Crypto wallets are often seen only as tools that just store coins, but they are more than that. They are the bridge between people and blockchain, and if they're built in a bad or confusing way, people will quickly abandon them and look for a new one.
This is where user experience (UX) comes in. Developers working on crypto wallets need to know that wallets need to be both secure and intuitive, with features that follow the latest trends and needs.
In our article, we outline the most important things developers need to think about when creating a crypto wallet so they don't lose users to competition.
First Impression is King
You've probably heard a thousand times that first impression matters a lot. That's true in many areas, from personal relationships to app designs. After all, those social media apps that had the best UX always thrived.
Crypto wallet developers need to always think about this fact. What is the first thing that user sees when they open the wallet? What questions are they asking themselves? Where might they get stuck?
A nice-looking, simple-to-understand, and responsive layout will go a long way when attracting new users. In the same way, the lack of those things will make people visit websites such as bestcryptowallet.com and look for other wallets that might be easier to use.
Also, try and avoid too much text on the home screen, use clear language, don't use pop-ups (unless it's absolutely necessary) and reduce the setup to a minimal number of steps. Each thing, no matter how little, matters.
Simplicity in Design
Remember what your users came here to do - make crypto transactions. This means that they won't care too much about design details, logos, fancy transition animations, etc.
Remove any details that the app could do without and make all important segments accessible through one or two clicks. When important settings are buried deep in settings, users are going to waste a lot of time looking for them.
Further, replace complicated messaging with straightforward messages, such as:
- "Send" > "Execute Transaction".
- "Pay" > "Initiate Payment".
- "Home" > "Personal Dashboard".
- "Something went wrong" > "Transaction failed due to an unexpected system error."
Onboarding Must Be Simple
For many people, crypto still feels unfamiliar and intimidating. A wallet's job is not to make that worse. Instead, it should guide users gently, teaching them as they go. Throwing someone into a maze of menus without context is a quick way to lose their trust.
The key is to keep things light and clear. Show one step at a time, using short text and helpful visuals. Avoid overwhelming the user with long explanations or too many options at once. Use familiar icons and colors to guide their attention, not distract them.
Make sure there's always a clear way to go back or skip ahead, and if the user exits midway, their progress should be saved. Above all, the entire setup should take less than a minute - quick, simple, and stress-free.
Common Tasks Must Be Fast
Most people only do a few things with a wallet. They check their balance and send coins, which is why these actions should be front and center and not hidden. If users need to guess where a certain option is, and start wasting time on it, they will soon abandon your wallet.
In short, here are some ideas about what users need to see and reach within one tap:
- View wallet balance.
- Send funds.
- Receive funds.
- View recent activity.
- Add or switch coins.
Make sure all of these work with low effort and lightning fast. If the app lags or freezes, again, it will push people towards leaving.
Gas Fees Confuse Users
Gas fees are one of the hardest parts of crypto, as most users don't get them right away. Also, they don't want to spend a lot of time figuring out which fee is best.
Wallets should give clear information about this through something like sliders. Show slow, average, and fast fee options and explain what each one does. Don't bury the fee details in a small corner of the screen.
If the network is busy, say so. Warn users before they send. Let them adjust fees easily. Make it feel smooth and clear, not like a math test.
The better you explain complicated things like gas fees to users, the better you'll be, and people will prefer you over the competition.
Good UX Builds Trust - and Loyalty
In the world of crypto wallets, great UX isn't a bonus - it's the foundation. Of course, this is true for many other apps, but as we've seen, crypto wallets have their own perks that require attention.
Users expect apps to be fast, simple, and clear. If your wallet feels clunky, slow, or confusing, they won't hesitate to look for better options. Developers need to think beyond just functionality and focus on how people actually feel when using the wallet.
A smooth onboarding flow, intuitive navigation, clear language, and helpful guidance around tricky things like gas fees are what turn new users into long-term ones.
FAQ
1. What is UX in a crypto wallet?
UX describes how the wallet feels to use. It covers speed, layout, words, buttons, and more.
2. Why do people leave crypto wallets?
Most quit because it's too hard to use, too slow, or too confusing. UX plays a big role.
3. Do new users need a different UX than pros?
Yes. New users want guides and simple steps. Pros want speed and tools. A good wallet balances both.
4. Why are gas fees hard to understand?
They change a lot and use weird words. Wallets should explain them clearly and suggest good options.
5. Should users back up seed phrases right away?
It's smart to do, but some users aren't ready. Let them skip for now, but remind them later. Don't lock them out.