Quick summary
This guide explains how to disconnect MetaMask from a website, both on the browser extension and on mobile (including WalletConnect sessions). I explain practical steps, what disconnecting actually does (and what it doesn't), and how to fully erase a site's connection. What I've found from regular use: disconnecting is fast, but on-chain approvals and browser cookies often remain unless you take extra steps. And yes — disconnecting is something you should do after using unfamiliar dApps.
Why disconnect a site (and what it does)
When you "connect" a site to MetaMask you give that domain the ability to query (and with your permission, request transactions from) one of your accounts. Disconnecting removes the domain-level permission to read which account(s) are exposed to that site in your current browser session.
But disconnecting does NOT automatically cancel any token allowance (token approval) you previously granted to a smart contract. Those approvals are recorded on the blockchain. So: disconnect to remove ongoing site access in your UI, and then revoke approvals separately if you worry about on-chain access.
See how to revoke approvals: token approvals and revoke.
How to disconnect MetaMask wallet from a website — Desktop (step by step)
Step-by-step (typical path in modern browser extension UIs):
- Open the website you connected and your MetaMask extension in the same browser.
- Click the MetaMask extension icon in the toolbar to open the popup.
- From the popup, open the account menu (your avatar / account circle) and look for a "Connected sites" or "Connections" entry. (UI labels vary by release; search for the word "Connected" if you don’t see it.)
- In the list you’ll see domains currently connected. Click the domain you want to remove and choose "Disconnect" or "Remove".
- Reload the website to confirm it prompts to connect again (that verifies the disconnect worked).
Quick tip: many dApps include a "Disconnect" button in their UI. That is often the quickest way, but I prefer to verify via MetaMask's Connected sites list afterward.
How to disconnect MetaMask from website mobile — MetaMask mobile (step by step)
How to disconnect MetaMask mobile from website (Android/iOS):
- Open the MetaMask mobile app and tap the main menu (usually a three-line or profile icon).
- Look for "Connected sites", "Connections", or similar; if you don’t see it open Settings and search for "Connected".
- Tap the domain you want to remove and choose "Disconnect" or "Remove".
- Visit the site in the in-app browser (or your external browser) and confirm it asks you to connect again.
If you connected via the in-app browser inside MetaMask, you can also open the browser tab for the site and use the site's wallet menu to disconnect.
And a heads-up: mobile menu labels have changed over time. If the exact label is missing, search Settings for words like "Connected" or "Connections".
Related: connected-sites-mobile explains mobile quirks and screenshots.
WalletConnect sessions: how to disconnect and verify
WalletConnect creates a persistent session between a dApp and your wallet. Disconnecting requires closing the session on at least one side.
Steps (both desktop dApp using QR and mobile):
- From the dApp: look for a "Disconnect" or "Logout" wallet button and use it. That should close the session.
- From MetaMask mobile: open the WalletConnect / Connections section and terminate the active session.
- From MetaMask extension: some versions show WalletConnect sessions under Connected sites — remove the domain there.
After disconnecting, reload the dApp and check whether it asks to initiate a new WalletConnect session (verification).
How to erase connection with websites on MetaMask (full cleanup)
Disconnect vs erase: disconnect removes the live permission. Erase is broader and may require extra steps.
- Disconnect the site in MetaMask (extension and/or mobile).
- Clear browser cookies and local storage for the dApp's domain (this removes dApp-side session state). In Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and site data → See all cookies and site data → search domain → remove.
- Remove stored entries inside MetaMask (Connected sites list) and close all browser windows.
- If you want to be thorough, uninstall and reinstall the extension or app, then restore using your seed phrase. (Only do this if you fully control the seed phrase.)
Warning: uninstalling or reinstalling the wallet does not change on-chain approvals. To remove a contract's token allowance you must revoke it on-chain. See: token approvals and revoke.
Post-disconnect checklist: approvals, cookies, and safety
- Revoke token approvals if you granted unlimited allowances (check token approvals and revoke).
- Clear browser cookies for the dApp domain.
- Verify that visiting the dApp now prompts to connect.
- If the site seemed malicious, change passwords for related accounts and consider moving high-value funds to a hardware wallet or a new account.
But remember: disconnecting is a privacy and convenience step. It reduces the chance a shady front-end can keep polling your account, but it does not remove what you already signed on-chain.
Troubleshooting & how I tested this (replicable steps)
How I tested (so you can replicate):
- Environment: desktop Chrome with MetaMask extension and MetaMask mobile app on Android and iOS (official app). I used small test balances in a throwaway account so no real risk.
- Procedure: 1) connect the account to a test dApp, 2) confirm the dApp shows the address, 3) disconnect via dApp UI, 4) verify MetaMask's Connected sites list shows no connection, 5) reconnect to confirm the dApp prompts again.
- For WalletConnect: I scanned a QR from a desktop dApp using MetaMask mobile and then terminated the session from the wallet side and from the dApp side to confirm both approaches work.
What I've found: disconnect from MetaMask's UI is immediate. But sometimes the dApp's JavaScript keeps a cached address in local storage; clearing cookies/local storage is the final step to erase every trace.
FAQ
Q: Is it safe to keep crypto in a hot wallet?
A: For small, everyday balances yes, if you practice good security (strong device security, seed phrase backup, revoke approvals periodically). For larger holdings consider a hardware wallet. (I moved large amounts to hardware after a careless approval some months back.)
Q: How do I revoke token approvals?
A: Disconnecting does not revoke approvals. Use the in-wallet approvals tool or a reputable approval revocation interface. See: token approvals and revoke.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone?
A: If you have your seed phrase (stored securely) you can restore your wallet on another device. For steps: backup and recovery seed phrase and lost-phone-reset-recovery.
Q: My dApp still reads my address after disconnect. Why?
A: The dApp might store your address in cookies or local storage (client-side). Clear those for the domain and reload.
Conclusion & next steps
Disconnecting MetaMask from a site is a simple privacy step that every active DeFi user should know. It stops the site from reading your account in that browsing session, but it does not undo on-chain token approvals — so always follow up by revoking allowances when needed.
If you want to learn more about connecting safely, start with: connect-metamask-to-dapps, and if you worry about approvals, read: token approvals and revoke. For mobile-specific screenshots and tips check: connected-sites-mobile.
If you want a step-by-step refresher on installation or account recovery before making changes, see: install-metamask-extension and backup-and-recovery-seed-phrase.
Thanks for reading. If you try these steps and something behaves unexpectedly, try the troubleshooting notes above, and you can follow the exact test steps I used to replicate the issue on your own device.
