Self‑Custody by Design
You own your keys and your coins. The extension simply provides a secure way to sign and send, rather than holding assets for you. If you prefer to pair with a hardware wallet, you can do that for an extra layer of protection.
The Coinbase Wallet extension lets you interact with decentralized apps (dapps) directly in your browser while you keep control of your keys. This page explains what it is, how it works, and how to use it safely—no jargon required.
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Swap tokens, collect NFTs, sign messages, explore DeFi dashboards, and move assets across networks—all from the comfort of your usual browser tabs.
Coinbase Wallet is a self-custody crypto wallet. The browser extension is a lightweight companion that injects wallet functionality into sites you visit, so decentralized apps can request permissions and signatures while you stay in control. In practice, this means you can browse a marketplace, a game, or a DeFi protocol and approve actions—like connecting your address or signing a transaction—without leaving the page. Because the wallet is non-custodial, your recovery phrase and private keys are yours to secure and never shared with a centralized party.
You own your keys and your coins. The extension simply provides a secure way to sign and send, rather than holding assets for you. If you prefer to pair with a hardware wallet, you can do that for an extra layer of protection.
Modern Web3 isn’t just one network. Switch between supported chains, view balances, and interact with dapps in the ecosystems you care about—all within the same interface.
The extension recognizes compatible websites and exposes a simple connect flow. Once linked, you’ll see prompts to sign messages, approve token allowances, and execute transactions with clear fee and network details.
Installation follows the familiar add‑to‑browser process. After adding the extension, you can create a new wallet or import an existing one using a recovery phrase. Choose a strong password and consider enabling biometric or system‑level protections where available. If you already use the mobile app, you can connect the extension so both stay in sync for a smoother experience.
Pro tip: Bookmark the extension’s popup and settings. It’s the quickest way to review recent activity, switch networks, and manage permissions before you transact.
The Coinbase Wallet extension is built for real‑world browsing, which means clean prompts, human‑readable warnings, and workflows that fit the way you already explore the web. Below are highlights you’ll likely touch in your first week.
Self‑custody gives you ownership, and with it, responsibility. A few consistent habits go a long way. Keep your devices updated, install from official sources, and be skeptical of pop‑ups urging urgent action. Remember that no support agent will ever ask for your recovery phrase or private key. When in doubt, slow down and verify the site’s URL and smart contract before you click approve.
Most browser wallets share the same fundamentals: connect, sign, and send. What sets Coinbase Wallet apart is a polished onboarding flow, a straightforward way to pair with the mobile app, and a focus on making complex actions—like switching networks or managing allowances—feel approachable. If you already use Coinbase products, the extension fits neatly into that ecosystem without locking you in; it remains a self‑custody wallet you control.
Open your favorite dapp, connect the extension, and choose the account you want to use. When the site requests an action—say, a token swap or NFT purchase—you’ll see a confirmation window summarizing the details. Fees, network, and permissions are displayed up front. If anything looks off, cancel and review. When everything checks out, confirm the transaction, then track its status as the network processes it.
Pick your account and network. You can limit windowed access or disconnect later with one click.
Inspect amounts, recipients, and fees. Edit gas where supported or save as a draft until you’re ready.
Sign confidently. The extension prompts are designed to prevent accidental approvals and highlight risky requests.
Is the Coinbase Wallet extension the same as a Coinbase Exchange account? No. The exchange holds assets in a custodial account, while the wallet extension is self‑custody. You control the keys, and transfers between the two are just like sending between any wallets.
Can I use it on multiple computers? Yes. Install the extension on each device and import the same wallet with your recovery phrase. Treat each device as sensitive—if one is compromised, move funds immediately.
What if I lose my device? Your funds can be restored with the recovery phrase on a new device. This is why you must store that phrase safely and privately.
Does it support NFTs and DeFi? It does. You can view collectibles, connect to marketplaces, and interact with liquidity pools, lending apps, and more, depending on the networks you use.
How do fees work? Network fees are paid to validators or miners, not to the wallet app. The extension shows estimates, and you can often adjust speed versus cost when submitting.
If a dapp won’t connect, try switching networks, reloading the page, or disconnecting and reconnecting the site from the extension’s permissions panel. For stuck transactions, check your nonce, increase gas, or wait for network congestion to clear. When balances appear incorrect, ensure the correct network is selected and add the token manually with its contract address. Clearing the browser cache can also resolve occasional display glitches.
Heads up: Always reinstall from official storefronts and verify the publisher. Avoid extensions that look similar or request unnecessary permissions.