How to use Coinbase Wallet on a desktop computer?

Accessing Coinbase Wallet on Desktop

1. Navigate to the official Coinbase Wallet website using a supported browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Brave. The wallet interface is web-based and optimized for desktop interaction through browser access.

2. Choose between connecting an existing wallet or creating a new one. For new users, select “Create a new wallet” and follow the prompts to generate a secure 12-word recovery phrase. This phrase must be stored offline and never shared.

3. Confirm the recovery phrase by selecting the words in the correct order. This step ensures that you have securely backed up your wallet credentials and can recover funds if needed.

4. Set a strong password to encrypt the wallet data locally on your device. This password protects access to the wallet within the browser environment but does not replace the importance of the recovery phrase.

5. Once setup is complete, the wallet dashboard will display available balances, transaction history, and network settings. Users can switch between Ethereum, Polygon, Optimism, and other supported networks directly from this interface.

Connecting to Decentralized Applications (dApps)

1. When visiting a decentralized application that supports wallet connectivity, locate the “Connect Wallet” button typically found in the top-right corner of the dApp’s interface.

2. Select Coinbase Wallet from the list of available options. A pop-up window will appear prompting authentication through the Coinbase Wallet browser extension or QR code scanning method.

3. Approve the connection request from within the wallet interface. The wallet will display details about the dApp requesting access, including its domain and requested permissions such as viewing account balance or initiating transactions.

4. Once connected, the dApp gains read access to your public address and can prompt for transaction signing. Each transaction requires explicit approval from the user through the wallet popup.

5. Disconnect from dApps when finished by clicking the wallet icon within the dApp and selecting “Disconnect.” This revokes ongoing session access while preserving past transaction records.

Sending and Receiving Digital Assets

1. To receive assets, click the “Receive” button in the wallet dashboard. A unique deposit address will be generated along with a QR code for easy sharing with senders.

2. For sending assets, select the “Send” option and enter the recipient’s wallet address. Double-check the address format and ensure it supports the token type being transferred.

3. Choose the correct network for the transaction. Sending ERC-20 tokens over the Ethereum network differs from transferring BEP-20 tokens on Binance Smart Chain, and errors may result in permanent fund loss.

4. Input the amount and review the estimated gas fee displayed before confirmation. Gas fees fluctuate based on network congestion and are paid in the native currency of the selected blockchain.

Managing Tokens and NFTs

1. Custom tokens can be added manually by navigating to the “Tokens” section and entering the contract address, symbol, and decimal precision. This is useful for newly launched tokens not yet listed by default.

2. Enable testnet networks like Goerli or Mumbai through wallet settings to interact with development versions of dApps and receive faucet-funded test tokens for experimentation.

3. View NFT collections under the dedicated “NFTs” tab. Supported standards include ERC-721 and ERC-1155, with visual previews rendered directly in the wallet interface.

4. Transfer NFTs by selecting the item and choosing “Send.” Enter the recipient’s address carefully, as irreversible mistakes can lead to permanent loss of digital collectibles.

5. Monitor token approvals to revoke unnecessary spending allowances granted to smart contracts. Excessive approvals pose security risks if exploited by malicious actors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I restore my Coinbase Wallet on another device?Use the 12-word recovery phrase created during initial setup. Open the wallet interface on the new device, choose “Restore Wallet,” and input the phrase exactly as recorded. Ensure no typos or word substitutions occur during entry.

Is the Coinbase Wallet the same as a Coinbase.com account?No. Coinbase Wallet operates independently of the Coinbase exchange platform. It is a self-custody solution where users control their private keys, unlike Coinbase.com, which manages keys on behalf of customers.

Can I use hardware wallets with Coinbase Wallet on desktop?Yes. Ledger and Trezor devices can be linked through the wallet interface. Connect the hardware wallet via USB, unlock it, and select the appropriate derivation path to import accounts into the Coinbase Wallet environment.

What should I do if I lose access to my wallet?If you have the recovery phrase, restore the wallet on a new device. Without the phrase, recovery is impossible due to the decentralized nature of the wallet. Contacting support will not retrieve lost phrases or unlock accounts.