How do I send tokens using my Coinbase Wallet?

Sending Tokens via Coinbase Wallet: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open the Coinbase Wallet app on your mobile device and ensure you are logged in securely. Confirm that you have a stable internet connection to avoid transaction delays or failures.

2. Tap on the token you wish to send from your asset list. If the token isn’t visible, make sure it’s added to your wallet by selecting “Add Token” and entering the correct contract address.

3. Select the “Send” option located on the token’s detail page. This will open a new screen where you can enter the recipient’s information.

4. Enter the recipient’s public wallet address carefully. Double-check every character, as blockchain transactions are irreversible. You may also scan a QR code if the recipient provides one.

5. Input the amount of tokens you want to send. The app will display an estimated network fee based on current congestion. Review both the amount and fee before proceeding.

Understanding Network Fees and Transaction Speed

1. Network fees fluctuate depending on blockchain congestion, especially on Ethereum. During peak times, higher fees ensure faster confirmation of your transaction.

2. Coinbase Wallet automatically suggests a gas fee based on urgency—slow, medium, or fast. Choosing a higher fee prioritizes your transaction in the blockchain queue.

3. For non-urgent transfers, selecting a lower fee can save costs, though it may take longer for the transaction to confirm, sometimes exceeding several minutes.

4. Users sending tokens on alternative networks like Polygon or Arbitrum often experience lower fees and faster processing times compared to Ethereum mainnet.

5. Always review the total cost (token amount + network fee) before confirming. Unexpected high fees usually result from network spikes, not wallet errors.

Security Measures When Sending Tokens

1. Never share your 12-word recovery phrase with anyone. Coinbase Wallet does not require this for sending transactions—only your password or biometric authentication is needed.

2. Verify the recipient’s address by sending a small test transaction first, especially when dealing with large amounts or unfamiliar wallets.

3. Beware of phishing attempts. Scammers may generate fake QR codes or mimic legitimate addresses with subtle character changes. Use trusted sources to obtain addresses.

4. Enable two-factor authentication within the app settings to add an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

5. Always confirm the network compatibility of the recipient’s wallet. Sending ERC-20 tokens to a non-EVM compatible wallet results in permanent loss of funds.

Handling Failed or Pending Transactions

1. A transaction may remain pending due to low network fees. In such cases, some wallets allow you to 'speed up' the transaction by resubmitting with a higher fee.

2. If a transaction fails, the tokens are not lost. The network returns them to your wallet, though the gas fee is consumed regardless.

3. Check the transaction status using a blockchain explorer like Etherscan. Enter your wallet address to view all outgoing and incoming activity.

4. In rare cases, transactions may get stuck for hours. Patience is required, but if unresolved after 24 hours, contact Coinbase Wallet support with the transaction hash.

5. Avoid repeatedly attempting to resend tokens if the first transaction is still pending. This can lead to duplicate spending attempts and unnecessary fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a token transaction once it’s sent?No. Blockchain transactions are irreversible. Once confirmed, you cannot cancel or modify them. Always verify the recipient and amount before confirming.

What happens if I send tokens to the wrong address?If the address is valid and belongs to another wallet, the tokens are permanently transferred. Recovery is only possible if the recipient willingly returns them.

Why did my transaction fail even after paying the fee?Transactions can fail due to insufficient gas, smart contract errors, or network issues. The fee is still charged because computational resources were used.

Can I send NFTs using the same process as tokens?Yes. In the Coinbase Wallet app, go to the NFT section, select the specific NFT, and choose “Send.” The process mirrors token transfers but applies to unique digital assets.