How to add a network to Coinbase Wallet

What is Coinbase Wallet?

Coinbase Wallet is a non-custodial wallet that allows users to store, send, and receive various cryptocurrencies securely. Unlike the main Coinbase app, which is custodial, Coinbase Wallet gives users full control over their private keys. This wallet supports a wide range of blockchain networks, but not all networks are added by default. Users often need to manually add a network to interact with specific blockchains.

Why Would You Need to Add a Network?

There are multiple reasons why a user may want to add a network to Coinbase Wallet. Some decentralized applications (dApps) operate on networks not included by default. Additionally, certain tokens or smart contracts may only function on specific blockchains. Without adding the correct network, transactions may fail or funds could be lost. Therefore, understanding how to add a network becomes essential for advanced crypto users.

How to Access the Network Settings in Coinbase Wallet

To begin the process, open the Coinbase Wallet mobile app and tap on the profile icon located in the top-left corner. From the menu, select 'Settings', and then navigate to the 'Networks' section. Here, users will find a list of all currently supported networks. If the desired network is not listed, it means it needs to be added manually.

Steps to Add a Custom Network

• Tap on 'Add Network' at the top of the Networks screen.
• Choose 'Add a custom network' from the available options.
• Fill in the required fields with the correct network parameters. These typically include:
  • Network Name: A custom label for identification.
  • RPC URL: The remote procedure call endpoint for the network.
  • Chain ID: A unique identifier for the blockchain.
  • Currency Symbol: The token symbol associated with the network.
  • Block Explorer URL: Optional, but useful for verifying transactions.

Each of these fields must be filled accurately to ensure the network functions properly. Incorrect data can lead to failed transactions or loss of funds.

Where to Find Correct Network Parameters

Before proceeding, users should verify the correct network parameters from official sources. These are often available on the blockchain’s official documentation or trusted crypto forums. For example, if adding Binance Smart Chain (BSC), the Chain ID is usually 56, and the RPC URL might be something like https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/. Similarly, for Polygon (Matic), the Chain ID is 137, and the RPC URL could be https://polygon-rpc.com/. Always double-check this information before inputting it into the wallet.

Commonly Added Networks and Their Details

Some of the most commonly added networks include:

• Binance Smart Chain (BSC):
  • Chain ID: 56
  • RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/
  • Currency Symbol: BNB
• Polygon (Matic):
  • Chain ID: 137
  • RPC URL: https://polygon-rpc.com/
  • Currency Symbol: MATIC
• Avalanche (AVAX):
  • Chain ID: 43114
  • RPC URL: https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc
  • Currency Symbol: AVAX

Each of these networks can be added using the custom network feature in Coinbase Wallet. It is important to note that not all networks are compatible with Coinbase Wallet, so users should verify compatibility before attempting to add a network.

Troubleshooting Network Addition Issues

If the network fails to load or transactions do not go through, there are several potential issues to consider:

• Incorrect Chain ID or RPC URL: Double-check the information from official sources.
• Network Not Supported: Some newer or less popular networks may not be compatible.
• Wallet Version Outdated: Ensure the Coinbase Wallet app is updated to the latest version.
• Unstable Internet Connection: A poor connection may cause RPC calls to fail.

In such cases, re-entering the correct details or switching to a different RPC provider may resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I add multiple networks to Coinbase Wallet?Yes, users can add as many networks as needed. Each added network will appear in the wallet’s network selection menu, allowing seamless switching between different blockchains.

Q: Will adding a custom network expose my funds to risk?No, simply adding a network does not compromise funds. However, interacting with unknown or malicious contracts on that network may pose risks. Always ensure the dApp or contract you're interacting with is trustworthy.

Q: What happens if I enter the wrong Chain ID?Entering an incorrect Chain ID may result in failed transactions or incorrect network behavior. It is crucial to verify all parameters before saving the network.

Q: Can I remove a network after adding it?Yes, users can remove a network by navigating to the Networks section in settings and selecting 'Remove Network'. This will not affect the wallet's other networks or funds.