What Is Coinbase Extension?
Coinbase Extension is a secure, non-custodial crypto wallet that lives inside your browser and acts as a direct bridge to the decentralized web. Unlike a centralized exchange account, the Coinbase Extension gives you full control over your private keys while making it easy to interact with decentralized applications (dApps), NFTs, and DeFi protocols.
With Coinbase Extension, you can store crypto, connect to thousands of Web3 apps, swap tokens, and manage NFTs without leaving your browser tab. It combines the trust and brand reputation of Coinbase with the flexibility of a self-custody wallet, which is why it has become a popular choice for both beginners and experienced crypto users.
Key Features of Coinbase Extension The Coinbase Extension comes packed with features that make using Web3 faster, safer, and more convenient.
Self-custody wallet: You own and control your private keys and 12‑word recovery phrase, so only you can access your crypto assets.
Easy dApp connectivity: Connect with one click to thousands of decentralized apps across Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks.
NFT management: View, send, and manage your NFTs directly within the extension interface.
Built‑in token swaps: Swap tokens through integrated decentralized exchanges without needing to leave your browser.
Enhanced security: The extension includes protections to help shield users from malicious websites and phishing attempts.
Multi‑network support: Access Ethereum, popular L2s, and other EVM chains like Polygon, BNB Chain, and Avalanche from one wallet.
Because Coinbase Extension is non-custodial, you are responsible for backing up your recovery phrase and keeping your password safe. Neither Coinbase nor any other provider can recover your seed phrase if it is lost.
How to Install and Set Up Coinbase Extension Getting started with Coinbase Extension takes only a few minutes, even if you are new to Web3.
Install from your browser’s store Go to the official listing for the Coinbase Wallet extension in the Chrome Web Store or your browser’s extension marketplace and click “Add to browser.”
Create or import a wallet After installation, open the extension and choose whether to create a new wallet or import an existing one using your 12‑word recovery phrase.
Secure your recovery phrase The extension will display your 12‑word phrase and instruct you to write it down and store it in a secure offline location. This phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if your device is lost or reset.
Set a strong password You will also be asked to create a password for local access to the Coinbase Extension on your browser. This password is provider-specific and cannot be recovered if forgotten.
Fund your wallet You can fund Coinbase Extension by sending crypto from the Coinbase exchange, from another wallet, or from wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet by using your wallet address or QR code.
Once set up, you are ready to connect to dApps, mint NFTs, and explore DeFi with your Coinbase Extension wallet.
Using Coinbase Extension With dApps, DeFi, and NFTs One of the main reasons users install Coinbase Extension is to interact easily with the decentralized web.
DeFi protocols: Connect to decentralized exchanges (DEXes) and lending platforms to trade tokens, provide liquidity, or earn yield directly from your wallet.
NFT platforms: Use the extension to mint, buy, sell, and manage NFTs on supported marketplaces, viewing your collection from within the wallet.
Web3 apps: Log in to decentralized social, gaming, and utility dApps with a single click instead of creating multiple centralized accounts.
Coinbase Extension also works seamlessly across multiple networks, and using supported Layer 2 networks can help you dramatically reduce gas fees—often 90–95% lower than the Ethereum mainnet on some L2s. This makes routine on-chain activity more affordable, especially for frequent DeFi or NFT users.
Security Best Practices for Coinbase Extension Because Coinbase Extension is a self-custody wallet, security is critical.
Never share your 12‑word recovery phrase: Anyone with this phrase can take full control of your wallet and funds.
Store the phrase offline: Write it down and keep it in a secure, private place; avoid screenshots or cloud storage.
Double-check URLs: Only connect your Coinbase Extension to trusted dApps and verify website URLs to avoid phishing.
Use a strong, unique password: Your extension password helps protect local access to your wallet on your device.
Consider hardware and backups: Advanced users may combine self‑custody wallets with hardware devices or additional backups for extra protection.
Following these practices helps you get the most out of Coinbase Extension while reducing your exposure to common Web3 risks.
Why Choose Coinbase Extension? Coinbase Extension stands out because it offers a familiar, polished experience from a well-known crypto brand while still giving you full self-custody of your assets. You can move funds from your Coinbase exchange account into the wallet, connect to dApps in seconds, and use L2 networks to save significantly on transaction fees.