Your assets, your responsibility
A self-custody wallet gives you control of your wallet credentials. That control also means protecting your recovery phrase is your job.
Explore safe habits A practical guide to self-custody
Your wallet.
Your way through Web3.
A clear-eyed introduction to the Coinbase Wallet browser extension: how it connects, what to check, and how to stay in control.
Independent educational resource · Not affiliated with Coinbase
FIELD NOTE 01 / WALLET BASICS
SELF-CUSTODY, MADE CLEAR01 — 04
01 / THE ESSENTIALSYOUR WEB3 STARTING POINT
A browser extension is a bridge.
It brings a self-custody wallet into your browser, where you can connect to decentralized apps while keeping an eye on what you approve.
Connect with intention
Use a wallet connection to interact with supported decentralized applications. A connection alone is not the same as a transaction approval.
Understand the flowPause before you sign
Transaction details matter. Review the network, destination, permissions, and fees before approving anything in your wallet.
Review the checklist02 / THE FIELD GUIDE5 MIN READ
COINBASE WALLET EXTENSION · GETTING STARTED
A more considered way to explore Web3
Coinbase Wallet Extension brings a self-custody wallet into your browser, helping you connect with decentralized applications and manage digital assets. Before installing, visit an official Coinbase page or your browser’s verified extension store. Check the publisher and permissions; lookalike extensions and sponsored links can mislead. This guide is independent and does not replace official support or financial advice, and privacy matters.
01 Set up with care
Create or recover a wallet only through trusted flows. A recovery phrase is a key: keep it private, offline, and never type it into a website, chat, or form. Anyone obtaining it may take control of the assets. Support teams should never ask you to disclose it.
02 Connect thoughtfully
Before connecting, check the application’s address and consider what information it can see. A connection is not the same as approving a transfer, but requested permissions differ. Disconnect from services you no longer use, and question links, urgent messages, and guaranteed-return promises carefully.
03 Review every action
Read every request in your wallet before signing. Confirm the network, recipient, amount, fees, and any token or contract permissions. Blockchain transactions may be irreversible, so reject anything unexpected or unclear. Keep software updated, and use official resources. Self-custody offers control, not a guarantee of safety; digital assets involve risk.
THE SHORT VERSION
Verify the source. Guard your recovery phrase. Read the request. Take your time.
03 / SECURITY NOTESBEFORE YOU APPROVE
A useful pauseFour checks.
Four checks.
Every time.
Wallet safety is a practice, not a setting. Slow down for unfamiliar sites, token approvals, and requests that create urgency.
01
Verify where you are
Double-check the domain and the app asking to connect. Avoid links from unsolicited messages.
02
Protect your recovery phrase
Never share it or store it in an online document. Anyone with it may control the wallet.
03
Read the permission
Review token approvals, contract details, network and fees. Decline anything you cannot explain.
04
Make room to reconsider
Legitimate activity can wait. Be wary of urgency, guaranteed returns, and unsolicited support.
Security practices reduce risk; they cannot eliminate it. Never invest more than you can afford to lose.
04 / QUICK ANSWERSGOOD TO KNOW
Questions, answered.
A few useful distinctions for a more confident first visit.
Is the browser extension the same as a Coinbase exchange account?+
No. A self-custody wallet and an exchange account are different products with different custody models. Review Coinbase’s official product information to understand the distinctions.
Does connecting a wallet move my funds?+
A connection by itself generally shares a wallet address with the application, not a transfer approval. Always review the exact permissions and any separate transaction request before proceeding.
Can anyone recover my wallet for me?+
Be wary of anyone claiming they can recover funds or asking for your recovery phrase. Never share it. Use official support resources and do not trust unsolicited support messages.
CURIOUS, NOT CARELESS.Explore at your
END NOTE / 04 Explore at your
own pace.
Start with the basics, follow official resources, and make each wallet interaction an informed one.
Explore Coinbase Wallet