Getting Started with WalletConnect Web3Modal v3 for Wallet Integration (Now Reown)

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Web3 development is evolving rapidly, and seamless wallet connectivity is a cornerstone of any modern decentralized application. With WalletConnect Web3Modal v3 — now rebranded as Reown AppKit — developers can implement a sleek, secure, and user-friendly wallet connection experience across Ethereum and EVM-compatible blockchains. This guide walks you through setting up Web3Modal v3 in a Vue.js application using [email protected], covering installation, configuration, state management, and signing functionality.

Whether you're building a DeFi platform, NFT marketplace, or blockchain game, integrating a reliable wallet connector ensures smooth onboarding for your users. Let’s dive into the essentials.

Why Use Web3Modal v3 (Reown)?

Web3Modal v3, developed by Reown, simplifies multi-wallet support with built-in providers like MetaMask, WalletConnect, Coinbase Wallet, and more. It offers:

Its modular design keeps bundle sizes small while maintaining flexibility — perfect for performance-conscious dApps.

Core Keywords: Web3Modal v3, WalletConnect tutorial, Reown AppKit, Vue.js blockchain integration, ethers.js wallet connection, connect wallet to dApp, Web3 wallet modal, Ethereum wallet integration

Step 1: Installation

Start by installing the required packages. Since we're working with Vue and ethers.js v5, use the appropriate Web3Modal package:

npm install @web3modal/ethers5 [email protected]

or with Yarn:

yarn add @web3modal/ethers5 [email protected]

Ensure your project uses Vue 3 and has the Composition API available. This integration relies on Vue’s reactivity system for real-time wallet updates.

👉 Discover how to securely connect your wallet in just minutes

Step 2: Initialize Web3Modal in Your App

Create a dedicated configuration file (e.g., web3modal.js) to initialize the modal early in your app lifecycle. Import it in your main.js or entry point.

import { createWeb3Modal, defaultConfig } from "@web3modal/ethers5/vue";

// 1. Get your Project ID from Reown Cloud
const projectId = import.meta.env.VITE_PROJECT_ID;

// 2. Define supported chains — here we use Ethereum Mainnet
const mainnet = {
  chainId: 1,
  name: 'Ethereum',
  currency: 'ETH',
  explorerUrl: 'https://etherscan.io',
  rpcUrl: 'https://cloudflare-eth.com'
};

// 3. Set metadata for your app (required for WalletConnect)
const metadata = {
  name: 'My Website',
  description: 'My Website description',
  url: 'https://mywebsite.com',
  icons: ['https://avatars.mywebsite.com/']
};

// 4. Create and configure the Web3Modal instance
createWeb3Modal({
  ethersConfig: defaultConfig({ metadata }),
  chains: [mainnet],
  projectId
});
⚠️ Note: You must obtain a projectId from Reown Cloud (formerly WalletConnect Cloud). This ID authenticates your app and enables secure session management.

Once initialized, the modal becomes globally available throughout your Vue app.

Step 3: Access Wallet State with Composables

After initialization, use built-in composables to access wallet data such as address, chain ID, and connection status.

import { useWeb3ModalAccount } from "@web3modal/ethers5/vue";

const { address, chainId, isConnected } = useWeb3ModalAccount();

const getWalletInfo = () => {
  console.log({
    address: address.value,
    chainId: chainId.value,
    isConnected: isConnected.value
  });
  // Perform post-connect logic here...
};

// Watch for changes in wallet address
watch(
  () => address.value,
  () => {
    getWalletInfo();
  }
);

These reactive values update automatically when users switch accounts or networks via their wallet.

Step 4: Sign Messages with Your Wallet

Signing messages is essential for authentication and non-transactional verification. Use useWeb3ModalSigner to access the ethers.js signer.

import { useWeb3ModalSigner } from "@web3modal/ethers5/vue";

const { signer } = useWeb3ModalSigner();

const onSignMessage = async () => {
  try {
    const signature = await signer.value.signMessage("Hello Web3Modal Ethers");
    console.log('Signature:', signature);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error("Sign failed:", error);
  }
};

This method triggers the user’s wallet to prompt a signature request — safe and non-invasive.

👉 Learn how to sign messages and authenticate users securely

Step 5: Use UI Components and Custom Triggers

Web3Modal provides pre-built components for connecting wallets seamlessly. You can either use automatic injection (via plugin) or manually trigger the modal.

Option A: Auto-Injection (Recommended for Simple Use)

If you're using a framework plugin, the modal injects itself into your DOM automatically.

Option B: Manual Trigger with useWeb3Modal

For full control, open the modal programmatically:

<template>
  <button @click="open">Connect Wallet</button>
  <div v-if="address">{{ address }}</div>
</template>

<script setup>
import { useWeb3Modal } from "@web3modal/ethers5/vue";
import { useWeb3ModalAccount } from "@web3modal/ethers5/vue";

const { open } = useWeb3Modal();
const { address } = useWeb3ModalAccount();
</script>

This gives you complete control over UI placement and behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to WalletConnect Web3Modal? Is it now Reown?

Yes. The team behind WalletConnect has rebranded its advanced developer tools under Reown, with AppKit replacing Web3Modal v3. While the core functionality remains similar, AppKit offers improved modularity and performance.

How do I get a Project ID for Web3Modal?

Visit Reown Cloud, sign up, create a new project, and copy the generated Project ID. Add it to your environment variables (VITE_PROJECT_ID) for security.

Can I support multiple chains?

Absolutely. Just add more chain configurations in the chains array during initialization. Web3Modal handles chain switching automatically when users change networks in their wallets.

Is Web3Modal v3 compatible with ethers.js v6?

Not directly with the @web3modal/ethers5 package. If you’re using ethers.js v6, install @web3modal/ethers instead. Always match package versions accordingly.

Does this work with mobile wallets?

Yes! Web3Modal supports deep linking to mobile wallets like Rainbow, Trust Wallet, and MetaMask Mobile via WalletConnect URI. Users can scan a QR code or tap to open their app directly.

Is this solution gas-free for users?

Connecting a wallet does not cost gas. Only on-chain transactions require fees. Signing messages is also gas-free and often used for login flows.

Best Practices for Production Use

👉 See how top dApps handle seamless wallet onboarding today

Final Thoughts

Integrating Web3Modal v3 (Reown AppKit) into your Vue.js application streamlines wallet connectivity, boosts user trust, and future-proofs your dApp against changing Web3 standards. With minimal setup and powerful composables, you can deliver a polished experience that supports today’s most popular wallets.

As blockchain adoption grows, ensuring a frictionless entry point through tools like Reown becomes critical. Whether you're launching an NFT drop or enabling DeFi interactions, mastering wallet integration is your first step toward building impactful decentralized experiences.

By following this guide, you now have a solid foundation to connect, manage, and interact with user wallets efficiently — all while keeping your code clean and maintainable.