Coinbase Chrome Extension® | Getting Started | Coinbase Wallet®

Welcome to the official guide for getting started with the Coinbase Chrome Extension®, part of the Coinbase Wallet® ecosystem. Coinbase Wallet® is a secure, user-controlled cryptocurrency wallet that allows you to manage digital assets, interact with decentralized applications (dApps), and perform transactions directly from your browser. This guide walks you through installation, setup, and best practices to safely use the Coinbase Chrome Extension®.

What is Coinbase Wallet® Chrome Extension?

The Coinbase Chrome Extension® is a browser-based interface for the Coinbase Wallet®, designed for convenience and security. Unlike custodial wallets, Coinbase Wallet® is non-custodial, meaning you fully control your private keys.

Key Features:

Non-Custodial Wallet: You hold your private keys securely on your device.
Multi-Asset Support: Store cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USDC, and ERC-20 tokens.
dApp Integration: Seamlessly interact with Ethereum-based dApps directly from Chrome.
Secure Transactions: Sign transactions locally on your device.
Portfolio Management: Track balances, assets, and transaction history in one place.

Installing the Coinbase Chrome Extension®

Follow these steps to install the Coinbase Wallet® Chrome Extension®:

Visit the Official Coinbase Website Go to https://www.coinbase.com/wallet to download the official extension. Avoid unofficial sources to prevent phishing attacks.
Select “Add to Chrome” Click Add to Chrome, then confirm by selecting Add Extension in the pop-up.
Verify Installation The Coinbase Wallet® icon will appear in your Chrome toolbar once installation is complete.
Optional: Pin the Extension Click the extensions icon in Chrome → Pin the Coinbase Wallet® for easier access.

Creating a New Wallet

After installation, you can create a new wallet:

Launch the Extension Click the Coinbase Wallet® icon in your Chrome toolbar.
Choose “Create a New Wallet” You’ll be prompted to set a strong password. This password encrypts your private keys locally.
Backup Your Recovery Phrase Coinbase Wallet® generates a 12-word recovery phrase.
- Write it down on paper.
- Store it securely.
- Do not store it digitally or share it online.
Confirm Recovery Phrase To ensure your phrase is correctly recorded, the extension will ask you to confirm the words in order.

Your wallet is now ready to receive funds, interact with dApps, and perform transactions.

Importing an Existing Wallet

If you already have a Coinbase Wallet® or compatible wallet, you can restore it:

Click Restore Wallet in the extension.
Enter your 12-word recovery phrase.
Set a new password for local encryption.

Your existing assets, balances, and history will sync automatically.

Adding and Managing Assets

The Coinbase Chrome Extension® allows you to hold multiple assets securely.

Adding Assets

Open the Assets tab in the extension.
Click Add Asset and search for the cryptocurrency or token you want to manage.

Sending Assets

Click Send → enter recipient’s wallet address or ENS name.
Enter the amount and select the currency.
Review and confirm the transaction locally with your password.

Receiving Assets

Click Receive → copy your wallet address or generate a QR code.
Provide the address to the sender to receive funds.

Swapping Assets

Some tokens can be swapped directly in Coinbase Wallet®:

Navigate to the Swap tab.
Select the asset to trade and the asset to receive.
Enter the amount, review the rate, and confirm.

Note: Swaps may involve network fees and are subject to rate fluctuations.

Interacting with dApps

One of the main benefits of Coinbase Wallet® Chrome Extension® is dApp integration.

Open a supported dApp in Chrome.
The site will prompt you to connect your wallet.
Approve the connection in the extension.
Sign transactions securely through the wallet popup.

Popular dApps include decentralized exchanges (DEXs), NFT marketplaces, and DeFi platforms.

Security Best Practices

Security is critical in cryptocurrency management. Coinbase Wallet® provides strong protections, but user vigilance is essential.

Keep Recovery Phrase Offline: Never share or store your 12-word phrase digitally.
Strong Local Password: Encrypt your wallet with a unique, strong password.
Enable Device Security: Use antivirus software and secure your computer.
Beware of Phishing: Only interact with verified dApps and official sites.
Monitor Transactions: Regularly check your activity for unauthorized actions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Extension Not Loading

Ensure Chrome is up-to-date.
Restart your browser or clear the cache.

Issue: Failed Transactions

Confirm network fees are covered.
Check the asset’s blockchain network status.

Issue: Forgotten Password

Restore your wallet using the 12-word recovery phrase.

Issue: dApp Connection Errors

Ensure the dApp is compatible with Coinbase Wallet®.
Disconnect and reconnect your wallet.

For further assistance, visit the Coinbase Support page: https://help.coinbase.com.

Mobile Integration

Coinbase Wallet® also has mobile apps for iOS and Android:

Download from the App Store or Google Play.
Log in with your recovery phrase to sync assets.
Mobile apps allow full functionality, including dApp browsing and transaction signing.

This provides convenient access to your wallet anytime, anywhere.

Fees and Network Costs

While Coinbase Wallet® does not charge custodial fees, blockchain networks require transaction fees:

Ethereum Gas Fees: Variable depending on network congestion.
Token Transfers: Some tokens have small network fees.
Swaps: May incur network and liquidity costs.

Always review fees before executing transactions to avoid surprises.

Disclaimer

The content provided here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading and digital asset management carry significant risk, including total loss of funds.

Coinbase Chrome Extension® and Coinbase Wallet® are non-custodial platforms. Users are fully responsible for securing passwords, recovery phrases, and devices. Coinbase and its affiliates are not liable for losses resulting from unauthorized access, phishing attacks, or technical errors.