Skip to main content

What is ERC-7779?

Learn about ERC-7779, Ethereum's new standard for interoperable delegated accounts, which simplifies wallet migrations and enhances UX.

Eco avatar
Written by Eco
Updated over a week ago

ERC-7779 introduces a revolutionary framework for making delegated externally owned accounts (EOAs) interoperable following the implementation of EIP-7702. This standard addresses one of the most critical challenges in wallet management: ensuring users can seamlessly migrate between different wallet implementations without losing functionality or compromising security.

The Problem ERC-7779 Solves

Traditional EOAs operate as simple cryptographic key pairs, enabling frictionless interoperability between wallets. However, with EIP-7702's introduction, EOAs can now delegate to smart accounts, unlocking advanced features like gas sponsorship, transaction batching, and automated subscriptions. This evolution presents a new challenge: managing storage during wallet migrations.

"ERC-7779 addresses these challenges by defining a standard interface for delegated EOAs to manage storage bases and support redelegation securely and efficiently," explains Marissa Posnor, product manager at the Ethereum Foundation. The timing proves critical as user expectations regarding wallet features and interoperability continue to grow.

For platforms building account abstraction solutions, ERC-7779 provides essential infrastructure for maintaining compatibility across different implementations. This becomes particularly relevant for smart wallet ecosystems that require seamless user transitions.

How ERC-7779's Storage Management Works

The standard introduces two key interfaces: IInteroperableDelegatedAccount and IRedelegableDelegatedAccount. The first provides essential functions for checking account storage bases and account identification, while the second offers optional cleanup mechanisms for preparing accounts for redelegation.

According to research on blockchain interoperability, standardized approaches to storage management significantly reduce the risk of storage collisions that can lead to account lockouts or security vulnerabilities. ERC-7779's approach requires using keccak256() hashing to compute storage bases, ensuring sufficient separation between different wallet implementations.

The protocol maintains an append-only array of storage bases at a standardized slot position, enabling wallets to verify storage compatibility before attempting redelegation. This systematic approach prevents the storage conflicts that could otherwise compromise account security or functionality.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

ERC-7779 makes advanced features, such as transaction batching, automation, and gas abstraction, more accessible to everyday users. The standard enables wallet providers to offer sophisticated capabilities while ensuring users retain the flexibility to switch providers without technical barriers.

Trust Wallet's David Kim notes that ERC-7779 "strikes an effective balance" to create a standard that is "genuinely helpful and easy for wallet developers to adopt." This industry adoption demonstrates the practical value of standardized interoperability approaches.

For developers building on platforms like Eco's cross-chain infrastructure, ERC-7779 provides the foundation for creating unified account experiences that work seamlessly across multiple wallet providers and blockchain networks.

The Future of Wallet Interoperability

Industry experts believe ERC-7779 could function as a turning point for the Ethereum ecosystem, enabling users to access advanced capabilities within a more secure framework. Research indicates that wallet interoperability will become increasingly critical as blockchain ecosystems expand and become more fragmented.

The standard's modular design ensures compatibility with both EIP-7702 implementations and existing smart account architectures. This flexibility positions ERC-7779 as foundational infrastructure for next-generation wallet experiences that prioritize both functionality and user sovereignty.

As the ecosystem evolves toward more sophisticated account models, standards like ERC-7779 will enable the seamless chain abstraction experiences that mainstream users expect, making blockchain technology more accessible and user-friendly.

Did this answer your question?