Unlocking Web2 Simplicity in Web3

Introduction

One of the biggest barriers to widespread adoption of Web3 services is the user experience (UX). In particular, the way blockchain accounts function often feels alien to Web2 users accustomed to simple logins for email or social media.

In Web2, signing up for a new service takes just a few clicks, allowing immediate access to all features. In contrast, Web3 requires multiple steps: creating a wallet, backing up a complex 12-word seed phrase, selecting the correct network, and buying and depositing native tokens to cover transaction fees (gas). On top of that, every action — whether swapping tokens or buying NFTs — demands a separate signature and gas fee payment. These cumbersome processes are a key reason why many new users abandon Web3’s innovative services before even trying them.

In our previous article, What if you could pay gas fees with stablecoins?, Kaia introduced a decentralized gas abstraction implemented at the network level. This allows users to execute transactions using stablecoins without needing the native token (KAIA), greatly simplifying gas payments.

Now, Kaia is advancing this further by introducing EIP-7702 to address the fundamental limitations of accounts. EIP-7702 serves as the key to delivering Web2-level convenience and security, by temporarily granting your standard wallet (EOA) the capabilities of smart contracts.

What is EIP-7702? The Evolution of Ethereum Wallets (EOAs)

Blockchain accounts today fall into two primary categories:

- Externally Owned Account (EOA): A standard wallet controlled solely by a private key. It lacks on-chain code, so it only supports basic transaction sending and execution.

- Contract Account (CA): This type can incorporate advanced features like complex logic, automation, and multi-signature through its own code. However, it cannot initiate transactions independently and always needs to be triggered by an EOA.

The most groundbreaking aspect of EIP-7702 is its integration of smart contract validation logic into standard wallets (EOAs). This is achieved through a new transaction type (e.g., Type 0x04) that includes an “authorization list” specifying which smart contract should validate the transaction during execution. The validation process is delegated to this designated contract, but only for that specific transaction’s duration. This enables features typically exclusive to smart contract wallets — such as executing complex logic, managing gas payments, and offering flexible payment options — to be applied on a per-transaction basis in a regular wallet. Importantly, the EOA’s core structure remains intact throughout, preserving compatibility and security with existing wallets.

This approach is known as “Account Abstraction” (AA), and EIP-7702 represents one of the latest ways to implement it. While previous AA standards like ERC-4337 exist, they require a separate, complex infrastructure (including EntryPoint contracts and bundlers) and are incompatible with existing EOAs, creating a high barrier to adoption. EIP-7702 reduces these hurdles by applying transaction-level validation logic through smart contracts while keeping the existing EOA structure intact.

Why Kaia Builders Should Embrace EIP-7702

EIP-7702 creates powerful synergies with Kaia’s decentralized gas fee abstraction, enabling builders to deliver superior user experiences and elevate their services.

One-Click, Fail-Safe Transactions

EIP-7702’s transaction batching feature allows you to bundle multiple operations into a single, atomic transaction. For example, a DeFi user wanting to swap tokens and deposit the resulting funds into a liquidity pool no longer needs to authorize and execute two separate actions. EIP-7702 handles everything in one transaction, enabling complex financial operations to complete with a “single click” while eliminating partial failure risks.

Smart Wallet Features for Everyone

EIP-7702 allows EOAs to seamlessly access advanced smart contract wallet capabilities:

- Social Recovery: Implement smart contract-based account recovery through trusted family or friend signatures when keys are lost.

- Multi-Signature and 2FA: Apply multi-factor authentication systems to standard wallets for enhanced security.

- Session Keys: Enhance security by granting dApps limited permissions valid only for specific timeframes or conditions, such as during a gaming session.

- WebAuthn Support: Enable biometric authentication via Passkeys, delivering Web2-level convenience.

Zero Migration Pain

Because EIP-7702 leverages existing EOAs, users do not need to create new wallets or transfer their assets. Builders who have developed services based on ERC-4337 can also more easily integrate the power of account abstraction into their dApps. This gives developers the opportunity to dramatically improve the user experience without learning a new technology stack or making significant changes to their existing infrastructure.

Pairing with Kaia’s Gas Abstraction: A Truly Gasless Experience

Combining Kaia’s decentralized gas fee abstraction with EIP-7702 unlocks these possibilities:

- Handle Everything with Stablecoins: Users can perform complex, multi-step dApp interactions with one click and cover gas fees, even if their wallet only holds USDT.

- Sponsored Transactions: By delegating transaction validation to a smart contract, dApps or service providers can easily cover users’ gas fees on their behalf, drastically reducing onboarding barriers for new users.

- Flexible Gas Payment Options: Implement advanced gas policies in your dApp, such as using reward tokens for fees or conditional deductions.

Real-World Use Cases: Transforming dApp Experiences

How will EIP-7702 revolutionize actual dApp experiences? Let’s explore practical scenarios that demonstrate the technology’s potential.

Scenario 1 — Craft & Upgrade Game Gear in One Tap

Background: Sarah, an MMORPG player on Kaia, wants to craft a legendary sword requiring 5 Dragon Scales, 3 Mithril Ores, and a +5 Enhancement Stone for the finishing touch.

Traditional Web3 Experience:

1. Visit a DEX to buy Dragon Scale tokens with KAIA (first transaction and signature)

2. Purchase Mithril Ore tokens with KAIA (second transaction and signature)

3. Return to the game and mint the Legendary Sword NFT by combining materials (third transaction and signature)

4. Apply the +5 Enhancement Stone to the sword (fourth transaction and signature)

Any gas shortage or failed transaction derails the entire process.

Enhanced Web3 Experience:

- User Action: Sarah selects all required materials and enhancement stones in the game’s crafting interface, then hits the Craft and Enhance button once.

- Behind the Scenes:

1. A single batched transaction executes sequentially: purchasing materials from the DEX, calling the game contract to mint the weapon, and triggering the enhancement contract.

2. Total gas costs are automatically calculated and paid using USDT from Sarah’s wallet through gas abstraction.

3. If any material purchase fails, the entire process reverses atomically, keeping Sarah’s assets secure.

- Result: Seconds later, Sarah admires her +5 Legendary Sword in inventory. The hassle vanishes, leaving only the fun of the game.

Scenario 2 — Play Safely Using a Session-Key Wallet

Background: Jordan wants to dive into a Web3 game but hesitates to connect their main wallet, which holds valuable NFTs and a large token balance, directly to the dApp. They want to play without hacking risks.

EIP-7702-Based Session Key Scenario:

- User Action: Jordan chooses the [Log in with Secure Session] option when starting the game.

- Behind the Scenes:

The wallet activates temporary smart contract logic via EIP-7702, with these precise rules:

- Validity Period: Active only for the next 24 hours.

- Allowed Assets: Access limited to game character NFTs and small amounts of in-game tokens (high-value NFTs or main tokens are locked out).

- Allowed Actions: Only gameplay essentials, like using items, moving characters, or in-game trades (no external transfers or sales).

- Spending Limits: Capped at $50 worth of tokens per day.

- Result: Jordan plays worry-free, knowing their core assets are protected. Permissions auto-expire at session end or logout, mimicking Web2’s “stay logged in” feature but with superior security.

Scenario 3 — Frictionless Onboarding with Sponsored Gas

Background: Taylor, a newcomer to a Kaia-based gaming dApp, has no KAIA but wants to grab a free in-game item to get started. The dApp is running a promotion where it covers gas fees to draw in new players.

Traditional Web3 Experience:

Taylor tries to claim the item but is blocked by the gas fee requirement. They get stuck trying to figure out how to set up a wallet and purchase the necessary tokens, and likely give up.

Enhanced Web3 Experience:

- User Action: Taylor simply clicks “Claim Free Item” in the game, with just one signature required — despite having no KAIA.

- Behind the Scenes:

1. A transaction is created, specifying a smart contract address in EIP-7702’s authorization list for validation.

2. The contract checks Taylor’s signature, then verifies the dApp sponsor’s signature. If valid, gas fees are paid from the dApp’s account.

3. On success, Taylor gets the item gas-free, while the dApp covers costs to boost user acquisition and run the promo.

4. The contract ensures the transaction is only sponsored if all conditions are met (e.g., the user is new), preventing abuse.

- Result: Taylor jumps right into the game like in Web2, and the dApp gains more users by lowering entry barriers.

Conclusion

Kaia has already opened the door to user experience innovation with its decentralized, network-level gas fee abstraction. The introduction of EIP-7702 moves beyond a single feature to establish a new account paradigm that combines both usability and security by bringing together the best aspects of Web2 and Web3. Builders are no longer constrained by the technical limitations of the blockchain and can now concentrate on crafting creative, intuitive services for users.

EIP-7702 is included in the Kaia v2.0 upgrade and has been launched on the mainnet. In addition, Kaia’s official block explorer, KaiaScan, has already begun to support EIP-7702, making it easier for developers and users to view related activities with transparency.

- Check delegated authorization transactions: You can view a list of these transactions on the new Authorization page.

- See delegated contract addresses: If an address has a history of delegations, you can track the delegated contract addresses and `setCode` history directly from the Authorizations tab on the address page.

We’re excited to see the incredible Web3 experiences you’ll build, where “my wallet gets smart” in Kaia-powered dApps and services.