Wallet seed phrase
Coinbase Wallet generates a 12-word recovery phrase, also referred to as a seed phrase, that you and only you have access to. This means that if you lose your recovery phrase, you will lose access to your Coinbase Wallet. Please keep in mind that Coinbase will never have access to this recovery phrase, so we cannot move funds on your behalf or help you access your digital assets.
Back up your wallet
As an added safeguard, we built an encrypted Google Drive and iCloud feature so you can back up your recovery phrase. We strongly encourage you to back up your recovery phrase using this feature, as well as writing it down and storing it in a secure location. To access the backup feature, tap Settings then Recovery Phrase from your Coinbase Wallet app.
To back up your recovery phrase in Coinbase Wallet:
Open the Coinbase Wallet mobile app.
From the Settings menu, select Security, then Backups.
Select Back up with iCloud/Google Drive or Back up manually.
iCloud/Google Drive: You’ll have to create a separate password for this. This will fully encrypt the backup, making it only accessible by you. Please keep your password secure. If you lose your password, you won't be able to access your funds.
Manually: Your recovery phrase will be displayed for you to write down or copy and paste. Store it in a secure location and ensure the phrase is exactly as presented; the spelling or order cannot be altered.
Note that if you sign out of your Coinbase Wallet mobile app you will be prompted to acknowledge that signing out without your recovery phrase being backed up may result in permanent loss of access.
Protect your wallet
Learn how to avoid crypto scams and more ways to protect your wallet.
Secure your Coinbase Wallet
What is a recovery phrase and why is it important?
A recovery phrase is a list of 12 words that represent the private keys to your wallet, also known as a “seed.” This means that if you lose your recovery phrase, that you will lose your wallet. Coinbase Wallet is a user-controlled, non-custodial product, and the recovery phrase is what gives you—and only you—access to your Coinbase Wallet.
To back up your recovery phrase:
Go Settings at the bottom of your screen.
Tap Recovery phrase to back it up on the cloud or manually.
Follow the remaining prompts.
We built an encrypted Google Drive and iCloud seed backup feature to help address instances of seed loss. We encourage you to use this prior to trading.
For your security, Coinbase Wallet will never have access to this recovery phrase, so we cannot move crypto on your behalf nor can we help you access the digital assets in your Coinbase Wallet should you lose your recovery phrase.
How can I ensure the security of my crypto on Coinbase Wallet?
Coinbase Wallet currently offers an App Lock feature to help secure your account. Follow the steps below to enable this feature:
Go to
Settings. Under the Security section, tap App Lock.
Toggle the requirement on that you want to enable.
To change your lock method, tap the option at the top and choose between the Biometric or PIN options. This also ensures that you don’t lose access to your account if you forget or lose access to your PIN credentials.
Visit the Coinbase Wallet Help Center for more information.
Simple mode
Simple mode is a simplified experience that surfaces a set of features that are typically used by beginner users.
To manage the Simple mode setting:
Open the Coinbase Wallet mobile app
Select Settings, then Display
Toggle Simple mode on or off
Feature and blockchain support
Features available in Simple mode | Features not available in Simple mode | Blockchains supported in Simple mode |
|---|---|---|
• Buy cryptocurrencies (on supported blockchains) • Store crypto • View crypto balances • Send crypto balance to another wallet • Receive crypto from another wallet | • View, send, or receive NFTs • Perform Dapp transactions • Swap crypto • Bridge crypto • Message users using Coinbase Wallet • Add more addresses, wallets to your Coinbase Wallet • Use blockchains like Solana, Dogecoin, Litecoin that are supported by Coinbase Wallet but not in Simple mode | • Ethereum • Base • Bitcoin • Other EVM compatible blockchains, such as: |
Note: Enabling Simple mode won't affect non-supported assets like NFTs or assets on Solana. You'll still have full access to them. They'll just be hidden in the Coinbase Wallet mobile app. You can view them anytime by disabling Simple mode.