Coinbase Extension® — Getting Started | Coinbase Wallet®

Managing your crypto securely and accessing decentralized apps (dApps) directly from your browser has never been easier thanks to the Coinbase Wallet® browser extension (often called Coinbase Extension®). Whether you’re new to crypto or switching from another wallet like MetaMask or Trust Wallet, this guide will walk you through everything from installation to funding, importing wallets, and interacting with decentralized apps.

Table of Contents (Interlinked)

  1. What Is Coinbase Wallet Extension®?
  2. Why Choose Self‑Custody?
  3. Supported Browsers & Compatibility
  4. Install Coinbase Wallet Extension
  5. Create a New Wallet (Step‑by‑Step)
  6. Import an Existing Wallet
  7. Linking Coinbase Wallet to Coinbase.com Account
  8. Funding Your Wallet
  9. Sending & Receiving Crypto
  10. Connecting to dApps With Coinbase Wallet Extension
  11. Security Best Practices
  12. Troubleshooting & Common Issues
  13. Definitions & Glossary

1. What Is Coinbase Wallet Extension®?

The Coinbase Wallet Extension is a self‑custody wallet that lives in your browser — Chrome, Edge, or Firefox — enabling you to control your private keys, sign blockchain transactions, and interact with Web3 decentralized applications (dApps) without leaving your browser. Unlike Coinbase.com, where Coinbase holds your keys, the Wallet extension gives you full ownership of your crypto.

Coinbase Wallet® is part of the Coinbase ecosystem but separate from the Coinbase exchange. The term Coinbase Wallet extension refers specifically to the browser “plugin” version you can install.

2. Why Choose Self‑Custody?

Self‑custody means you control your cryptocurrency private keys. This differs from custodial wallets like Coinbase.com, where the platform manages keys on your behalf. With Coinbase Wallet:

  • You control your 12‑word recovery phrase.
  • You manage funds without intermediaries.
  • You can interact directly with dApps, DeFi platforms, play blockchain games, trade NFTs, and more.

Be aware: if you lose your recovery phrase or password, Coinbase cannot recover it for you — so secure them safely.

3. Supported Browsers & Compatibility

The extension is officially supported on:

  • Google Chrome
  • Brave Browser
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Mozilla Firefox

Ensure your browser is up to date before installing to avoid compatibility issues.

4. Install Coinbase Wallet Extension

To begin your crypto journey:

  1. Search “Coinbase Wallet Extension” in the Chrome Web Store (or equivalent for your browser).
  2. Click Add to Browser / Add Extension.
  3. Pin the icon to your toolbar for easy access.

After installing, open the extension to begin setup.

⚠️ Security Tip: Only install the extension from official sources like the Chrome Web Store listed by Coinbase. Fake or phishing sites can steal your funds by asking for your recovery phrase. Always verify the URL before installing.

5. Create a New Wallet

Once installed, follow these steps:

  1. Click Create New Wallet.
  2. Coinbase will generate a 12‑word recovery phrase.
  3. Back up your recovery phrase safely — write it down or store it in a secure password manager.
  4. Verify that you saved it correctly.
  5. Create a secure password for extension access.
  6. Optionally, claim a web3 username — this makes it easier for others to send crypto to you.

After these steps, your wallet is created and ready for use.

6. Import an Existing Wallet

If you already use another wallet (MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Solflare, Phantom, or even another Coinbase Wallet), you can import it using your 12‑word recovery phrase:

  1. Open the extension.
  2. Select I already have a wallet / Import wallet.
  3. Enter your 12‑word secret recovery phrase.
  4. Set a new password for the extension.
  5. Choose a username (if applicable).

This imports your wallet into the browser extension without affecting the original wallet elsewhere.

6.1 Hardware Wallet Integration

You can also connect a hardware wallet (like Ledger or Trezor) through the extension — ideal for enhanced security. The extension prompts you to select Connect Ledger Wallet and follow on‑screen steps.

7. Linking Coinbase Wallet to Coinbase.com Account

This section covers how to connect your non‑custodial wallet to your Coinbase.com account — essential if you want to fund your wallet directly from Coinbase:

  1. Open the Coinbase Wallet extension.
  2. Navigate to the Assets tab and click Add crypto.
  3. Choose Connect my Coinbase account.
  4. Follow prompts to authorize access.

Once linked, you can transfer crypto seamlessly from Coinbase.com into your Wallet extension.

Note: Some users report that direct linking may be easier through the Coinbase Wallet mobile app rather than the browser extension. You can sync between app and extension using your recovery phrase.

8. Funding Your Wallet

With your wallet created or imported, you’ll need crypto inside it. There are several ways:

8.1 Transfer From Coinbase.com

If linked, go to Coinbase.com:

  1. Click Send / Receive.
  2. Copy your Wallet extension address.
  3. Paste it as the destination and send.

8.2 Buy Crypto With Coinbase Onramp

Inside the Wallet extension, click Buy, connect to Coinbase, and complete the order.

8.3 Transfer From Another Wallet

You can transfer funds from another self‑custody wallet like MetaMask:

  1. Copy your Coinbase Wallet extension address.
  2. Open the other wallet.
  3. Paste and send the crypto.

Ensure you select the correct network to avoid loss of funds.

9. Sending & Receiving Crypto

In your extension:

  • Receive: Click Show Wallet address and copy or scan the QR code.
  • Send: Click Send, enter a recipient address, choose an amount, and confirm.

Remember there may be network fees (miner/validator fees) when sending crypto — these are blockchain costs, not Coinbase fees.

10. Connecting to dApps With Coinbase Wallet Extension

One of the biggest advantages of the extension is connecting to Web3 apps:

  1. Visit a decentralized app (like Uniswap, Opensea, or Aave).
  2. Click Connect Wallet.
  3. Choose Coinbase Wallet in the provider list.
  4. Approve the connection in your extension.

Once connected, you can interact with the dApp directly — swap tokens, trade NFTs, or use DeFi services without leaving your browser.

11. Security Best Practices

To protect your assets:

  • Never share your recovery phrase. Coinbase support will never ask for it.
  • Always store recovery phrases offline and securely.
  • Only install extensions from official stores.
  • Use strong, unique passwords.
  • Consider hardware wallet integration for large balances.

Scammers often create fake extensions or phishing sites. Always verify URLs before installing.

12. Troubleshooting & Common Issues

12.1 Wallet Doesn’t Sync Across Devices

If you create a wallet in the browser but don’t see it in the mobile app, restore the wallet on your mobile using the same 12‑word recovery phrase.

12.2 Missing Features or Connecting Problems

Some linking features may only be available via the mobile app — not all functionality is mirrored in the extension.

12.3 Phishing & Fake Extensions

If you accidentally installed a suspicious extension that requests your phrase, remove it immediately and transfer funds to a new wallet with a new recovery phrase.

13. Glossary

Recovery Phrase: A series of words that unlock your wallet — you must keep it safe.

Private Key: Your secret code that proves ownership of crypto assets.

dApp: Decentralized application that connects directly to blockchain.

Self‑Custody: You control your crypto keys — not a central company.