How to build mobile-first dApps without pain

Most dApps are still desktop-first, but most users are on mobile. If you want mainstream adoption, you need to think mobile-first from day one.

The biggest challenge is wallet connectivity. Mobile browsers don't support wallet extensions like desktop. You need to use WalletConnect or embedded wallets. We recommend supporting both—WalletConnect for power users, embedded wallets (like Privy or Dynamic) for new users.

Transaction signing on mobile needs extra thought. Desktop users are used to pop-ups, but mobile pop-ups are jarring. Consider batching transactions, using session keys for repeated actions, or moving to gasless transactions with relayers.

Performance matters more on mobile. Users have slower connections and less powerful devices. Lazy load everything, optimize your bundle size, and consider server-side rendering for initial loads. Next.js with app router handles most of this well.

Testing is crucial. Don't just test on the latest iPhone. Test on mid-range Android devices with slow connections. Use Chrome DevTools' throttling features to simulate real-world conditions.

Finally, think about progressive web apps (PWAs). They let users 'install' your dApp on their home screen without going through app stores. This bypasses Apple's and Google's restrictions on crypto apps.