How to restore a wallet using a passkey on Coinbase Wallet?

Coinbase Wallet passkeys use biometrics and device authentication to securely restore access without seed phrases—fast, phishing-resistant, but device-dependent.

Aug 02, 2025 at 04:36 am

Understanding Passkeys and Their Role in Coinbase Wallet

A passkey is a modern authentication method that replaces traditional passwords and seed phrases with cryptographic key pairs. In the context of Coinbase Wallet, passkeys allow users to securely access their digital assets using biometrics (like fingerprint or face recognition) or device-based authentication instead of managing a 12- or 24-word recovery phrase. This method enhances security by eliminating the risk of phishing and reduces the burden of securely storing recovery phrases. When restoring a wallet using a passkey, the private key associated with your account is retrieved through your authenticated device, ensuring that only you can access your wallet.

It is crucial to understand that passkeys are tied to your specific device or platform, such as Apple iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager. This means the restoration process only works if you are using a device where the passkey was originally created or synced. If you attempt to restore on a new device without syncing capabilities or access to your original account, the passkey will not be available.

Prerequisites for Restoring a Wallet with a Passkey

Before initiating the restoration process, ensure the following conditions are met:

• You have previously set up a passkey in your Coinbase Wallet app.
• Your device supports passkey authentication (iOS 16 or later, Android with Google Password Manager support).
• You are logged into the same Apple ID or Google account used when creating the passkey.
• The Coinbase Wallet app is installed on the new or replacement device.
• Your device has biometric authentication (Touch ID, Face ID, or fingerprint) enabled.

Without these prerequisites, the restoration via passkey will fail. The system relies on the secure sync between your identity provider (Apple or Google) and the cryptographic keys stored in their encrypted vaults. If any link in this chain is broken, the wallet cannot be restored using this method.

Step-by-Step Guide to Restore Wallet Using a Passkey

Follow these steps carefully to restore your Coinbase Wallet using a passkey:

• Open the Coinbase Wallet app on your device.
• Tap “I already have a wallet” on the welcome screen.
• Select “Use a passkey” from the available recovery options.
• Choose the account provider (Apple or Google) that you used to create the passkey.
• Authenticate using your device’s biometric method (Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint).
• Wait for the app to retrieve your wallet data from the synced passkey.
• Confirm your wallet address and assets once the restoration is complete.

During this process, the app communicates with your identity provider’s secure keychain to retrieve the encrypted private key associated with your wallet. This key is never exposed to Coinbase servers, ensuring end-to-end security. The entire restoration process typically takes less than a minute, assuming all conditions are met.

What Happens If the Passkey Is Not Synced?

If the passkey is not available during restoration, the app will not proceed. Common reasons include:

• The device is not signed into the correct Apple ID or Google account.
• Passkey sync is disabled in the device settings.
• The original passkey was deleted or revoked.
• The device does not support passkey functionality.

In such cases, the app will prompt you to use an alternative recovery method. However, if you only set up a passkey and did not save a recovery phrase, you may permanently lose access to your wallet. This highlights the importance of setting up multiple recovery options. While passkeys are secure and convenient, they are not a standalone backup solution.

To prevent this issue, always ensure that passkey sync is enabled in your device settings. On iOS, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Passwords and confirm that sync is on. On Android, check Google Password Manager settings and ensure auto-save and sync are enabled.

Security Considerations When Using Passkeys

Using a passkey introduces several security advantages over traditional recovery phrases:

• Phishing resistance: Passkeys are domain-bound, meaning they only work with the legitimate Coinbase Wallet app.
• No exposure of private keys: The private key never leaves your device.
• Biometric verification: Access requires physical presence and identity verification.

However, there are risks to consider:

• Device dependency: Losing access to your synced device or account can lock you out.
• Limited recovery options: Unlike seed phrases, passkeys cannot be written down or stored offline.
• Platform reliance: You depend on Apple or Google’s infrastructure for key recovery.

To mitigate these risks, enable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID or Google account and use strong account passwords. Additionally, consider exporting a recovery phrase as a backup even if you primarily use a passkey. This provides redundancy in case of device failure or account issues.

Troubleshooting Common Issues During Restoration

If you encounter problems while restoring your wallet with a passkey, try the following:

• Ensure internet connectivity: The app needs to communicate with Apple or Google servers.
• Restart the app and device: Temporary glitches can interfere with authentication.
• Check date and time settings: Incorrect settings can disrupt SSL verification.
• Update the Coinbase Wallet app: Use the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
• Verify account sync status: On iOS, open Settings and confirm iCloud Keychain is active.

If the issue persists, contact Coinbase Wallet support directly through the app’s help section. Provide details about your device, account, and the exact error message. Support may request verification of ownership before assisting with recovery.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passkey on multiple devices?

Yes, you can use a passkey on multiple devices if they are linked to the same Apple ID or Google account and have passkey sync enabled. Each device must support biometric authentication and have the Coinbase Wallet app installed.

What if I lose my device and didn’t back up my passkey?

If your passkey is not synced to iCloud or Google Password Manager, and you don’t have a recovery phrase, you will not be able to restore your wallet. Always ensure your passkey is synced or that you have an alternative backup method.

Is a passkey more secure than a recovery phrase?

A passkey offers stronger protection against phishing and online theft, but it is less resilient to device loss. A recovery phrase is offline and universally compatible, while a passkey depends on ecosystem continuity.

Can I switch from a recovery phrase to a passkey?

Yes, within the Coinbase Wallet app, you can enable a passkey as your primary login method even if you originally used a recovery phrase. Navigate to Settings > Security > Passkeys to set it up. Your recovery phrase remains valid unless manually removed.