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 access the backup feature in your Coinbase Wallet:
Open the Coinbase Wallet mobile app.
Tap Settings, then Recovery Phrase.
Select Backup to iCloud/Google Drive or Backup manually.
If you choose to backup manually: Your recovery phrase will be displayed for you to write down, or to copy and paste in a secure location. Store the recovery phrase exactly as presented without alternating the spelling or order.
If you choose the cloud backup (iCloud or Google Drive): You’ll also have to create a separate password for this. This will fully encrypt the backup, making it only accessible by you.
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.
