How to manage multiple wallets within the Coinbase Wallet app?

Understanding the Multi-Wallet Feature in Coinbase Wallet

The Coinbase Wallet app allows users to manage multiple cryptocurrency wallets from a single interface. This functionality is especially useful for individuals who want to separate funds for different purposes, such as trading, long-term holding, or engaging with various decentralized applications (dApps). Each wallet operates independently, with its own unique public address and private key. It's important to note that these wallets are non-custodial, meaning you are fully responsible for securing your recovery phrases. The app does not store your keys on its servers, so losing access to your recovery phrase means losing access to your funds.

When you create a new wallet, the app generates a fresh 12-word recovery phrase. This phrase must be stored securely and never shared. Each wallet you create will have a distinct recovery phrase, and there is no master phrase that controls all wallets. This design enhances security by limiting the blast radius if one wallet is compromised.

Creating Additional Wallets in the App

To create a new wallet within the Coinbase Wallet app, follow these steps:

• Open the Coinbase Wallet app on your mobile device.
• Tap on your current wallet’s name or profile icon located at the top left corner.
• Select “Create a new wallet” from the menu.
• Carefully read the information about recovery phrases and tap “Continue”.
• The app will generate a new 12-word recovery phrase.
• Tap “Reveal phrase” and write down the words in the exact order.
• Confirm the recovery phrase by selecting the words in the correct sequence.
• Once verified, the new wallet will be added to your wallet list.

Each created wallet will appear under the wallet switcher menu. You can rename each wallet for easier identification, such as “Trading Wallet” or “NFT Wallet,” by accessing the wallet settings.

Switching Between Wallets

Switching between wallets is a seamless process designed for convenience. After creating multiple wallets, you can navigate between them at any time:

• Tap the wallet name or profile icon at the top left of the home screen.
• A list of all your created wallets will appear.
• Select the wallet you wish to use.
• The interface will refresh to display the balance, transaction history, and assets associated with the selected wallet.

While switching, ensure you are aware of which wallet is active before initiating any transactions. Sending funds to the wrong wallet’s address could result in permanent loss if not managed carefully. The active wallet is clearly labeled at the top of the screen.

Sending and Receiving Assets Across Multiple Wallets

Each wallet has its own public receiving address, which can be accessed by tapping the “Receive” button while that wallet is active. When receiving funds, always double-check that you are viewing the correct wallet to avoid misdirected deposits.

To transfer assets between your own wallets:

• Switch to the wallet you want to send from.
• Tap “Send” and enter the public address of the destination wallet (which could be one of your other wallets).
• Input the amount and confirm network fees.
• Review all details and approve the transaction using your passcode or biometric authentication.

This process treats internal transfers like any other blockchain transaction — they are subject to network fees and confirmation times. There is no direct “internal transfer” shortcut within the app, so always ensure the receiving wallet supports the token standard being sent (e.g., ERC-20, BEP-20).

Managing dApps and Connected Sites Per Wallet

Each wallet maintains independent connections to decentralized applications. When you connect a wallet to a dApp via WalletConnect or in-app browser, only the active wallet grants access. Other wallets remain unaffected.

To manage connected sites:

• Tap the browser icon in the app.
• Navigate to “Settings” > “Connected Sites”.
• View a list of dApps connected to the currently active wallet.
• Tap any entry to disconnect or review permissions.

If you use multiple wallets for different dApps — for example, one for DeFi platforms and another for NFT marketplaces — this separation helps minimize risk. Compromising permissions on one wallet does not affect the others.

Securing and Backing Up Multiple Wallets

Security becomes more complex with multiple wallets. Each wallet’s 12-word recovery phrase must be backed up separately. Storing all phrases together in one location increases risk; consider using a secure password manager or physical storage like a metal seed phrase vault.

Never store recovery phrases digitally in unencrypted files, emails, or cloud storage. The app does not provide a way to export or view recovery phrases after initial setup, so missing this step during creation results in irreversible loss.

For added safety, test each wallet’s recovery process in a non-critical environment. Restore a wallet on a different device using its phrase to confirm accuracy before depositing significant funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I merge multiple wallets into one within the Coinbase Wallet app?No, the Coinbase Wallet app does not support merging wallets. Each wallet is independent, with its own blockchain address and recovery phrase. To consolidate funds, manually send assets from one wallet to another using their respective public addresses.

What happens if I lose the recovery phrase for one of my wallets?If you lose the recovery phrase for a specific wallet, you will permanently lose access to the assets in that wallet. The app cannot recover it. This is why backing up each phrase at the time of creation is critical.

Is there a limit to how many wallets I can create in the Coinbase Wallet app?The app does not enforce a strict limit on the number of wallets you can create. However, managing a large number increases the risk of confusion or security lapses. Organize them with clear names and maintain meticulous backups.

Can I use biometric authentication to switch between wallets?Biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) is used to unlock the app and approve transactions, but it does not automatically switch between wallets. You must manually select the desired wallet from the wallet switcher menu after unlocking the app.