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Vincent Jande
Vincent Jande

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Debugging WebSocket Connection Failure: wss://relay.walletconnect.org

If you've encountered a WebSocket connection failure when trying to use WalletConnect with an error like: 
WebSocket connection to 'wss://relay.walletconnect.org' failed
this error might be linked to access restrictions applied by certain services to specific countries, including Nigeria.

Understanding WebSocket and WalletConnect

WalletConnect is an open protocol for connecting decentralized applications (dApps) to mobile wallets through QR code scanning or deep linking. It relies on WebSocket (WS) connections to relay encrypted communication between the dApp and the wallet. The WebSocket protocol, denoted by the wss:// scheme (secure WebSocket), is crucial for maintaining a persistent connection between the client and server for real-time interactions.
However, you might encounter the WebSocket failure for the relay.walletconnect.org endpoint due to geo-blocking. Some platforms, including WalletConnect's relayer, restrict access to certain countries like Nigeria, potentially due to regulatory compliance or risk management strategies.

Common Symptoms

Connection Timeout or Failure: When initiating the connection to wss://relay.walletconnect.org, the WebSocket handshake fails.
Inconsistent Behavior: The issue may persist across different networks and devices in Nigeria but may work without problems when using a VPN or accessing the service from a different location.
Country-Specific Restrictions: WalletConnect's relay servers could be enforcing geo-blocks, resulting in connection denials for users based in regions with restricted access.

Workarounds

If you're facing this error, there are a few options to explore:
Use a VPN: A simple but effective solution is using a VPN to connect from a country where WebSocket connections to WalletConnect relayers are not blocked.
Proxy Services: Set up a proxy server in an unrestricted region to relay the WebSocket connection on your behalf.

In conclusion, this issue highlights the importance of understanding country-specific restrictions when developing or using Web3 tools. While frustrating, using a VPN or alternative relayer services can help you work around the problem.

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