> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hoodswaps.gitbook.io/hoodswaps-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hoodswaps.gitbook.io/hoodswaps-docs/how-to-use-hoodswaps.md).

# How to use HoodSwaps

New to crypto, or just new to HoodSwaps? This is the plain-English, step-by-step walkthrough. Go one step at a time — you've got this.

## What HoodSwaps is, in one line

A place to **trade and launch tokens on Robinhood Chain, straight from your own wallet.** We never hold your money — every trade is signed by *you* and settled on the blockchain.

## First, you need a wallet

A crypto **wallet** is an app that holds your coins and signs your transactions. HoodSwaps works with **MetaMask and Phantom** — both work natively on Robinhood Chain. Install one (MetaMask is the most common) as a browser extension or phone app.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Your keys, your coins.** Never share your seed phrase (recovery phrase) with anyone — not a website, not support, not us. We will *never* ask for it. Anyone who does is scamming you.
{% endhint %}

### Getting ETH onto Robinhood Chain (do this first)

Here's the part most beginners miss. Robinhood Chain is its **own network.** The ETH you buy on an exchange — or already hold — is almost always on **Ethereum mainnet**, a *different* network. Before you can trade on HoodSwaps you need to move some ETH **over to Robinhood Chain.** That move is called **bridging**, and it's a one-time thing:

1. **Get some ETH** into your wallet first (buy it on any exchange like Coinbase and send it to your wallet, if you don't have any yet).
2. Open the official bridge: [**portal.arbitrum.io/bridge → Robinhood Chain**](https://portal.arbitrum.io/bridge?destinationChain=robinhood-chain\&sourceChain=ethereum). Robinhood Chain is an Arbitrum-style network, so it uses the trusted Arbitrum bridge.
3. **Connect your wallet** and check it reads **From: Ethereum → To: Robinhood Chain** (the link sets that for you).
4. Enter how much ETH to bring over and **confirm in your wallet.**
5. Wait about **10 minutes.** Your ETH now lives on Robinhood Chain — ready to trade.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Always keep a little ETH spare.** Every action on the chain costs a tiny ETH “gas” fee, so bring a bit extra — don't bridge every last cent.
{% endhint %}

## Step 1 · Connect your wallet

1. Open the app at **hoodswaps.xyz/app**.
2. Click **Connect wallet** (top right).
3. Pick your wallet and approve. If it asks to **switch to** or **add Robinhood Chain**, say yes — HoodSwaps sets the network up for you.

Connecting is free and moves no money — it just lets HoodSwaps see your address so you can trade.

## Step 2 · Find a token

Two easy ways:

* **The Board** (left side of the terminal) — a live list of what's trending, plus a **Just Launched** strip of brand-new coins. Tap any token to open it.
* **Search by contract address (CA)** — paste a token's CA into the search box and it pops up.

### What's a “CA”?

**CA = Contract Address.** It's a token's unique ID on the blockchain — a long code that starts with `0x…` (for example `0xEc34…0D`). Every token has one. On HoodSwaps you don't wait for anyone to “list” a coin: **if you have its CA, you can trade it.**

Get the CA from the project's official website or X (Twitter), and **double-check it** — scammers create fake tokens with the same name but a different CA.

## Step 3 · Make your first trade

1. Open the token (from the Board or CA search).
2. In the swap card, pick **Buy** (spend ETH to get the token) or **Sell**.
3. Type an **amount**. HoodSwaps shows what you'll receive, the **0.25% fee**, and a **risk stamp**.
4. Click **Buy** (or **Swap**).
5. **Confirm in your wallet.** A window pops up from MetaMask (or your wallet) with the transaction details — review it and hit **Confirm**. Nothing happens until you confirm; HoodSwaps cannot move your funds on its own.
6. Wait a second or two. Done — the token is now in your wallet.

## Step 4 · Sell (whenever you want)

Open the token, hit **Sell**, enter an amount, and **confirm in your wallet** again. The live chart and trade tape show real on-chain activity while you decide.

## Best practices (this part saves headaches)

* **“Transaction failed”? Usually no big deal.** On-chain trades can fail if the price moved while you clicked (slippage), the network was busy, or gas ran short. **Your money is safe — a failed trade doesn't spend your tokens** (you only pay a tiny gas fee). Just **try again**. If it keeps failing, trade a slightly smaller amount or nudge your slippage up a little.
* **Always confirm in your wallet.** If no popup appears, make sure your wallet is unlocked and connected, then click the button again. A stuck wallet popup can jam things — close it and retry.
* **Keep a little ETH for gas.** If you spend 100% of your ETH there's nothing left to pay the network fee. HoodSwaps leaves a little headroom on “Max,” but keep some ETH around.
* **Read the risk stamp — but DYOR.** Every token gets a rug-risk read (**LOW / CAUTION / HIGH**). It's a helpful signal, **not a guarantee**. New tokens are risky; only trade what you can afford to lose.
* **Verify the CA.** Fake tokens copy real names. Confirm the contract address matches an official source before you buy.
* **Never share your seed phrase.** Worth saying twice.

## Quick answers

* **Does connecting cost anything?** No. Only real trades cost the 0.25% fee plus a tiny gas fee.
* **Where did my token go?** It's in your wallet. Some wallets need you to “import”/add the token by its CA to see the balance.
* **Is HoodSwaps holding my money?** No. HoodSwaps is an interface — funds move directly between your wallet and the chain.

***

That's it: **hoodswaps.xyz/app** → bridge some ETH → Connect → pick a token → Buy → confirm in your wallet. Welcome to the block.


---

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