What are the best security practices for Coinbase Wallet?

Protecting Your Private Keys

1. Never share your private key or recovery phrase with anyone. These credentials grant full access to your wallet and cannot be recovered if lost or stolen.

2. Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location such as a fireproof safe or metal backup device. Avoid digital storage like screenshots, cloud services, or text files.

4. Consider using a passphrase (BIP39 extension) for an added layer of security, creating a hidden wallet that only appears when the correct extra word or phrase is entered.

5. Refrain from typing your recovery phrase on any internet-connected device unless actively restoring the wallet through Coinbase Wallet’s official app.

Securing Device Access

1. Install the Coinbase Wallet app only from official sources such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to avoid counterfeit versions embedded with malware.

2. Enable biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) and a strong device passcode to prevent unauthorized physical access.

4. Avoid jailbreaking or rooting your device, as this weakens built-in security features and increases exposure to malicious software.

5. Use a dedicated device for managing cryptocurrency wallets when possible, minimizing the risk of compromise from third-party apps or browsing activity.

Avoiding Phishing and Scams

1. Be cautious of unsolicited messages, emails, or websites claiming to be from Coinbase Wallet support. The team will never ask for your private keys or recovery phrase.

2. Double-check URLs before interacting with any web interface connected to your wallet. Fake domains often mimic legitimate sites with slight spelling variations.

4. Reject unexpected token approvals or smart contract interactions. Review every transaction detail carefully before confirming, especially approval amounts for ERC-20 tokens.

5. Disable notifications from unknown sources and ignore social media direct messages offering giveaways or urgent account updates requiring action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I lose my phone with Coinbase Wallet installed?As long as you have your 12-word recovery phrase stored securely, you can restore your wallet on another device. Immediately stop using the lost phone for any transactions and consider it compromised if biometric or passcode protection was weak.

Can someone hack my Coinbase Wallet remotely?Remote hacking is highly unlikely if you follow proper security practices. The wallet itself does not store private keys on servers. Threats typically arise from phishing, malware, or user error rather than direct breaches of the application.

Is it safe to use Coinbase Wallet on public Wi-Fi?Using public Wi-Fi increases the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks. It's safer to use mobile data or a trusted private network when accessing your wallet or approving transactions.

How do I know if a dApp is safe to connect to my wallet?Research the dApp’s reputation, check verified audits from firms like CertiK or OpenZeppelin, read community feedback on platforms like Reddit or Discord, and confirm the official website URL matches published resources.