A simple guide to your first steps

coinbase
web3 starts here.

A friendly, no-fuss walkthrough for setting up Coinbase Wallet in your browser—from your first install to safely exploring dApps.

Self-custody means control. It also means you’re responsible for protecting your recovery phrase.
•••
YOUR WALLET
Ready when
you are
SendReceiveSwap
✓ You’re in control
One extension. A world of onchain possibilities.
THE WEB3 FIELD GUIDE01 / START HERE
FIRST THINGS FIRST — 01

A wallet that puts you in charge.

Coinbase Wallet is a self-custody wallet, separate from the Coinbase exchange. It lets you manage digital assets and connect to decentralized apps from a supported browser.

Unlike an exchange account, self-custody puts control of your wallet credentials in your hands. That freedom comes with a real responsibility: keep your recovery phrase private and backed up somewhere safe.

Learn about Coinbase Wallet
FROM INSTALL TO FIRST CONNECTION — 02

Four steps. Then explore.

Your setup progress0 of 4 complete
01
INSTALLAbout 1 minute

Get the extension from the official source.

Use Coinbase’s official wallet download page to find the extension for your supported browser. Check the publisher and URL before installing—avoid sponsored lookalikes and links from strangers.

Go to Coinbase downloads
02
CREATEA few minutes

Create your wallet and secure access.

Open the extension and follow its current setup prompts. Choose a strong, unique password if prompted. A password protects access on this device; it is not a replacement for your recovery phrase.

Never reuse a password you use for email or an exchange.
03
BACK UPTake your time

Protect your recovery phrase offline.

If setup provides a recovery phrase, write it down exactly and store it somewhere private and secure. Anyone with the phrase may be able to access your wallet. Never share it—not with support, a website, or anyone claiming to help.

Coinbase Support will never ask you to reveal your recovery phrase.
04
EXPLOREStart small

Fund carefully, then connect to a dApp.

Before sending anything, confirm the network and destination address. Try a small test transaction first. When connecting to a dApp, verify its domain and read each transaction request before you approve.

Browse official Wallet help

Your checklist stays on this device only. No wallet details or recovery phrase are collected here.

A LITTLE MORE ROOM TO ROAM — 03

More than a place
to hold your crypto.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, a wallet can be a doorway to the wider onchain world. Features vary by network, region, and app version.

Swap assets

Explore token swaps where supported, and compare the details before confirming.

01 / EXCHANGE

Collect NFTs

View and manage supported digital collectibles tied to your wallet.

02 / COLLECT

Connect to dApps

Use supported decentralized apps while keeping a close eye on permissions.

03 / CONNECT

Manage accounts

Organize wallet accounts and networks with care—each has its own details.

04 / ORGANIZE
THE GOLDEN RULE — 04

Old-school caution.
Modern-day sense.

A self-custody wallet gives you control—not a safety net. A few habits go a long way in protecting your assets and your peace of mind.

Official Coinbase Wallet support
01

Check the address bar.

Bookmark official sites and inspect the domain before connecting a wallet or entering a password.

02

Keep your recovery phrase secret.

No legitimate support agent or dApp needs you to type it into a web page or send it in a message.

03

Read before you approve.

Understand what a transaction or permission allows. If anything feels unexpected, reject it and disconnect.

04

Expect risk; start small.

Crypto transactions can be irreversible, and assets can lose value. Only interact with what you understand.

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER — 05

Curious looks good
on you.

When you’re ready, take the first step from Coinbase’s official wallet page. Stay curious—and keep your keys to yourself.

Visit official download page

Free to explore. Always take a moment to verify.