Coinbase Browser Extension
Your secure passport to the decentralized web. Seamlessly explore dapps, manage your crypto and NFTs, and engage with Web3, all from the comfort of your browser.
Welcome to the Next Generation of the Internet
The internet is evolving. We are moving from a centralized web, where data and control are in the hands of a few large companies, to a decentralized web, or Web3. This new digital frontier is built on blockchain technology, enabling true ownership, transparent transactions, and community-governed applications (dapps). The Coinbase Browser Extension is your key to unlocking this world. It’s more than just a wallet; it’s a powerful, user-friendly tool that bridges the gap between the traditional web you know and the decentralized future. It empowers you to take control of your digital assets and identity in a way that was never before possible. Whether you're a seasoned crypto enthusiast or just starting your journey, the extension provides a secure and intuitive experience for navigating the exciting landscape of DeFi, NFTs, and beyond.
Everything You Need for Your Web3 Journey
Discover the powerful features that make the Coinbase Extension the ultimate Web3 companion.
Seamless Dapp Connectivity
Instantly connect to the world of decentralized applications. From trading on DEXs like Uniswap, to lending on platforms like Aave, or buying NFTs on OpenSea, the extension provides a secure and reliable link. It acts as your digital identity, allowing you to sign in and authorize transactions without ever needing to expose your private keys to the websites themselves. This seamless integration ensures that your interaction with the decentralized web is as simple as browsing a normal website, but with the added layer of cryptographic security that blockchain provides. The extension intelligently detects connection requests and presents them in a clear, human-readable format, so you always know what you are approving.
Secure Self-Custody
"Not your keys, not your coins." This is a fundamental principle in the crypto world, and the Coinbase Extension is built around it. As a self-custody wallet, you, and only you, have full control over your private keys and your assets. These keys are generated on your device and stored in an encrypted vault within your browser, never touching Coinbase servers. This means you have ultimate authority over your funds, protecting you from exchange hacks, freezes, or other centralized points of failure. We provide the tools for you to interact with the blockchain, but the ownership remains firmly in your hands. This is the true power of decentralization, and our extension makes it accessible and secure for everyone.
Explore and Manage NFTs
The world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is vibrant and growing, and the extension is your personal gallery. It automatically detects your NFT collections across multiple networks and displays them in a beautiful, easy-to-navigate interface. View your art, collectibles, and in-game items in high resolution. You can easily send your NFTs to other wallets or list them for sale on marketplaces directly from the extension. We provide rich metadata, including collection names, properties, and descriptions, so you have all the information you need at your fingertips. The extension is your portable, secure showcase for your digital identity and collections, making it easy to share and manage your unique assets.
Pay with Crypto
Effortlessly send cryptocurrency to anyone, anywhere in the world. Whether you're paying a friend, tipping a creator, or purchasing goods and services from a Web3 merchant, the Coinbase Extension makes it simple. The intuitive interface allows you to select your asset, enter a wallet address or ENS name, and preview the transaction details, including network fees, before you confirm. We support thousands of tokens across multiple networks, giving you the flexibility to transact with the assets you hold. It’s a borderless payment system that is fast, secure, and gives you direct control over your financial interactions on the web.
Multi-Network Support
The Web3 ecosystem is a universe of interconnected blockchains, and we provide your vessel to explore it. The Coinbase Extension offers robust support for Ethereum and a vast array of EVM-compatible networks like Polygon, Avalanche, BNB Smart Chain, and leading Layer 2 solutions such as Optimism and Arbitrum. You can seamlessly switch between networks with a single click, allowing you to access the unique dapps, communities, and lower transaction fees that each chain offers. We make managing assets across these different environments straightforward, displaying your balances per network clearly. This interoperability is key to experiencing the full breadth of what Web3 has to offer.
Industry-Leading Security
Your security is our absolute priority. The extension is engineered with multiple layers of protection to keep you safe in the wild west of Web3. We provide clear transaction previews that simulate the outcome of a transaction before you sign it, helping you avoid malicious smart contracts. Our phishing alerts warn you if you land on a known malicious site, and we constantly update our security intelligence. Furthermore, for those seeking the highest level of security, the extension supports integration with hardware wallets like Ledger, combining the convenience of a browser extension with the cold-storage security of a physical device. Your digital assets are valuable, and we provide the fortress to protect them.
Get Started in Minutes
Follow these simple steps to begin your Web3 adventure.
Install the Extension
Visit the official Chrome Web Store, Firefox Browser ADD-ONS, or Edge Add-ons page. Search for "Coinbase Wallet Extension" and click "Add to Browser". Only download from official sources to ensure you are getting the legitimate, secure software. Never install from a third-party website.
Create or Import Wallet
If you're new, select "Create a new wallet." The extension will generate a unique wallet for you. If you already have a wallet from another app (like MetaMask or Trust Wallet), you can import it using your 12 or 24-word secret recovery phrase. You can also sync with your Coinbase Wallet mobile app.
Secure Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical step. Write down your 12-word secret recovery phrase and store it in multiple, secure, offline locations. This phrase is the master key to your wallet. Anyone with this phrase can access your funds. Never share it with anyone, and never store it digitally (e.g., in a text file, email, or cloud storage).
Fund and Explore!
You're all set! You can now fund your wallet by transferring crypto from your Coinbase.com account or another exchange, or by purchasing directly within the wallet where available. Once funded, you can start connecting to dapps, collecting NFTs, and exploring everything Web3 has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers.
What is the difference between the Coinbase Extension and a Coinbase.com account?
This is a crucial distinction. A Coinbase.com account is a custodial account, meaning Coinbase holds your crypto for you, similar to how a bank holds your money. It's great for easily buying and selling crypto with traditional currency. The Coinbase Browser Extension, on the other hand, is a self-custody wallet. It provides you with a set of private keys that you control completely. This means you have true ownership of your assets on the blockchain and can interact directly with decentralized applications (dapps). Think of Coinbase.com as your on-ramp to crypto, and the extension as your vehicle to explore the decentralized world of Web3.
Is the Coinbase Browser Extension free to use?
Yes, the extension itself is completely free to download and use. Coinbase does not charge any fees for creating a wallet, storing your assets, or connecting to dapps. However, you will encounter standard blockchain network fees, often called "gas fees," when you perform transactions. These fees are not paid to Coinbase; they are paid to the network validators or miners who process and secure your transaction on the blockchain. The cost of these fees varies depending on network congestion and the complexity of the transaction you are performing.
What happens if I lose my secret recovery phrase?
Because this is a self-custody wallet, losing your secret recovery phrase means you will lose access to all the funds and assets in that wallet, permanently. Coinbase cannot recover your phrase or access your wallet for you. This is by design to ensure only you have control. This is why it is absolutely vital to back up your recovery phrase in a secure, offline location. We recommend writing it down on paper or metal and storing it in a safe place, like a fireproof safe or a bank deposit box. Treat it with the same level of security as you would gold bars or the deed to your house.
Can I use the extension with a hardware wallet?
Absolutely. For an enhanced level of security, you can connect your Ledger hardware wallet to the Coinbase Extension. This allows you to manage your assets through the user-friendly interface of the extension while ensuring your private keys never leave the physical security of your hardware device. When you initiate a transaction, the extension will pass the details to your Ledger, and you will need to physically approve it on the device itself. This provides the best of both worlds: the convenience of a hot wallet with the security of cold storage.
How can I protect myself from scams and phishing?
Security is a shared responsibility. While the extension has built-in protections, you should always be vigilant. Follow these key rules: 1) Never, ever share your secret recovery phrase with anyone. Coinbase support will never ask for it. 2) Be wary of unsolicited links, pop-ups, and DMs. Always double-check URLs to ensure you are on the correct website. 3) Carefully review all transaction requests. The extension shows you what you are signing; make sure you understand it. 4) If something seems too good to be true (like a free airdrop asking you to sign a transaction), it is almost certainly a scam.