Your complete beginner's tutorial to installing and securing your Coinbase Extension wallet for managing crypto and connecting to dApps
Start SetupStore your cryptocurrency safely with industry-leading security measures. Your private keys remain encrypted on your device, not on centralized servers.
Easily interact with decentralized applications (dApps) across various blockchain networks including Ethereum, Polygon, and Arbitrum.
Access your wallet across devices with seamless synchronization between the browser extension and mobile app.
Visit the official Chrome Web Store or your browser's extension marketplace. Search for "Coinbase Wallet" and click "Add to Chrome" to install.
Official Source: Always download from the official Chrome Web Store to avoid malicious copies.
Only install the Coinbase Extension from official sources. Fake wallet extensions can steal your funds and recovery phrases.
After installation, click the extension icon and select "Create new wallet." You'll be guided through the setup process.
The wallet will generate a unique 12-word recovery phrase (also called seed phrase). This is the most critical security element of your wallet.
Your recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet. Anyone with these words can access all your funds. Never share it with anyone and store it securely offline.
Write down your 12-word recovery phrase in the exact order shown. Store it in multiple secure locations such as a fireproof safe or safety deposit box.
Never: Store your recovery phrase digitally (screenshots, cloud storage, emails), share it with anyone, or type it into unofficial websites.
If you lose your recovery phrase and your device fails, your funds will be permanently inaccessible. There is no password reset option for crypto wallets.
The extension will ask you to verify your recovery phrase by selecting the words in the correct order. This ensures you've recorded it properly.
This step is crucial - if you can't correctly verify your phrase, start over with a new wallet creation to avoid future access issues.
Enable additional security measures:
Download the Coinbase Wallet mobile app from the official app store. Use your recovery phrase to import your wallet for seamless cross-device access.
This allows you to manage your crypto on the go while maintaining the same wallet address and balance across all devices.
View your portfolio balance, send and receive various cryptocurrencies, and track transaction history all within the extension interface.
Visit decentralized applications and click "Connect Wallet" to interact with DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and blockchain games.
Use the built-in swap feature to exchange tokens directly within your wallet without needing external exchanges.
During the initial setup, select "I already have a wallet" instead of creating a new one. Enter your 12-word recovery phrase to import your existing wallet. This process works for wallets created with other compatible services as well.
If you lose your recovery phrase and cannot access your wallet, your funds will be permanently lost. Coinbase cannot recover your wallet or reset your recovery phrase due to the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency wallets. This is why securely storing your recovery phrase is critically important.
Yes, you can install the Coinbase Extension on multiple browsers and devices. Simply install the extension and import your wallet using your recovery phrase. Your wallet will sync across all installations, showing the same addresses and balances.
Yes, they are separate products. Coinbase.com is a centralized exchange where Coinbase controls your private keys. The Coinbase Extension is a self-custody wallet where you control your private keys. The Extension gives you direct access to dApps and DeFi protocols that aren't available on the main exchange.
The Coinbase Extension supports thousands of cryptocurrencies across multiple networks including Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, and more. It can hold any ERC-20 token and many other standards. You can view the full list of supported assets within the wallet interface.
When visiting a dApp website, look for a "Connect Wallet" button. Click it and select "Coinbase Wallet" from the options. Your extension will prompt you to approve the connection. Once connected, you can interact with the dApp directly through your wallet.
Take control of your digital assets with the Coinbase Extension wallet. Follow this guide to set up your wallet securely and start exploring the world of decentralized finance.
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