Coinbase Extension® — Getting Started | Coinbase Wallet®

Introduction to Coinbase Extension

The Coinbase Extension is a browser‑based wallet solution from Coinbase that brings self‑custodial crypto management and Web3 interaction directly into your browser. Unlike custodial wallets hosted on centralized exchanges, the Coinbase Extension gives you full ownership of your private keys and lets you interact with decentralized applications (dApps), manage crypto assets, store NFTs, and sign blockchain transactions — all without leaving your browser window.

In this guide you’ll learn how to:

  • Install and initialize the Coinbase Extension
  • Create or import wallets
  • Connect to decentralized apps (dApps)
  • Fund and manage your assets
  • Understand security and best practices

(Throughout this guide, relevant sections are interlinked for easy navigation — e.g., Create or Import Your Wallet → Security Best Practices.)

1. What Is the Coinbase Extension?

The Coinbase Extension is a non‑custodial wallet browser extension that enables secure crypto management straight from your browser toolbar. It supports thousands of tokens across major blockchain networks (like Ethereum, Polygon, and other EVM‑compatible chains), and enables:

  • Self‑custody — you control your private keys
  • Seamless Web3 access — connect to DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, blockchain games, etc.
  • Token swaps and asset management — directly inside the extension
  • NFT storage and interaction — view, send and receive collectibles
  • Multi‑chain support — Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, BNB Chain, and more**

You can read more about advanced features in the related section Advanced Tools & Web3 Access (link internal guide).

2. Supported Browsers and Compatibility

Before you begin:

Supported browsers
The Coinbase Extension works best on Chromium‑based browsers such as:

  • Google Chrome
  • Brave
  • Microsoft Edge

Support for other browsers (e.g., Firefox) may vary and should be confirmed from official sources.

3. Installing the Coinbase Extension

Step‑by‑Step Installation

  1. Open your preferred supported browser.
  2. Visit the official Chrome Web Store (or the respective add‑on store) and search for “Coinbase Wallet Extension.”
  3. Click Add to Chrome (or the equivalent button).
  4. Confirm permissions prompted by the browser.
  5. Pin the extension to your toolbar for easy access.
⚠️ Tip: Only install Coinbase Wallet from official sources to avoid phishing and scams (see Security Best Practices). Fake extensions may steal your recovery phrase or funds. (link to security section)

4. Create or Import Your Wallet

Once the Coinbase Wallet extension is installed, you’ll set up your wallet. You have two options:

A. Create a New Wallet

  1. Open the Coinbase Extension from your browser toolbar.
  2. Click Create new wallet.
  3. Securely back up the 12‑word recovery phrase provided — this is critical. Store it offline (e.g., password manager or physical copy).
  4. Verify the recovery phrase when prompted.
  5. Create a strong password to unlock your wallet quickly.
  6. Choose a username (used for intra‑wallet identification in some cases).
  7. You’re set — your Coinbase Extension wallet is now ready!
Your recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet — Coinbase cannot recover it for you.

B. Import an Existing Wallet

If you already have a self‑custody wallet (like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or a mobile Coinbase Wallet), you can import it:

  1. Click I already have a wallet.
  2. Enter your 12‑word recovery phrase.
  3. Set a secure password for the extension.
  4. Confirm and finish importing.

This lets you manage the same wallet in multiple interfaces — for example, both in mobile and in the browser extension.

5. Connect to Decentralized Applications (dApps)

One of the biggest strengths of the Coinbase Extension is Web3 connectivity:

  • Visit any compatible decentralized app (e.g., Uniswap, OpenSea, Aave).
  • Click the “Connect Wallet” button on the site.
  • Choose Coinbase Wallet from the list of wallet options.
  • Approve the connection in your extension popup.

After connecting, you can sign transactions — like swaps, NFT offers, staking actions, and more — without leaving the browser.

📌 This process is covered in more detail in Web3 & dApp Interaction (internal link), where we show how to connect and use each type of dApp.

6. Funding Your Wallet

A. Transfer from Coinbase Exchange

If you have a Coinbase.com account and want to fund your Coinbase Extension:

  1. Go to the Coinbase.com web dashboard.
  2. Click Send/Receive → Send.
  3. Open the Coinbase Extension and click Show Wallet address to copy it.
  4. Paste that address into Coinbase.com as the destination.
  5. Enter the amount and confirm.
  6. Your funds should arrive in your Coinbase Wallet extension.
Note: This is separate from the Coinbase exchange — sending funds to your wallet moves them off the custodial platform and into your own control.

B. Send From Another Wallet

To send crypto from another wallet:

  1. Open the sending wallet.
  2. Capture your Coinbase Wallet extension address (via Show Wallet address).
  3. Enter that wallet address in the “Send” field.
  4. Confirm the amount and submit.

C. Buy Crypto from Coinbase

Some setups let you connect a payment method directly and make purchases through Coinbase. Funds can then be moved to your Coinbase Wallet extension (steps may vary by jurisdiction).

7. Basic Transaction Types

Once funded, you can:

  • Send crypto: Transfer funds to other wallets or addresses.
  • Receive crypto: Share your wallet address to receive tokens.
  • Swap tokens: Use built‑in swap features to trade tokens within the wallet.
  • Manage NFTs: View and transfer NFTs you hold.

Each type of action will ask you to review and confirm details before signing. This minimizes mistakes — always double‑check amounts and addresses before approval.

8. Security Best Practices

Owning your own wallet means responsibility. Here are essential tips:

A. Protect Your Recovery Phrase

  • Never share your 12‑word phrase.
  • Store it offline and in multiple secure places.
  • Do not enter it into unknown or unofficial websites.

Losing the phrase means losing access to your wallet forever; Coinbase cannot recover it for you.

B. Avoid Phishing and Scams

  • Only download the extension from official stores.
  • Verify URLs before connecting to dApps.
  • Never provide your recovery phrase to unverified services.
  • Avoid search results mimicking Coinbase (“coîmbase”, “coinbáse” etc.). (link to phishing awareness)

C. Use Hardware Wallets for Large Holdings

If you have significant funds, many users link a hardware wallet (like Ledger or Trezor) to Coinbase Extension for additional key security.

9. Advanced Tools & Features

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can explore:

  • Custom tokens: Add tokens that aren’t listed by default by entering contract addresses.
  • Layer‑2 networks: Switch between Ethereum mainnet, Polygon, Optimism, and others.
  • DeFi participation: Stake, lend, or borrow assets on DeFi platforms.
  • NFT marketplaces: List, bid, and trade collectibles.

These features are covered in our Advanced Web3 Tools series (internal link).

10. Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems:

  • Extension not showing balances: Refresh your browser; make sure you’re on the correct network.
  • Unable to connect to dApps: Check permissions and browser settings.
  • Wallet stuck on setup: Reinstall the extension and re‑import with your recovery phrase, but only from official sources.

For persistent issues, consult official Coinbase support or community resources.

Conclusion

The Coinbase Extension makes blockchain and Web3 activities accessible right from your browser while keeping you in full control of your crypto assets. By following these steps and internal links:

  • Installation → Wallet Setup → Funding → Web3 interaction → Security

…you’ll gain confidence and competence using your crypto wallet securely and effectively.