The Uniswap Protocol is a decentralized protocol that lets you swap crypto tokens directly from a wallet you control, without a centralized intermediary. You can access the Uniswap Protocol via the Uniswap Wallet, extension, or web app, or using another crypto wallet. You just need a crypto wallet, some funds, and a connection to the Uniswap Interfaces. This guide walks through the five steps to get started, with links to detailed how-tos for each.
Step 1: Get a wallet
A crypto wallet is what holds your funds and lets you approve transactions. Uniswap Labs offers three ways to get one, depending on how you want to use it:
- Uniswap Wallet (iOS/Android app): A self-custody mobile wallet. See Getting Started with the Uniswap Wallet.
- Uniswap Extension (Chrome browser): A self-custody wallet built into your browser. See Getting Started with the Uniswap Extension.
- In-app wallet (embedded, web app only): A self-custody wallet created directly in the Uniswap web app using a passkey, no download required. See How do I create a Uniswap account with an in-app wallet?
If you already have a wallet from another provider (like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet), you can skip straight to Step 3 and connect it to the Uniswap web app.
Step 2: Fund your wallet
Once you have a wallet, you'll need tokens in it before you can swap. You can buy crypto with a debit card, bank transfer, or other payment method directly in Uniswap Interfaces, or transfer funds in from an exchange you already use.
- How to buy crypto using the Uniswap web app
- How to buy crypto in the Uniswap Wallet
- How to send crypto from a centralized exchange to the Uniswap Wallet
- What payment methods are accepted when buying crypto?
Step 3: Connect your wallet
To swap or provide liquidity on the Uniswap web app, you'll need to connect a wallet to it. (If you're using the Uniswap Wallet app or Extension, your wallet is already built in — this step is for connecting an external wallet to the web app.)
Step 4: Swap tokens
Swapping is exchanging one token for another. Rates, fees, and routing are shown before you confirm each trade.
- Uniswap Web App: The Swap Screen
- How to swap tokens using the Uniswap Wallet
- How to swap tokens using the Uniswap Extension
Step 5: Explore the market and liquidity providing
Beyond swapping, Uniswap Interfaces let you explore live token, pool, and transaction data, and even earn fees by providing liquidity to a pool.