaMask‘s mobile browser is optimized for Ethereum dApps while Trust Wallet focuses on BNB Chain, Polygon, etc. So this gives you the best of both worlds.

Transferring Assets From Trust Wallet to Use in dApps

Since Trust Wallet‘s native dApp access is limited on iOS, you may want to transfer crypto funds elsewhere to use in decentralized apps. Don‘t worry – you can absolutely still do this.

You have a few options:

  • Send crypto directly to another wallet address. For example, withdraw BNB to a BNB address on MetaMask.

  • Use a DEX like PancakeSwap to swap assets from Trust Wallet to a connected wallet.

  • Bridge assets cross-chain using Synapse, Celer, or another bridge.

I suggest first transferring funds to a wallet address suited for your desired dApp environment. For example:

  • MetaMask address for Ethereum dApps

  • Sollet.io address for Solana dApps

  • Phantom address for Phantom dApps

The key is ensuring you send assets to the correct network and address. As long as you do, you can reliably move anything out of Trust Wallet using its built-in DEX and bridge access.

If you need any help with transfers, don‘t hesitate to reach out! I‘m always happy to provide tips to ensure the process goes smoothly.

When Will iOS Deep Linking Return to Trust Wallet?

At this point you‘re probably wondering – when will deep linking return to Trust Wallet on iOS so we can stop jumping through hoops?

Unfortunately there is no set timeline for re-enabling dApp browser support natively in the Trust Wallet iOS app. The team had to comply with the current App Store regulations for the time being.

It‘s possible this functionality could return if Apple adjusts their policies related to deep linking for cryptocurrency apps. But iOS users likely need to accept the workaround solution outlined here for a while.

The bright side is that workarounds do exist to restore dApp access from iOS devices, even if it takes a few extra steps. And Android support remains fully intact if that‘s an option for you.

For now, I suggest getting cozy with WalletConnect and DappRadar Mobile to bring your favorite dApps back into the mobile fold. Definitely a bit inconvenient, but better than nothing!

Let‘s Keep In Touch!

Hopefully this guide provided a comprehensive breakdown of why Trust Wallet had to remove deep linking on iOS and some solid workarounds until it hopefully returns.

I know it‘s not ideal losing easy native dApp access – but thankfully blockchain always provides options. I‘m planning to keep a close eye on this situation and can circle back with any major updates.

In the meantime, please reach out if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help explain cryptocurrency mobile quirks and provide wallet tips. Let‘s connect on Twitter to stay in touch.

AlexisKestler

Written by Alexis Kestler

A female web designer and programmer - Now is a 36-year IT professional with over 15 years of experience living in NorCal. I enjoy keeping my feet wet in the world of technology through reading, working, and researching topics that pique my interest.