How to find my 12 word phrase on Coinbase Wallet

The 12-word recovery phrase in Coinbase Wallet is your sole backup for accessing crypto funds, stored only locally and never recoverable by Coinbase.

Jul 18, 2025 at 01:56 am

Understanding the 12 Word Phrase in Coinbase Wallet

The 12-word phrase, also known as a recovery phrase or seed phrase, is a crucial component of your Coinbase Wallet. It acts as a backup to regain access to your digital assets if you lose your device or forget your password. This phrase is generated during the initial setup of your wallet and is unique to your account. It is essential to understand that only you have access to this phrase — Coinbase does not store it.

Many users may forget where the phrase is stored or may not know how to locate it again after setup. It is important to note that the 12-word phrase should never be shared with anyone, as it grants full control over your cryptocurrency funds.

Where Is the 12 Word Phrase Stored?

Once you set up your Coinbase Wallet, the 12-word phrase is only displayed once. If you did not write it down or save it securely at the time of creation, you cannot retrieve it later through the app or customer support.

• During wallet creation, you are prompted to write down the phrase and confirm it by selecting words in the correct order.
• If you already created your wallet, the phrase is stored locally on your device and not accessible through any online portal or account recovery system.
• Some users may have saved the phrase in password managers, encrypted files, or physical notebooks.

If you cannot locate your phrase, the only option is to restore your wallet using your current login credentials and re-export the phrase during the setup of a new wallet.

Steps to View the 12 Word Phrase in Coinbase Wallet

If you still have access to your Coinbase Wallet app, you can view your recovery phrase by following these steps:

• Open the Coinbase Wallet app on your mobile device.
• Tap on the profile icon located in the top-left or bottom-right corner of the screen.
• Scroll down and select "Backup Recovery Phrase".
• You will be prompted to enter your wallet password for security verification.
• After verification, your 12-word phrase will be displayed on the screen.

It is important to note that this feature is only available if you have not already backed up your wallet. If you previously confirmed the backup during setup, this option may not be available.

Recovering a Lost 12 Word Phrase

If you no longer have access to your 12-word phrase, there is no direct way to recover it through Coinbase. However, the following options may help:

• If you previously linked your wallet to a Coinbase account, you may be able to restore your wallet using your email and password. This process will generate a new 12-word phrase.
• If you have transaction history or wallet addresses saved, you can import your wallet into another wallet service using your private key or address, though this does not retrieve the original seed phrase.
• If you used a hardware wallet in conjunction with Coinbase Wallet, you may be able to recover your phrase from the hardware wallet’s backup.

Always ensure that you store your recovery phrase offline and in a secure location to avoid future loss.

Best Practices for Managing Your 12 Word Phrase

Proper management of your 12-word phrase is essential for the security of your digital assets. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Write it down on paper and store it in a secure, fireproof location.
• Avoid taking screenshots or saving digital copies unless encrypted and stored offline.
• Consider using a hardware wallet to store your phrase and private keys offline.
• Never share your phrase with anyone, even if they claim to be from Coinbase support.
• Avoid storing your phrase in easily accessible places like your desktop or cloud storage.

By following these practices, you significantly reduce the risk of losing access to your funds or falling victim to phishing or theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my 12-word phrase in Coinbase Wallet?

No, the 12-word phrase is generated once during wallet creation and cannot be changed. If you suspect it has been compromised, you should create a new wallet and transfer your funds to the new wallet.

Is the 12-word phrase the same as my wallet password?

No, the 12-word phrase is a backup mechanism for your wallet, while your password is used to unlock the app and authorize transactions. They serve different purposes and should be treated separately.

Can Coinbase support retrieve my 12-word phrase?

No, Coinbase does not have access to your 12-word phrase. It is generated locally on your device and never transmitted to their servers. This ensures your funds remain under your control.

What happens if I lose my 12-word phrase and my device?

If you lose both your device and your recovery phrase, you will lose access to your funds permanently. There is no way to recover your wallet without the 12-word phrase or a connected Coinbase account.