Coinbase® Chrome Extension | Getting Started: Wallet Extension

The Coinbase® Wallet Chrome Extension transforms your browser into a gateway to decentralized apps (dApps), NFTs, and digital assets. Unlike the Coinbase® exchange (a custodial platform), Coinbase® Wallet is a self-custody wallet – meaning you fully control your private keys and crypto. The extension provides seamless, secure access to Web3 directly from Chrome.

Core Coinbase® Products: Know the Difference

• Coinbase® Exchange (Coinbase.com): A custodial platform to buy/sell/trade crypto. Requires Coinbase® login. Separate from Coinbase® Wallet.
• Coinbase® Pro (Pro.Coinbase.com): Advanced trading interface (migrating to Coinbase Advanced). Requires Coinbase Pro login (using main Coinbase® credentials). Custodial.
• Coinbase® Wallet: A non-custodial wallet app and extension. You control your keys. Holds crypto, NFTs, and connects to dApps.
• Coinbase® Wallet Chrome Extension: The browser bridge for your self-custody wallet.

Getting Started with the Coinbase® Wallet Chrome Extension

1. Download Securely:

• Only Download From: Wallet.Coinbase.com > "Download" > "Browser Extension" > Select Chrome.
• OR: Visit the official Chrome Web Store Listing.
• Crucial: Never download from third-party sites or links in emails/DMs.

1. Install the Extension:

• Click "Add to Chrome" > "Add Extension" in the Chrome Web Store.
• The Coinbase® Wallet icon (colorful "C") will appear in your Chrome toolbar.

1. Set Up Your Wallet:

• Click the extension icon. Choose:
• Create a new wallet: For first-time users.
• Import existing wallet: If you have a Coinbase® Wallet (mobile or another extension) using your 12-word recovery phrase.
• For New Wallets:
• Create a strong username (publicly visible for transfers).
• CRITICAL: Securely write down your 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP) offline. This is your master key. Coinbase® cannot recover it.
• Set a secure password to encrypt the extension locally on this device.

1. Coinbase® Wallet Login (Extension):

• Click the extension icon.
• Enter your password (set during wallet creation/import).
• Note: This unlocks the extension interface. Your SRP is not entered for daily login.

1. Connecting to Coinbase.com (Optional):

• The extension allows easy, view-only connection to your custodial Coinbase.com exchange account.
• Go to extension Settings > "Connect to Coinbase". Authorize the connection using your Coinbase® login.
• Purpose: View your Coinbase® exchange balances alongside your self-custody Wallet assets. You cannot trade or send from the exchange via the extension.

Key Features of the Coinbase® Wallet Chrome Extension

• dApp Browser: Explore and interact directly with Web3 apps (DeFi, NFTs, games).
• Multi-Chain Support: Manage assets on Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Base, and more.
• NFT Hub: View, send, receive, and manage your NFT collections across chains.
• Buy/Send/Receive: Easily manage crypto transactions. Buy crypto with fiat via linked payment methods.
• Swap Assets: Exchange tokens directly within the wallet interface.
• Coinbase.com Balance View: Securely see your custodial exchange holdings (requires connection).

Security First

• Self-Custody: Your keys (via SRP), your crypto. Coinbase® cannot access your Wallet funds.
• Local Encryption: Your password encrypts wallet data on your device.
• Biometric/Face ID (Mobile Sync): Enhanced security when using the mobile app.
• Transaction Confirmations: Review all details before approving.

Coinbase® Wallet Chrome Extension FAQ

1. Q: Is the Coinbase® Wallet Extension the same as logging into Coinbase.com?

• A: No. The extension is for the self-custody Coinbase® Wallet. Your Coinbase® login (email/password/2FA) is used for the custodial exchange at Coinbase.com. You can optionally view (but not transact) your exchange balances within the extension after connecting securely.

1. Q: Where is the ONLY safe place to download the Coinbase® Wallet Chrome Extension?

• A: Directly from the official Coinbase Wallet website or the official Chrome Web Store listing. Never trust other sources.

1. Q: I forgot my extension password. How do I recover access?

• A: Your password protects local access. Uninstall and reinstall the extension. Choose "Import existing wallet" and enter your 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP). Set a new password. Your funds are safe on-chain; only your SRP controls them.

1. Q: Can I use the same wallet on the Chrome Extension and the Coinbase® Wallet Mobile App?

• A: Yes! Your wallet is defined by your SRP. Install the mobile app (iOS / Android), select "I already have a wallet", and enter your SRP. Your assets and activity sync.

1. Q: How is Coinbase® Wallet different from my Coinbase Pro login?

• A: Coinbase Pro (requiring Coinbase Pro login) is a custodial trading platform (now part of Coinbase Advanced). Coinbase® Wallet is a self-custody wallet you control. They are separate products. Pro holds your crypto; Wallet gives you the keys.

1. Q: Why can't I trade directly from the extension using my Coinbase.com balance?

• A: The connection to Coinbase.com is view-only for security. To move funds between your Coinbase exchange account and your Coinbase® Wallet, you must send crypto on-chain (incurring network fees) via the Coinbase.com website/app using your Coinbase® login.

Ready for secure, self-custody Web3 access? Download the official Coinbase® Wallet Chrome Extension today: Wallet.Coinbase.com