How to use a decentralised exchange

Choose the asset to sell, the desired output and the network where it is needed. An EVM address can look identical across networks without balances being interchangeable. Verify the mint on Solana and the token contract on EVM networks, not just the ticker. The USDT network guide explains why one commercial name can describe different representations.

Prepare a wallet compatible with the network and keep its recovery information away from trading pages. You need the input asset and, where required, native gas currency such as ETH on Ethereum or SOL on Solana. Do not spend the entire native balance if it leaves no gas for execution or a later transfer. The transfer guide covers withdrawing from a CEX into your wallet.

Connecting exposes the address and allows the interface to request actions; it is not unlimited permission to spend tokens. Spending approval, signing and the swap transaction are separate steps. Read the network, contract, amount or allowance and cost shown by the wallet. An unexpected request is not correct merely because it follows a connection button.

If the expected balance is missing, inspect account and network before transferring again. Wallets can contain several accounts and networks. Changing language or selecting another token does not bridge funds. Use the swap DEX ranking and DEX reviews to compare platforms without inventing a funding route.

Review estimated output, route, fees and minimum received. Pool fees are not the entire cost: gas and interface charges can apply, while a multi-hop route may use several pools. Price impact describes how the trade affects available liquidity. If doubling the amount sharply worsens the rate, raising slippage does not automatically solve the underlying problem.

Slippage tolerance accepts a degree of deterioration relative to the quote; it is not a promised fee. Hypothetical example, not a current price: quoted output of 0.05 tokens with 1% tolerated deterioration implies a 0.0495 reference minimum before route-specific details. Read the application’s actual minimum. The cost guide separates quoted output, added charges and network expenditure.

Inspect the requested permission and confirm only the prepared operation. Then sign the swap transaction with its network charge. Wallet wording varies by provider, so read the contents rather than recognising a button position. A broad allowance can remain active after this trade even if the interface is disconnected.

Wait for the result and use the network explorer to inspect hash, status and movements. A pending transaction does not justify immediately repeating the swap. If it fails, investigate the reason and remaining approvals before retrying; consumed gas may not be refunded. Distinguishing pending, failed and confirmed avoids an unintended second purchase.

To send elsewhere, obtain the receiving wallet or exchange deposit address and select a network supported for that asset. Keep gas and check minimums, representation and any required tag. A small test transfer can help where fees and minimums permit. Selling into euros and withdrawing to a bank is a different workflow, covered in selling crypto and withdrawing euros.

Liquidity provision leaves you with a position rather than simply swap output; reduce or close it through its own action. Perpetual margin balances require accounting for positions and outstanding orders before releasing funds. The Hyperliquid and Aster guides explain that model. There is no universal withdrawal button for these three situations.

On PancakeSwap, inspect network and pool version before applying a V2 calculation to V3. On Curve, consider correlated assets and pool balance without assuming parity. Across platforms, compare net output for your size and retain the relevant gas currency. Similar-looking screens do not make contracts identical products.

For long or short margin exposure, use the perpetual DEX ranking rather than treating a swap as futures. Hyperliquid vs Aster distinguishes those platforms. Buying HYPE or ASTER is also separate from learning their contract workflows.