How to recover your Coinbase Wallet on a new phone?

Recovering Your Coinbase Wallet on a New Device

1. Ensure you have your 12-word recovery phrase securely stored. This phrase is the only way to regain access to your wallet if you lose your device or uninstall the app. Without it, funds cannot be recovered. Never share this phrase with anyone and avoid storing it digitally.

2. Download the official Coinbase Wallet app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Confirm that the app publisher is listed as “Coinbase, Inc.” to avoid counterfeit applications designed to steal credentials.

3. Open the app and select “I already have a wallet” when prompted. Choosing “Create a new wallet” will generate a new set of keys, which won’t restore your previous balance.

4. Enter your 12-word recovery phrase exactly as it was provided—correct spelling, order, and spacing are critical. The app will verify the phrase before proceeding.

5. Once validated, your wallet will sync with the blockchain, restoring all associated assets, transaction history, and connected decentralized applications (dApps). This process may take a few moments depending on network activity.

Security Measures During Recovery

1. Perform the recovery process in a private, secure environment. Public Wi-Fi networks increase the risk of interception, even though the recovery phrase itself isn’t transmitted online during input.

2. Double-check the app’s authenticity before entering sensitive information. Fake wallets often mimic real ones but are designed solely to harvest recovery phrases.

3. After recovery, consider reviewing your connected dApps and token approvals. Compromised devices might have granted permissions to malicious contracts.

4. Enable biometric authentication (Face ID or fingerprint) within the app settings to add an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

5. Avoid typing your recovery phrase on any device connected to cloud-synced keyboards, as they may log inputs and expose your phrase.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Failed Recovery

1. Using incorrect word order. The sequence of the 12 words is as important as the words themselves. Even a single misplaced word will result in access failure.

2. Including extra spaces or special characters not part of the original phrase. Each word must match the BIP-39 standard dictionary without modifications.

3. Mistaking similar-looking words such as “spider” for “spine” or “crush” for “crisp.” These subtle differences prevent successful restoration.

4. Attempting recovery on unofficial platforms. Third-party tools claiming to import Coinbase Wallets may compromise security and lead to irreversible fund loss.

5. Assuming customer support can restore access. Coinbase does not store user recovery phrases. If lost, there is no mechanism to retrieve them through support channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover my Coinbase Wallet using my Coinbase.com account? No. Coinbase Wallet operates independently from the Coinbase.com exchange. Access relies solely on the 12-word recovery phrase, not login credentials from the exchange platform.

What happens if I enter the wrong recovery phrase? The app will display an error and prevent access. Repeated attempts with incorrect phrases do not lock the wallet, but accuracy is essential. Always verify each word carefully.

Will my NFTs and tokens also be restored after recovery? Yes. All assets tied to the wallet’s public address, including ERC-20 tokens, ERC-721 NFTs, and other blockchain-based holdings, reappear once the wallet is successfully restored.

Is it safe to reuse the same wallet address after recovery? Yes. The wallet address remains unchanged because it is derived from the recovery phrase. Transactions sent to this address before and after recovery will be accessible as long as the correct phrase is used.