Coinbase Wallet stands as one of the most widely used mobile cryptocurrency wallets today. More than just a tool for storing digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), it empowers users to manage ERC-721 tokens, interact with decentralized applications (dApps), and explore the growing world of crypto collectibles.
This comprehensive guide walks you through setting up your wallet, purchasing and selling non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and navigating dApps—whether you're on Android or iOS. We’ll also highlight key features, limitations, and best practices for maximizing security and usability.
What Is Coinbase Wallet?
Coinbase Wallet is a non-custodial mobile wallet that gives users full control over their private keys, which are securely stored on their personal devices. Unlike the main Coinbase exchange app, this wallet doesn’t hold your funds for you—you do. This makes it ideal for those who value autonomy and security in their crypto journey.
Beyond storing cryptocurrencies and ERC-20 tokens, Coinbase Wallet doubles as a Web3-enabled dApp browser, allowing seamless interaction with blockchain-based platforms such as decentralized exchanges (DEXs), DeFi protocols, and NFT marketplaces—all from your smartphone.
👉 Discover how to securely manage your crypto portfolio across multiple platforms.
Key Features:
- Store BTC, ETH, ERC-20, and ERC-721 (NFT) tokens
- Built-in dApp browser (Android only)
- Support for crypto collectibles and digital art
- WalletLink integration for iOS users
- User-friendly interface with PIN protection
While MetaMask dominates desktop dApp interactions, Coinbase Wallet fills the gap for mobile users, offering an intuitive way to engage with the decentralized web without compromising accessibility.
Note: The native dApp browser is currently available only on Android. iOS users must rely on WalletLink to connect their wallet to desktop dApps—a workaround imposed by Apple’s App Store policies.
How to Set Up Coinbase Wallet
Getting started with Coinbase Wallet takes just minutes and involves two straightforward steps.
Step 1: Create or Import a Wallet
Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Upon opening, select "Create a new wallet" and agree to the terms of service and privacy policy.
Alternatively, if you already have a wallet, you can import it using a recovery phrase (also known as a seed phrase). This ensures continuity if you're switching from another non-custodial wallet.
Step 2: Choose a Username and Set a PIN
Pick a unique username (this is not your public address) and set a secure 6-digit PIN. This PIN will be required every time you open the app or approve a transaction.
Once completed, your wallet is ready to use. You’ll land on a clean dashboard showing your asset balances and access to the DApps tab, where you can explore blockchain games, DeFi platforms, and NFT marketplaces.
🔐 Security Tip: Never share your recovery phrase. Store it offline—ideally in a physical vault or metal backup. For large holdings, consider pairing Coinbase Wallet with a hardware wallet like Ledger for added protection.
How to Buy Crypto Collectibles Using Coinbase Wallet
To interact with most dApps or purchase NFTs, you’ll need Ethereum (ETH) in your wallet—not just for buying assets, but also for paying gas fees, the transaction costs on the Ethereum network.
Step 1: Fund Your Wallet
Tap the "Receive" button in the app to reveal your Ethereum address. Send ETH from an exchange or another wallet to this address.
👉 Learn how to transfer funds securely between wallets and exchanges.
Step 2: Explore and Use dApps
Navigate to the DApps tab and browse categories like gaming, DeFi, or marketplaces. For this example, let’s walk through purchasing cards from Gods Unchained, a popular blockchain-based trading card game.
- Tap on Gods Unchained under "Popular DApps" and visit the site.
- Go to the presale section, choose the number of card packs, and click "Buy Now."
- Confirm the transaction using your PIN.
- After purchase, go to the activation menu in the sidebar to convert your cards into ERC-721 tokens—this step also requires gas.
Once activated, your digital collectibles appear in your wallet’s gallery, verifiably yours on the blockchain.
How to Sell a Crypto Collectible
Selling NFTs is just as straightforward. The most popular platform for this is OpenSea, the largest NFT marketplace.
Step-by-Step Selling Process:
- In the DApps tab, open OpenSea.
- Tap your profile icon → My Account → My Items.
- Select the collectible you want to sell.
Choose between:
- Setting a fixed price
- Starting an auction
- Creating a bundle of multiple items
- Confirm the listing—no fee is charged until the item sells.
Your listed item becomes visible globally, and buyers can place bids or purchase instantly. You’ll receive payment directly in your wallet upon sale completion.
You can also verify ownership and transaction history via Etherscan by visiting: https://opensea.io/accounts/[your-ethereum-address]
Using dApps with Coinbase Wallet on iOS
Due to App Store restrictions, iOS users cannot access the built-in dApp browser. However, Coinbase provides a workaround via WalletLink, an open-source protocol that connects your mobile wallet to desktop dApps via QR code scanning.
Supported Platforms Include:
- 1inch
- Uniswap
- IDEX
- Kyber Network
How to Connect via WalletLink:
- Open 1inch Exchange on your desktop browser.
- Click "Connect Wallet" → Select WalletLink.
- A QR code appears—open Coinbase Wallet on your phone, go to Settings → WalletLink, and scan it.
- Approve the connection.
Now you can trade tokens, swap assets, or provide liquidity—all while keeping control of your keys.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Coinbase Wallet safe?
Yes. As a non-custodial wallet, only you control your private keys. Just ensure you store your recovery phrase securely and enable device-level protections like biometric login.
Q: Can I use Coinbase Wallet without a Coinbase account?
Absolutely. It operates independently of the Coinbase exchange—you don’t need an account to use the wallet.
Q: Does Coinbase Wallet support Bitcoin?
Yes, but indirectly through wrapped BTC (WBTC). Native BTC transactions are not supported.
Q: Why can’t I see the dApp browser on iOS?
Apple restricts direct blockchain access in apps. Use WalletLink to connect securely from desktop browsers.
Q: Are there fees for using Coinbase Wallet?
The app itself is free. However, all blockchain transactions incur standard network gas fees, paid in ETH.
Q: Can I store NFTs from other blockchains?
Currently, primary support is for Ethereum-based NFTs (ERC-721). Support for other chains may vary.
Final Verdict: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Full user control with non-custodial design
- Native support for crypto collectibles (NFTs)
- Integrated dApp browsing on Android
- Simple setup with PIN and username system
- WalletLink enables cross-device dApp access
❌ Cons
- Limited coin variety compared to multi-chain wallets
- No native dApp browser on iOS
- Requires technical understanding of gas fees and transactions
Whether you're diving into NFT collecting or exploring DeFi for the first time, Coinbase Wallet offers a balanced mix of simplicity and functionality. While it has limitations—especially on iOS—it remains a top choice for mobile-first Web3 experiences.
👉 Start exploring decentralized finance and NFTs with confidence today.