Coinbase Wallet Guide

Easy 12 minutes

Coinbase Wallet ≠ Coinbase Exchange

Coinbase Wallet is a separate self-custody app. YOU control your keys. It's not the same as holding crypto on Coinbase exchange.

Why Coinbase Wallet?

Self-custody - You own your keys
Multi-chain - Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, more
Easy to use - Beginner-friendly interface
DApp browser - Access DeFi and NFTs
Free - No subscription fees

Setup Steps

Download from App Store or Google Play
Or get browser extension from wallet.coinbase.com
Choose "Create new wallet"
Enable biometric security
Write down 12-word recovery phrase
Verify your recovery phrase
Set up username (optional)

Recovery Phrase Warning

Write it on paper. Never store digitally. Never share. Coinbase cannot recover your wallet if you lose this phrase!

Linking to Coinbase Exchange

You can optionally link to your Coinbase exchange account for easy transfers:

Go to Settings
Tap "Link to Coinbase"
Sign in to your Coinbase account
Approve connection

This makes moving crypto between exchange and wallet seamless.

Features

Send/Receive - Transfer crypto
Swap - Trade tokens directly
Browser - Access dApps
NFTs - View your collection
Usernames - Send to name instead of address

Usernames Feature

Coinbase Wallet lets you create a username (like @yourname) that others can send crypto to instead of long addresses. Makes transfers easier and less error-prone.

Security Tips

Enable Face ID/Touch ID
Set auto-lock timer
Review connected dApps regularly
Never share recovery phrase
Consider hardware wallet for large amounts