Getting Started with Mini Apps
Overview and implementation guide for Mini Apps in Coinbase Wallet
Mini Apps are lightweight web applications that run natively within clients like Coinbase Wallet. Users instantly access mini apps without downloads, benefit from seamless wallet interactions, and discover apps directly in the social feed. This benefits app developers by creating viral loops for user acquisition and engagement.
What is a Mini App?
A Mini App is composed of:
Your Existing Web Application
Your current web app works as-is
MiniKitProvider Wrapper
Simple wrapper component integration
Manifest File
Single farcaster.json configuration file
Standard Deployment
Deploy to any hosting platform (Vercel, Netlify, etc.)
No rebuilding, architectural changes, or complex integrations are required.
Code Implementation
Changes Required: Two import lines and one wrapper component. All existing components remain unchanged.
Implementation Examples
Result: Functional Mini App with wallet integration, transaction capabilities, and social features.
Pre-Solved Development Challenges
Common Engineering Concerns
Common Engineering Concerns
- Complex wallet integration processes
- Authentication flow implementation
- Mobile responsiveness requirements
- Cross-platform compatibility issues
- User onboarding friction
MiniKit Automated Solutions
MiniKit Automated Solutions
- Mobile Optimization: Automatic handling of safe areas and responsive design
- Platform Compatibility: Operates across Farcaster, Coinbase Wallet, and web browsers
- User Context: Immediate access to user identification
Manifest File Configuration
Mini Apps require one configuration file located at /.well-known/farcaster.json
in your project root. This file instructs clients how to display your application.
Sample Manifest Structure
Categories and Discovery
Primary Categories
games
Gaming and entertainment applications
social
Social networking and communication tools
finance
DeFi, trading, and payment applications
utility
Tools and productivity applications
productivity
Task management and organization tools
developer-tools
Development utilities
art-creativity
Creative and artistic applications
Account Association (Domain Verification)
Domain ownership verification is required. Generate your manifest using:
Image Requirements
iconUrl
iconUrl
200x200px PNG/JPG format
splashImageUrl
splashImageUrl
200x200px PNG/JPG (displayed during app loading)
heroImageUrl
heroImageUrl
1200x628px PNG/JPG (for featured placement)
screenshotUrls
screenshotUrls
App store screenshots in various sizes
Deployment Process
The deployment process remains identical to standard web applications:
Build Application
npm run build
(standard process)
Add Configuration
public/.well-known/farcaster.json
Deploy
Use any hosting platform (Vercel, Netlify, custom servers)
Browser Testing
Functions as standard web application
Farcaster Testing
No special hosting, new infrastructure, or complex setup procedures required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to rebuild our entire application?
Do we need to rebuild our entire application?
No. Wrap your existing application in <MiniKitProvider>
. Implementation complete.
Will this break our current web application?
Will this break our current web application?
No. Mini Apps function in regular browsers. The same codebase works across all platforms.
Do we need blockchain expertise?
Do we need blockchain expertise?
No. Integration complexity is similar to Stripe implementation.
What about user data and privacy?
What about user data and privacy?
Maintain current practices. You control data, backend systems, and privacy policies.
What is the performance impact?
What is the performance impact?
Minimal impact. MiniKit SDK is approximately 50KB. Application performance remains unchanged.
We don't use React/Next.js. Is this compatible?
We don't use React/Next.js. Is this compatible?
Yes. The Farcaster SDK supports Vue, Angular, Svelte, and any web framework.
Technical Resources
Live Code Examples
View working implementation examples
MiniKit
MiniKit documentation and overview
Mini Apps Guide
Comprehensive guide to Mini Apps
Debug Guide
Debugging MiniKit and Mini Apps
Debug Tools
Validate and test your Mini App
Farcaster SDK
Farcaster Mini Apps SDK documentation
Onchainkit
OnchainKit components and guides