How to backup Coinbase Wallet

Back up your Coinbase Wallet with the 12-word recovery phrase to avoid permanent fund loss if your device is lost or stolen.

Jul 19, 2025 at 03:28 pm

What is Coinbase Wallet and Why Backup is Important

Coinbase Wallet is a non-custodial wallet that allows users to store, send, receive, and manage various cryptocurrencies. Unlike the Coinbase Exchange, which is a custodial service, Coinbase Wallet gives users full control over their private keys. This means users are responsible for securing their wallet information. If access to the wallet is lost, there is no way to recover it without a proper backup.

Backups are critical because they act as a recovery mechanism in case of device loss, theft, or failure. Without a backup, users risk permanent loss of funds. The backup typically comes in the form of a 12-word recovery phrase, also known as a seed phrase. This phrase is generated when the wallet is first created and must be stored securely and offline.

How to Locate the Backup Option in Coinbase Wallet

To begin the backup process, users must first access the settings section of the Coinbase Wallet app. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms, and the interface is largely consistent across both.

• Open the Coinbase Wallet app
• Tap on the profile icon located in the top-left corner
• Scroll down and select “Settings”
• Look for the “Backup Wallet” option

It is important to note that the backup option will only be available if the wallet has not already been backed up. If the backup has already been completed, the system will indicate that the wallet is secured.

Step-by-Step Guide to Backing Up Your Coinbase Wallet

The backup process is straightforward but must be followed carefully to avoid any mistakes. Here’s a detailed guide:

• Ensure that the device is not connected to any public or unsecured Wi-Fi network
• Make sure the battery is sufficiently charged to avoid interruptions
• Tap on “Backup Wallet” from the Settings menu
• You will be presented with a 12-word recovery phrase — write it down in the exact order
• Confirm the words by selecting them in the correct sequence from a list

It is crucial to write the recovery phrase manually and not take screenshots or store it digitally. Digital storage increases the risk of exposure to hackers or accidental deletion. Each word must be spelled exactly as displayed to ensure successful recovery in the future.

Storing Your Recovery Phrase Securely

Once the recovery phrase is written down, the next step is secure storage. There are several recommended ways to store this information:

• Use a physical vault or safe to store the written phrase
• Consider using a metal backup device designed for cryptocurrency recovery phrases
• Avoid storing the phrase in cloud services, email, or password managers unless they are fully encrypted and trusted

Never share your recovery phrase with anyone, including Coinbase support. The recovery phrase grants full access to your funds, and sharing it compromises the security of your wallet.

Physical storage is preferred over digital storage due to the risks associated with online exposure. If multiple copies are made, ensure they are stored in different secure locations to mitigate the risk of loss due to fire, theft, or natural disasters.

What Happens If You Lose Your Backup

If the recovery phrase is lost and the wallet has not been backed up, there is no way to recover the wallet or the funds inside it. Coinbase does not have access to user private keys or recovery phrases. This is a core feature of non-custodial wallets — users are in full control, but also fully responsible.

In the event that the recovery phrase is partially remembered or incorrectly stored, wallet recovery may still be impossible. Even a single misspelled word or incorrect order can render the phrase useless. This is why careful attention must be paid during the initial backup process.

If the wallet has been backed up but the device is lost or stolen, users can recover the wallet on a new device using the recovery phrase. Simply download the Coinbase Wallet app on the new device, choose the “Restore Wallet” option, and enter the 12-word phrase.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I change my recovery phrase after backing up Coinbase Wallet?

No, the recovery phrase is generated once when the wallet is created and cannot be changed. If you suspect that your recovery phrase has been compromised, the safest action is to create a new wallet and transfer your funds to it.

Q: Is it safe to store my recovery phrase in a password manager?

While some password managers offer secure storage, it is generally not recommended to store your recovery phrase digitally unless the manager is highly trusted and fully encrypted. Physical storage is considered the safest option.

Q: Can I use the same recovery phrase for multiple wallets?

No, each wallet generates a unique recovery phrase. Using the same phrase for multiple wallets is not supported and can lead to confusion or loss of funds.

Q: How often should I back up my Coinbase Wallet?

You only need to back up your wallet once when it is created. However, if you generate new accounts or import additional wallets within the same app, ensure that your backup method still covers all assets.