Coinbase Extension — Secure Crypto Trading & Management

• Use a personal, up-to-date device — avoid installing on shared or public machines.
• Enable full-disk encryption and a strong OS login password on your device.
• Prepare an offline backup method for recovery phrases (paper, metal backup).
• Verify you have access to the browser’s official extension store (Chrome Web Store, Edge Add-ons, or Firefox Add-ons).

Follow a conservative process when installing any crypto wallet extension. These steps prioritize security and verification over speed.

• Search official store: Use the browser’s official extension marketplace and search for the exact extension name.
• Check publisher details: Confirm the publisher is Coinbase (or the verified publisher shown in the store). Look for the verified badge if present.
• Inspect reviews and installs: High install counts and recent, genuine reviews reduce the chance of malicious clones.
• Install and pin: Add the extension and pin it for quick access. Do not enable developer mode or install from unknown sources unless you fully understand the risk.

When you first open the extension you'll be offered options such as creating a new wallet, restoring from a recovery phrase, or linking an existing Coinbase account depending on the extension capabilities. When creating a wallet, the extension will generate a recovery phrase — this is the single most important secret that controls your funds.

• Record the recovery phrase exactly: Write it down in order, on physical media. Consider a fireproof metal backup for high-value holdings.
• Enable local security: Set a strong extension PIN or enable biometric unlock if the browser/extension supports it.
• Account mapping: Use multiple accounts or addresses to separate funds (e.g., cold savings vs. active trading funds).

The extension supports common tasks: connecting to dApps, approving transactions, sending/receiving tokens, and swapping. Keep these practical tips in mind while you interact.

• Connecting to a dApp: Approve connection requests only for dApps you trust. Check the origin and permissions the site requests before approving.
• Approving transactions: Review the transaction details — amount, recipient, and estimated fees — directly in the extension popup before confirming.
• Using swap/trade features: Compare quoted rates and slippage; when in doubt, use small test amounts first or external aggregator tools to compare prices.
• Receiving funds: Use unique receiving addresses per counterparty when privacy or bookkeeping is a concern.

• Never share your recovery phrase, private keys, or seed with anyone — legitimate support will never ask for these.
• Protect backup copies: store them offline, in at least two geographically separated, secure locations.
• Be cautious with approvals: revoke unused dApp permissions via the extension or connected-accounts dashboard.
• Consider a hardware wallet for large balances — hardware wallets keep private keys offline while the extension merely manages connectivity and signing requests.
• Regularly update your browser and extension to benefit from security patches.

• Extension not responding: Reload the browser, disable and re-enable the extension, and verify the extension is the latest version.
• Failed transactions: Verify gas/fee settings and network health; consider increasing fees for faster confirmation if supported.
• Connection errors with dApps: Clear site data for the dApp domain and reconnect, or try a different browser if issues persist.