Coinbase Wallet Extension: Official Setup Guide

🛠️ Installation and Initial Setup

This non-custodial wallet means you hold the keys—and are fully responsible for your security.

1. Install the Official Extension

Action: Open your Chromium-based browser (Chrome, Brave, Edge).
Safety First: Navigate only to the official Chrome Web Store page for the Coinbase Wallet extension. Beware of imposter links!
Step: Click "Add to Chrome" (or your respective browser).
Finalize: Confirm the installation prompt to add the extension to your browser. You may want to pin it to your toolbar for easy access.

2. Create or Import Your Wallet

Upon opening the extension for the first time, you'll be presented with two choices:

Option A: Create New Wallet	Option B: Import Existing Wallet
✅ Best for: New crypto users or those wanting a fresh, separate Web3 wallet.	➡️ Use your Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP) from another non-custodial wallet (like a mobile Coinbase Wallet, MetaMask, etc.) to access your funds here.

🔑 Security: The Critical Steps

ATTENTION: THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SECTION. Skip this, and you risk losing all your crypto.

Phase 1: Your Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP)

When creating a new wallet, you will be given a 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP).

What it is: The master key to your crypto. It's the only way to restore your wallet and funds if you lose your computer or forget your password.
Storage Rule: Write it down physically on paper and store it in multiple secure, offline locations (e.g., a safe deposit box).
NEVER Do This:
- **NEVER** store it digitally (screenshot, cloud storage, email, photo).
- **NEVER** share it with anyone, including Coinbase support—they will *never* ask for it.
Verification: The setup process will ask you to verify a few words of the SRP to confirm you've recorded it correctly.

Phase 2: Password and Username

Password: Create a **strong password**. This is used to encrypt your wallet locally on your device and unlock the extension. Unlike your SRP, the password *cannot* be recovered by Coinbase.
Username (Web3 Handle): You'll be prompted to claim a unique Web3 username (e.g., *@cryptofan123*). This allows others to send you crypto using a simple name instead of a long address. **Note: This username is permanent and cannot be changed.**

💰 Funding and Managing Assets

1. Viewing and Receiving Crypto

The main extension dashboard displays your asset balances.

Public Address: To receive crypto, click on any asset (e.g., Ethereum) or your main address. Your Public Address will be displayed as a long string of characters and a QR code. This address is safe to share.
Transfer from Coinbase Exchange: If you have funds on the central Coinbase.com Exchange, the extension often provides a seamless, one-click button to transfer assets directly to your non-custodial Wallet Extension. This is generally the fastest and cheapest method.
Transfer from another wallet: Use your Public Address to send funds from any other exchange or private wallet.

2. Sending Crypto

Process: Click the asset you wish to send and select "Send."
Destination Address: Carefully paste the recipient's Public Address. **Triple-check** this address—a transaction to the wrong address is irreversible.
Gas Fees: When sending on networks like Ethereum, you will see a transaction **Gas Fee** (network fee) that must be paid in the native currency (e.g., ETH). Review the fees and total before approving.

3. The Swap Feature

The extension often includes a built-in **Swap** feature powered by a Decentralized Exchange (DEX).

Function: Allows you to trade one supported token for another directly within the wallet interface (e.g., swapping ETH for DAI). It finds the best price across various DEXs, but remember that transaction fees (gas) still apply.

🔗 Interacting with Web3 (dApps)

The primary purpose of the browser extension is to connect you to the decentralized web.

1. Connecting to a dApp

Navigation: Browse to any Web3 site, such as a DeFi platform (e.g., Aave) or an NFT marketplace (e.g., OpenSea).
Connect Button: Look for a **"Connect Wallet"** button, usually in the top right corner.
Select: A list of wallet providers will appear. Choose **"Coinbase Wallet."**
Extension Prompt: The Coinbase Wallet extension will pop up, asking you to **approve the connection**. Always review the permissions the dApp is requesting. Once approved, the dApp will recognize your wallet address.

2. Signing Transactions

When you interact with a dApp—such as minting an NFT, making a trade, or lending crypto—your wallet must authorize the action.

Review: The extension pop-up will show you a **detailed preview** of the transaction, including the Action, Amount, and estimated Gas Fee. Only click "Approve" after you've thoroughly reviewed and confirmed the details. You are signing a smart contract interaction, which is permanent.

3. Adding Custom Tokens

If you hold a less common token, it might not automatically display in your asset list.

Find Token Details: Search for the token on a blockchain explorer (like Etherscan or Polygonscan) to find its official **Contract Address**.
Add Manually: In the extension, find the **"Add Custom Token"** option (or similar) and paste the Contract Address. The token symbol and decimals should populate automatically, and the asset will appear in your list.