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2025-01-15·8 min read

Getting Started with Web3 in React Native

A practical guide to integrating Thirdweb wallet connections and token systems into your React Native app — lessons learned from production.

React NativeWeb3Thirdweb

Introduction

Integrating Web3 into a React Native app sounds daunting, but with Thirdweb it becomes surprisingly manageable. During my time at LadderIt, I helped build a loyalty app where users earn blockchain-backed rewards — here's what I learned.

Setting Up Thirdweb

First, install the SDK:

npx expo install @thirdweb-dev/react-native @thirdweb-dev/react-native-compat

Wrap your app with the ThirdwebProvider:

import { ThirdwebProvider } from "@thirdweb-dev/react-native";

export default function App() {

return (

<ThirdwebProvider activeChain="polygon">

<YourApp />

</ThirdwebProvider>

);

}

Wallet Connection

The `useConnect` hook handles wallet connection with minimal setup:

const { connect } = useConnect();

const handleConnect = async () => {

await connect(metamaskWallet(), {

chainId: 137, // Polygon

});

};

Key Takeaways

  • Always test on testnet before mainnet — gas fees are real money
  • Handle wallet disconnection gracefully; users close apps mid-session
  • Supabase + Thirdweb is a powerful combo for auth + blockchain state
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