Getting Started With Coinbase Wallet Extension® — (Official)

Jamie Larson

— 3 min read

Discover the power of decentralized finance, NFTs, and dApps directly from your browser. The Coinbase Wallet extension brings a secure, user-friendly self-custody wallet to your favorite websites.

A Secure Bridge to the Decentralized Web

The Coinbase Wallet extension is a non-custodial crypto wallet built for the future of the internet. Seamlessly connect to thousands of decentralized applications (dApps), trade thousands of assets, and take control of your digital future—all without leaving your browser.

With the same security foundation you trust from Coinbase, our extension puts you in full command of your private keys and digital assets while providing an intuitive gateway to the world of Web3.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Self-Custody & Control: You own your recovery phrase. You control your crypto, NFTs, and digital assets. Not us, not anyone else.
  • dApp Browser Built-In: Instantly connect to and interact with popular decentralized apps across DeFi (like Uniswap and Compound), NFT marketplaces (like OpenSea), and metaverse worlds.
  • Multi-Chain Support: Manage assets across Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, Optimism, Arbitrum, Base, and many other leading blockchain networks from one unified wallet.
  • Buy, Swap & Send with Ease: Purchase crypto with a debit card, swap tokens directly within the wallet, and send assets anywhere, anytime.
  • NFT Gallery: Easily view, manage, and showcase your NFT collection directly in the extension's clean interface.
  • Seamless Mobile Sync: Pair your extension with the Coinbase Wallet mobile app for a unified experience across all your devices.

How to Get Started in Minutes

1. Download the Extension

Visit the Chrome Web Store or your browser’s extension marketplace. Search for “Coinbase Wallet” and add the official extension.

2. Create Your Wallet

Choose “Create new wallet.” You will be provided with a unique 12-word secret recovery phrase. Write this down on paper and store it securely offline. This phrase is the only way to recover your funds.

3. Fund Your Wallet

Transfer crypto from the Coinbase app, another wallet, or use the “Buy” feature to purchase crypto directly with a card.

4. Explore Web3

Navigate to any dApp website. Click the extension icon to connect your wallet and begin interacting with the decentralized web securely.

Designed for Clarity and Confidence

Our interface is built with the intuitive, clean design language of Coinbase, ensuring every transaction is clear and every action is deliberate. Detailed previews for swaps and smart contract interactions help you understand exactly what you’re approving before you sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between the Coinbase Wallet extension and my Coinbase account?
Your main Coinbase account (on coinbase.com or the app) is a custodial account where we secure your assets for you, optimized for buying, selling, and trading. The Coinbase Wallet extension is a non-custodial, self-custody wallet where you hold your own private keys. It’s designed for interacting with dApps, DeFi, and NFTs across the broader Web3 ecosystem.

2. Is the Coinbase Wallet extension free?
Yes, downloading and using the Coinbase Wallet extension is completely free. However, you will pay blockchain network fees (often called “gas fees”) for transactions like swaps, transfers, and dApp interactions. These fees go to the network, not to Coinbase.

3. How do I recover my wallet if I lose my computer?
Your 12-word secret recovery phrase is your ultimate backup. If you lose access to your device, simply reinstall the Coinbase Wallet extension (or any compatible wallet software) on a new device and select “Import existing wallet.” Enter your recovery phrase to restore full access to your assets and transaction history.

4. What cryptocurrencies and networks are supported?
The wallet supports hundreds of thousands of tokens across dozens of blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Layer 2 networks like Polygon and Arbitrum, and other ecosystems like Solana and Bitcoin (via bridging). You can always check the Assets tab within the extension for the full supported list.

5. How secure is my crypto in the extension?
Security is paramount. Your private keys and recovery phrase are encrypted and stored locally on your device. They are never transmitted to or stored by Coinbase. We also provide clear transaction previews and website connection warnings to help you avoid phishing scams. Your security ultimately depends on safeguarding your recovery phrase and device.

6. Can I use the extension with the Coinbase Wallet mobile app?
Absolutely. You can easily pair your browser extension with the Coinbase Wallet mobile app via QR code scan. This allows you to access the same wallet and assets from both your desktop and mobile devices, giving you flexibility in how you interact with Web3.

Take Control of Your Digital Future

The decentralized web is here. The Coinbase Wallet extension provides the security, simplicity, and power you need to explore it with confidence. Stop switching between tabs and manage your entire Web3 journey from a streamlined hub in your browser.

Download the Coinbase Wallet extension today and step into a world of decentralized possibility.

Cryptocurrency and digital assets involve significant risk. The Coinbase Wallet extension is a self-custody wallet. You are solely responsible for securing your recovery phrase. Coinbase cannot recover your assets if you lose your phrase.

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