Coinbase Extension® — Getting Started | Coinbase Wallet®
The Coinbase Wallet extension is the official browser-based crypto wallet developed by Coinbase to give users secure, self-custody control of their digital assets and direct access to the decentralized web (Web3). It functions as a browser add-on that lets you manage cryptocurrencies, interact with decentralized applications (dApps), explore DeFi platforms, and collect NFTs — all without leaving your web browser.
What Is the Coinbase Wallet Extension?
The Coinbase Wallet extension is not the same as the centralized Coinbase exchange platform; instead, it’s a non-custodial wallet. That means:
- You control your private keys and recovery phrase.
- Coinbase does not hold custody of your funds.
- Your wallet runs in your browser, acting as a bridge between your browser and Web3 services.
It works directly inside popular Chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome, Brave, and Microsoft Edge, providing easy access to thousands of decentralized apps.
This extension adds a wallet icon to your browser toolbar. Once installed and set up, you can send, receive, and swap tokens, connect to DeFi platforms, view NFTs, and sign transactions without needing to switch between different apps.
How to Get the Official Coinbase Wallet Extension
To ensure you get the official and safe version:
- Go to the official Coinbase Wallet download page:
➤ https://www.coinbase.com/wallet/downloads — this page links to the official extension download options. - Install from the Chrome Web Store:
Search for the Coinbase Wallet extension on the Chrome Web Store or follow the official link from the Coinbase site.📌 Important: Always verify you’re on the correct store page — developer details matter. The official extension is published under Coinbase or a verified partner and has millions of installs. - Pin the extension:
After installation, click the extension icon and “pin” it to your toolbar for easy access.
🔐 Security Tip: Only install the wallet from verified official links. Fake or spoofed wallet extensions are a common phishing method used to steal recovery phrases and keys.
Setting Up Your Wallet
Once installed:
- Choose “Create a new wallet” to generate a new self-custody wallet.
- Backup your 12-word recovery phrase and store it securely offline — Coinbase cannot recover it for you if lost.
Alternatively, you can import an existing wallet (like MetaMask or Trust Wallet) by using its recovery phrase. This lets you manage all your tokens from within the Coinbase Wallet extension view.
Key Features of the Coinbase Wallet Extension
🔹 Self-Custody Control
The extension gives you full control of your private keys and recovery phrase. You are responsible for storing and safeguarding your keys.
🔹 Seamless Web3 Access
Connect to DeFi services, NFT marketplaces, and other dApps directly in your browser. You no longer need separate apps or mobile wallets to interact with smart contracts.
🔹 Multi-Chain Support
It supports Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks, giving you access to assets and dApps across many ecosystems directly from your extension.
🔹 Built-In Token Swap
Trade tokens within the extension interface, without needing third-party swap services.
🔹 NFT Management
View and interact with your NFT collection — including browsing your tokens and participating in NFT marketplaces — without leaving your browser.
🔹 Integration With Coinbase Accounts
If you already use Coinbase.com or the Coinbase mobile wallet, the extension can connect and sync with your ecosystem, making transfers easier between the exchange and your self-custody wallet.
🔹 Security and Local Storage
Private keys and sensitive data remain encrypted and stored locally in your browser’s extension storage — Coinbase does not have access to your private keys unless you choose to export them.
Official Coinbase Blog Confirmation
According to the official Coinbase blog, the Coinbase Wallet extension has been expanded to offer full standalone functionality on desktop browsers. This means you can now:
- Browse dApps
- Access thousands of tokens
- Trade on decentralized exchanges
- Collect and manage NFTs
—all directly in your browser without needing your phone.
Tips for Safety and Best Practices
🛡 Never enter your recovery phrase on sites or extensions you didn’t install from official links. Phishing extensions and scam domains exist and can steal access to your funds.
🛡 Backup your recovery phrase offline: Losing it means losing access permanently — Coinbase cannot help recover it.