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Coinbase® Extension® | Getting Started: Wallet Extension

Take control of your crypto and dive into the decentralized web with the official Coinbase® Wallet Extension. This powerful browser tool transforms your desktop experience, letting you securely manage digital assets, explore dApps, collect NFTs, and interact with the blockchain – all while you hold the keys. Unlike the custodial Coinbase® exchange, Coinbase® Wallet gives you true ownership.

Understanding Coinbase® Products:

  • Coinbase® Exchange (Coinbase.com): Buy, sell, and trade crypto. Requires Coinbase® login. Coinbase holds your keys.
  • Coinbase® Advanced Trade (replacing Coinbase® Pro): Access advanced trading features at Coinbase.com/advanced-trade using your standard Coinbase® login. Custodial.
  • Coinbase® Wallet: A standalone, non-custodial wallet app and browser extension. You control your keys via a Secret Recovery Phrase.
  • Coinbase® Wallet Extension: The browser interface for your self-custody Coinbase® Wallet assets and dApp interactions.

Getting Started with the Coinbase® Wallet Extension:

  1. Secure Download:
  1. Installation:
  • Click "Add to Chrome" on the Chrome Web Store page.
  • Confirm by clicking "Add Extension". The Coinbase® Wallet icon (multicolor "C") will appear in your browser toolbar.
  1. Wallet Setup:
  • Click the extension icon.
  • Choose:
  • Create New Wallet: For new users. Securely record your 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP) offline. This is your master key. Lose it, lose your funds.
  • Import Wallet: If you have an existing Coinbase® Wallet (mobile or other), enter your 12-word SRP.
  • Set a strong password to encrypt the extension locally on this device. Remember this for daily access.
  1. Coinbase® Wallet Login (Extension):
  • Click the extension icon anytime.
  • Enter your locally stored password.
  • Note: This unlocks the interface on this browser. Your SRP is NOT used for daily login.
  1. Link Coinbase.com Balances (Optional - View Only):
  • Go to Settings within the extension.
  • Select "Connect to Coinbase".
  • Authorize using your Coinbase® login credentials and 2FA.
  • Purpose: View your custodial Coinbase® exchange balances alongside your self-custody Wallet assets. You cannot transact on the exchange via the extension.

Key Features of the Coinbase® Wallet Extension:

  • dApp Access: Seamlessly connect to and interact with thousands of decentralized applications (DeFi, games, marketplaces).
  • Multi-Chain Asset Management: Hold and manage crypto & NFTs on Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Base, Optimism, Arbitrum, and more.
  • NFT Gallery: View, send, receive, and manage your NFT collections across supported chains.
  • Send & Receive Crypto: Easily handle transactions with any Ethereum Name Service (ENS) username or wallet address.
  • Buy with Fiat: Purchase crypto directly within the extension using linked payment methods (availability varies).
  • Token Swaps: Instantly swap tokens across supported networks.
  • Coinbase.com Balance Visibility: Securely monitor your exchange holdings (requires connection).

Security & Control:

  • True Self-Custody: Your keys (SRP), your crypto. Coinbase® cannot access your Wallet funds.
  • Local Encryption: Your password protects wallet data on your specific device.
  • User-Controlled Approvals: Review and confirm every transaction within the extension.
  • Phishing Protection: Built-in warnings for known malicious sites.

Coinbase® Wallet Extension FAQ: Your Questions Answered

  1. Q: Is the Coinbase® Wallet Extension the same as logging into my Coinbase.com exchange account?
  • A: Absolutely not. The extension is for the non-custodial Coinbase® Wallet. Your Coinbase® login is for the custodial exchange. You can optionally view exchange balances in the extension, but you cannot trade or send from the exchange using it.
  1. Q: Where can I safely download the Coinbase® Wallet Extension?
  1. Q: I forgot my extension password. How do I access my wallet?
  • A: Your password encrypts the extension locally. Uninstall and reinstall the extension. Choose "Import existing wallet" and enter your 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP). Set a new password. Your funds remain secure on the blockchain; only the SRP controls them.
  1. Q: Can I use the same Coinbase® Wallet on the extension and the mobile app?
  • A: Yes! Your wallet is defined by your SRP. Download the Coinbase® Wallet mobile app (iOS / Android), select "I already have a wallet", and enter your SRP. Your assets and activity sync across devices.
  1. Q: How does the Coinbase® Wallet Extension relate to Coinbase Pro / Advanced Trade?
  • A: They are separate products. Coinbase Advanced Trade (the successor to Coinbase Pro) is a custodial trading platform accessed via Coinbase.com using your Coinbase® login. The Coinbase® Wallet Extension is for your self-custody assets and interacting with Web3. Funds in Advanced Trade are held by Coinbase®; funds in your Wallet Extension are controlled solely by you.
  1. Q: Why can't I send crypto from my Coinbase.com balance using the Wallet Extension?
  • A: The connection between the Wallet Extension and Coinbase.com is strictly view-only for security. To move funds from your Coinbase exchange account to your Coinbase® Wallet (or vice versa), you must initiate an on-chain transfer directly on the Coinbase.com website or mobile app using your Coinbase® login.

Experience the power of self-custody and Web3. Download the official Coinbase® Wallet Extension securely today: Wallet.Coinbase.com