Explore Web3.
Stay in control.
A clear-eyed guide to wallet setup, self-custody, decentralized apps, and the security habits that matter before you connect.
Understand the tools
before you use them.
Exploring blockchain applications, digital collectibles, and decentralized finance starts with knowing how a wallet connects you to Web3. This guide covers the essentials and the risks worth understanding first.
What is a browser wallet?
A browser wallet provides an interface for managing supported blockchain accounts and interacting with compatible online applications. Coinbase Wallet has offered self-custody tools that let users control their wallet credentials rather than relying entirely on a centralized exchange account.
A browser extension can communicate with supported decentralized applications, often called dApps. Depending on the network and application, that may include reviewing token balances, connecting an account, viewing digital collectibles, or preparing a transaction for your approval.
Products change. Availability, branding, and supported features can change over time. Check Coinbase’s official documentation to confirm current browser wallet options before installing anything.
Getting started with a browser wallet
Before setting up a wallet, make sure you’re using a compatible browser and a trusted computer. Begin at the official website and follow its current instructions to find the appropriate wallet product.
- 01
Visit the official Coinbase Wallet website.
- 02
Review available wallet products and compatibility information.
- 03
Follow official instructions for accessing or installing supported software.
- 04
Create a new wallet or restore an existing one using its documented process.
- 05
Review security information before connecting to websites or dApps.
Avoid sponsored search results, unfamiliar download pages, and unsolicited messages offering installation help. A familiar name or logo does not prove a website or extension is genuine.
Self-custody & wallet recovery
Self-custody means you’re responsible for protecting the credentials that control your wallet. Depending on the wallet’s design, recovery may rely on a recovery phrase or another supported backup method.
Anyone who obtains the necessary secret credentials may be able to gain control of associated assets. Store recovery information securely and privately, and never share it with someone claiming to be a support agent.
Don’t enter recovery words into an unfamiliar website, online form, or message. Only use the official recovery process documented for your specific wallet.
Connect with decentralized apps
Web3 applications use blockchain networks for services such as decentralized exchanges, digital collectibles, blockchain games, and decentralized finance tools. A compatible wallet can connect your account to these services.
When a website requests a wallet connection, check the address and confirm you intended to visit it. Connecting an account doesn’t mean you should approve every transaction or permission request that follows.
- Read transaction details carefully before confirming.
- Check the network, permissions, recipient, and potential fees.
- Disconnect wallet sessions you no longer need, where supported.
Tokens & digital collectibles
Wallet support can vary across token standards, networks, and collectibles. What appears depends on the software, network, asset type, and available indexing services.
Before sending or receiving an asset, verify that the destination supports the same blockchain network and token standard. Similar token names can exist on different networks; an incompatible transfer can result in lost access to funds.
Treat unexpected collectible offers, free-token messages, and unfamiliar airdrop websites cautiously. An asset appearing in a wallet doesn’t prove that it’s valuable, legitimate, or safe to interact with.
Security practices worth keeping
Browser wallets make blockchain services easier to access, but call for careful browsing habits. Keep these fundamentals close.
- ✓Get wallet software only through official sources.
- ✓Keep your browser and operating system updated.
- ✓Protect recovery credentials; never disclose them.
- ✓Check website domains before connecting your wallet.
- ✓Review transaction details before approving requests.
- ✓Be cautious with token approvals and unfamiliar contracts.
- ✓Ignore urgent messages demanding secrets or threatening suspension.
- ✓Consult official support documentation if something seems unusual.
When a wallet connection fails
First confirm you’re using a supported browser and a currently available wallet product. Check your network selection, reload the legitimate website, and review the wallet’s documented troubleshooting instructions.
If a transaction remains pending, avoid repeatedly submitting new transactions without understanding the original’s status. Network congestion, insufficient fees, or application-specific issues may affect processing.
For product-specific help, start with Coinbase Help ↗ and verify the guidance applies to your particular wallet product.
Explore Web3 with
care and confidence.
A browser wallet can bring account connections and transaction approvals into a familiar environment. Understanding self-custody, network compatibility, permissions, and recovery is essential before using these tools with valuable digital assets.
Verify official software sources, investigate unfamiliar applications, and examine every transaction before approval. A thoughtful pause is one of your best security tools.
Explore official wallet options