Coinbase Wallet Extension® — Getting Started | Your Gateway to Web3
The Coinbase Wallet Extension is a self-custody crypto wallet that puts you in control of your digital assets and unlocks the full potential of the decentralized web . Unlike the Coinbase.com brokerage, which stores your crypto for you, the Coinbase Wallet extension is a non-custodial wallet—your private keys are stored directly on your browser, not on a centralized exchange . With over one million users, this browser extension is the safest and easiest way to access decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and thousands of dApps .
Installation: The First Step
Getting started is straightforward. You must install the Coinbase Wallet extension from the official Chrome Web Store . It is available for desktop browsers, including Chrome and Brave . Once installed, click the Coinbase Wallet icon in your browser's toolbar to begin the setup process .
Setting Up Your Wallet
When you open the extension, you will have two primary options: creating a new wallet or importing an existing one .
Creating a New Wallet
If you are new to crypto, select the option to create a new wallet . The extension will generate a 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase . This phrase is the master key to access your wallet and all your assets.
This is the most critical security step:
Write it down on paper and store it in a secure, offline location .
Never store it digitally—no screenshots, no cloud notes, no emails. This creates a significant security risk.
Coinbase cannot recover this phrase for you. If you lose it, you lose access to your funds .
After securely recording your recovery phrase, confirm it when prompted, and then create a strong password to unlock the extension on your current device . Remember, Coinbase cannot recover this password for you either .
Importing an Existing Wallet
If you already have a wallet from MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Phantom, or another provider, you can easily import it into the Coinbase Wallet extension using your 12-word recovery phrase . This consolidates your assets and activities into one interface.
Connecting a Hardware Wallet for Maximum Security
For users who require the highest level of security, the Coinbase Wallet extension seamlessly integrates with Ledger hardware wallets . This allows you to use the interface of Coinbase Wallet while keeping your private keys securely offline on your Ledger device. To connect:
Install the Coinbase Wallet extension from the Chrome Web Store .
Open the extension and select "I already have a wallet" .
Choose "Connect Ledger wallet" .
Plug in your Ledger device, unlock it with your PIN, and open the Ethereum app .
Follow the on-screen prompts to sign a message and link your Ledger to the extension .
Key Features and Functionality
Once set up, the Coinbase Wallet extension becomes your command center for Web3 activities :
Explore dApps with Confidence: Connect to thousands of decentralized applications across Ethereum and all EVM-compatible networks, including Avalanche, Polygon, and BNB Chain .
Manage Your Portfolio: View your token balances, NFTs, and DeFi positions in one place .
Send and Receive Crypto: Easily transfer assets like ETH, DAI, USDC, and SOL (including SPL tokens) .
Trade Thousands of Tokens: Access decentralized exchanges (DEXes) directly from your wallet .
Funding Your Wallet
To start using your Coinbase Wallet, you will need to add funds. You have several options :
Transfer from Coinbase.com: Seamlessly connect your Coinbase account and transfer crypto directly to your wallet .
Buy Crypto: Purchase assets through the extension using your existing Coinbase account .
Send from Another Wallet: Copy your Coinbase Wallet address and send crypto from any other wallet or exchange .
Understanding the Difference: Coinbase.com vs. Coinbase Wallet Extension
This is a common point of confusion :
Coinbase.com is a custodial brokerage. They hold your crypto for you after you purchase it. You access your account with a username and password.
Coinbase Wallet Extension is a non-custodial wallet. You are in sole control of your private keys, which are represented by your 12-word recovery phrase. You are responsible for its security.