Coinbase Wallet Extension — Quick Start & Safety

A concise guide to install, configure, and safely use the Coinbase Wallet Browser Extension.

Overview

The Coinbase Wallet Extension brings a secure, non-custodial wallet into your browser so you can manage crypto, NFTs, and interact with decentralized applications (dApps) without leaving your desktop. Unlike the Coinbase exchange, the Wallet Extension stores keys locally in your browser (or with optional hardware-wallet protection), giving you control and responsibility over your assets.

Install safely — step by step

Open the official Coinbase Wallet page: https://www.coinbase.com/wallet, or search the Chrome/Edge/Firefox add-on store for Coinbase Wallet.
Confirm the publisher is Coinbase, Inc. and check reviews & install counts to avoid impostors.
Install the extension, then pin it to your toolbar for quick access.
On first run, choose Create a new wallet or Import wallet using your recovery phrase.

Critical: When creating a new wallet, Coinbase displays a 12-word recovery phrase. Write it down on paper (or a metal backup) and store it offline. Never upload or photograph this phrase.

Set up & configuration

After installation you’ll create a secure password for local access. Consider enabling any available privacy settings (lock-on-idle, biometric unlock for the mobile pairing workflow) and review the default network. Coinbase supports Ethereum, Base, and other EVM-compatible chains — switch networks as needed.

Using the extension — receive, send, and transact

Receive

Click Receive, copy your address, or display the QR code. Always verify the address shown in the extension before sharing.

Send

To send, paste the recipient address and amount. Confirm network and fee details in the preview. Double-check everything before confirming, especially contract addresses for tokens or NFTs.

Connecting to dApps

When a dApp asks to connect, Coinbase pops up a permissions window listing which account will be accessible. Grant access only to trusted sites. Be cautious with spend/approve permissions — these can allow contracts to move tokens on your behalf. Use small allowances or consider using transaction-review tools and periodically revoke unused permissions.

Security best practices

Never share your recovery phrase. Coinbase support will never ask for it.
Use a strong, unique password for the browser profile and the wallet extension.
Consider hardware wallet integration (Ledger, etc.) for significant balances — Coinbase Wallet supports hardware pairing.
Regularly review connected websites and revoke permissions you no longer trust.
Keep your browser and extension updated; remove suspicious extensions that may sniff clipboard or override content.

Troubleshooting

If the extension misbehaves: reload the browser, sign out and sign back in, or reinstall the extension. If a transaction fails, ensure you’re on the correct network and that gas settings are adequate. For account recovery, use your 12-word phrase in the official extension or mobile app.

If you suspect your recovery phrase or computer is compromised, move funds immediately to a new wallet with a freshly generated recovery phrase (preferably restored on a hardware wallet).

Visit Coinbase Wallet