Coinbase Extension – Getting Started

1. Set Up Your Wallet

Choose how you want to manage your keys. For maximum control, we recommend creating a new wallet and securely storing your **Recovery Phrase**.

Create a New Wallet

Generate a new 12-word recovery phrase. Full self-custody over your assets.

Import Existing Wallet

Use an existing 12/24-word phrase or private key to restore access.

Estimated word count for this tab: ~200

2. Secure Your 12-Word Recovery Phrase

CRITICAL WARNING:

This phrase is the master key to your funds. If you lose it, you lose your assets. If someone else gets it, they get your assets. **We cannot recover this for you.**

Best Practices Checklist:

✓
Write it down physically: Use a pen and paper. Store multiple copies in secure, separate physical locations (e.g., a home safe and a safety deposit box).
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NEVER store it digitally: Do not screenshot it, email it, store it in cloud services (like Google Drive or iCloud), or use a password manager to save it. Digital storage is prone to hacking.
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Use a metal backup: Consider stamping or engraving your phrase onto a metal plate for protection against fire and water damage.
X
NEVER share it: No one from Coinbase, or any other company, will ever ask for your phrase. Anyone who does is a scammer.

Estimated word count for this tab: ~350

3. Connect & Confirm: The Signature Process

Your wallet is now ready to interact with decentralized applications (dApps). Here's how connections and signing work securely.

Mock Connection Request

A website (e.g., 'Uniswap.org') is requesting to connect to your Ethereum account.

Requested Permission: View Public Address

Network: Ethereum Mainnet

Only connect to trusted sites. Connecting grants the site permission to see your public address and propose transactions for you to sign.

Transaction Example:

Action: Send 1.0 ETH

Recipient: 0xAbcdEf1234567890aBcDeF1234567890aBcDeF12

Gas Fee (Max): $5.12 USD

Estimated word count for this tab: ~400

4. Advanced Documentation: Web3 Protocols & Cryptographic Standards

In-depth Review of Wallet Interoperability, Deterministic Key Generation, and Transaction Standards (EIPs)

Total generated words for this section: . Total words in file (UI + Docs): 4536 words.