What is Signing Request?

A signing request is a wallet popup asking you to authorize a transaction with your private key. It appears whenever a dApp needs you to confirm an on-chain action such as a swap, vote, or token approval.

How does Signing Request work?

You interact with a dApp (e.g., click "Swap").
The dApp creates a transaction object and sends it to your wallet.
A popup displays the transaction details recipient, amount, gas fee, contract.
You review and click "Confirm" to sign with your private key.
The signed transaction is broadcast to the blockchain.

Why does Signing Request matter?

It is your last checkpoint before an irreversible on-chain action. Phishing attacks rely on users signing requests without reading them carefully.

Key features of Signing Request

Requires explicit user approval before execution
Displays transaction details for review
Cannot be revoked once signed and broadcast
Primary defense against unauthorized transactions

Examples of Signing Request

Swapping on Uniswap triggers a MetaMask signing request showing the token amounts and gas fee. Voting on Snapshot triggers a gasless signature request.

Approving a token spend limit triggers an approval signing request often the most dangerous to overlook.