What is Coinbase® Wallet?
Coinbase® Wallet is a self-custody cryptocurrency wallet that gives you complete control over your crypto assets, keys, and data. Unlike the main Coinbase® exchange platform, Coinbase® Wallet is a non-custodial wallet, meaning you—and only you—have access to your private keys and funds.
This powerful wallet application enables you to store thousands of cryptocurrencies and digital assets, interact with decentralized applications (dApps), participate in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, and manage your NFT collections—all while maintaining full ownership of your private keys.
Official Resources: Always access Coinbase® Wallet through official channels. Download the mobile app from official app stores or get the Coinbase® Wallet Extension from the Chrome Web Store.
Key Features & Capabilities
Coinbase® Wallet combines user-friendly design with powerful Web3 capabilities:
Self-Custody Security
You control your private keys and seed phrase. Your assets remain secure even if Coinbase® experiences issues.
Multi-Chain Support
Store and manage assets across Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Avalanche, and many other blockchain networks.
dApp Browser
Access thousands of decentralized applications directly from your wallet for trading, lending, and more.
NFT Management
View, store, and transfer your NFT collections across multiple blockchain networks in one interface.
Cross-Platform Sync
Seamlessly sync your wallet between mobile app and browser extension using cloud backup.
Built-in Swap
Exchange thousands of tokens directly within the wallet using decentralized exchange aggregators.
Coinbase® Wallet Extension
The Coinbase® Wallet Extension for Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers brings the full power of Web3 to your desktop browsing experience. This browser extension allows you to:
- Connect to Web3 applications and dApps directly from your browser
- Manage your cryptocurrency portfolio alongside regular web browsing
- Sign transactions and interact with smart contracts securely
- Sync with your mobile Coinbase® Wallet for seamless access across devices
Getting Started with Coinbase® Wallet
Setting up Coinbase® Wallet is straightforward and takes just minutes:
Option 1: Mobile App Setup
- Download the Coinbase® Wallet app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store
- Open the app and select "Create new wallet"
- Securely store your 12-word recovery phrase (never share this with anyone)
- Set up a secure passcode and biometric authentication if available
- Start adding cryptocurrencies or connect to existing wallets
Option 2: Browser Extension Setup
- Install the Coinbase® Wallet Extension from the Chrome Web Store
- Click the extension icon and select "Create new wallet"
- Carefully write down your 12-word recovery phrase and store it securely
- Set a strong password for the extension
- Connect to Web3 applications or import existing wallets
Mobile App
iOS & Android
Chrome Extension
Desktop Browsers
Web App
Any Browser
Security & Best Practices
As a self-custody wallet, your security is ultimately your responsibility. Follow these best practices:
Recovery Phrase Protection
Your 12-word recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet. Anyone with access to these words can control your assets. Always:
- Write it down on paper (never save digitally or take screenshots)
- Store it in multiple secure locations
- Never share it with anyone, including Coinbase® support
- Consider using a metal backup solution for fire/water protection
Transaction Security
Always verify transaction details before confirming:
- Double-check recipient addresses (the first and last few characters)
- Verify transaction amounts and network fees
- Be cautious of dApp permissions - only grant necessary access
- Use hardware wallet integration for large holdings
Important: Coinbase® will never ask for your recovery phrase, private keys, or password. Beware of phishing attempts and only use official Coinbase® applications and websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coinbase® is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange where Coinbase® holds your private keys and acts as custodian of your funds. Coinbase® Wallet is a self-custody wallet where you control your private keys and have complete ownership of your assets. The Wallet allows direct interaction with dApps and DeFi protocols, while the exchange focuses on trading and custodial services.
If you lose access to your device, you can recover your Coinbase® Wallet using your 12-word recovery phrase. Install the Coinbase® Wallet app on a new device or use the browser extension, then select "I already have a wallet" and enter your recovery phrase. This will restore full access to your funds and transaction history. This is why securely storing your recovery phrase is critically important.
Yes, you can connect your Coinbase® exchange account to Coinbase® Wallet to easily transfer funds between the two platforms. However, this connection doesn't share private keys—it simply creates a bridge for transferring assets between your custodial exchange account and your self-custody wallet. You'll still need to complete separate Coinbase® Login processes for each service.
If you're experiencing issues with the Coinbase® Wallet extension, try these troubleshooting steps: 1) Refresh the webpage and try again, 2) Restart your browser, 3) Ensure you're using a supported browser (Chrome, Brave, Edge), 4) Check that the extension is enabled in your browser settings, 5) Clear your browser cache and cookies. If problems persist, visit the Coinbase® Wallet Help Center for specific guidance.
Coinbase® Wallet itself is free to download and use. However, you will pay network fees (gas fees) for blockchain transactions like sending crypto or interacting with dApps. Additionally, when using the built-in swap feature, there may be exchange fees included in the quoted price. These fees go to network validators and liquidity providers, not to Coinbase®.
Coinbase® Wallet provides excellent security for a software wallet, but hardware wallets (like Ledger or Trezor) offer superior protection for significant holdings. Hardware wallets keep your private keys completely offline, making them immune to computer viruses and hacking attempts. For optimal security, consider using Coinbase® Wallet for daily transactions and a hardware wallet for long-term storage of large amounts. Many hardware wallets can integrate with Coinbase® Wallet for the best of both worlds.
Ready to Explore Web3 with Coinbase® Wallet?
Join millions of users managing their digital assets securely with Coinbase® Wallet's self-custody solution.