Coinbase Wallet: Everything to Know

By  Beluga Research August 5, 2023

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Summary

  • Coinbase Wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet by Coinbase that allows users to securely store, manage and transact with digital assets
  • It allows users to manage a variety of cryptocurrencies directly from mobile devices
  • The wallet supports a wide range of digital assets, including popular cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, ether and others available on the Coinbase exchange
  • Coinbase Wallet provides users with full control over their private keys, making it a non-custodial wallet and ensuring that users have ownership and access to funds

Overview

Coinbase Wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet by Coinbase that allows users to securely store, manage and transact with digital assets.Developed by Coinbase, one of the pioneering cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase Wallet offers a seamless integration with the larger Coinbase ecosystem. While often confused with the Coinbase exchange platform, Coinbase Wallet serves as a standalone mobile wallet that provides users with full control over their private keys and funds.

A Brief History

To understand the significance of Coinbase Wallet, it is essential to have a glimpse into its history. Coinbase, founded in 2012, initially focused on providing a simple and user-friendly platform for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. Over time, the company expanded its services to include institutional trading, merchant solutions and custodial services.

In August 2018, Coinbase rebranded its mobile wallet from "Toshi" to "Coinbase Wallet." The rebranding aimed to establish a clearer connection between the wallet and the Coinbase brand. This move also reflected Coinbase's commitment to providing a comprehensive suite of services to its users, catering to both beginners and advanced cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

Coinbase Wallet: Everything to Know

  • User interface and accessibility. Coinbase Wallet boasts a clean and intuitive user interface, designed to cater to both novice and experienced users. The wallet is available as a mobile application for both iOS and Android devices, ensuring accessibility to a wide range of users. The user-friendly design allows individuals to navigate the wallet effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for those new to the world of cryptocurrencies.
  • Private key ownership. One of the fundamental principles of cryptocurrency is the ownership and control of private keys. Coinbase Wallet adheres to this principle by giving users full control over their private keys. Private keys are stored locally on the user's device and are never transmitted to Coinbase's servers. This approach ensures that users have complete ownership of their funds and reduces the risk of unauthorized access or theft.
  • Multi-currency support. Coinbase Wallet supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, providing users with the flexibility to manage multiple assets within a single wallet. Bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), and other popular cryptocurrencies are natively supported, allowing for seamless storage and transfers. Additionally, Coinbase Wallet supports various ERC-20 tokens, enabling users to interact with decentralized applications (Dapps) built on the Ethereum blockchain.
  • Decentralized application (Dapp) browser. One standout feature of Coinbase Wallet is its built-in Dapp browser. This browser allows users to explore and interact with a multitude of decentralized applications directly from the wallet interface. By leveraging the Ethereum blockchain, users can access a plethora of Dapps, ranging from decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to blockchain-based games. The Dapp browser empowers users to engage with the broader blockchain ecosystem without the need for additional software or interfaces.
  • Enhanced security features. Security is of paramount importance when it comes to managing cryptocurrencies. Coinbase Wallet incorporates several security features to safeguard user funds. First, as mentioned earlier, the wallet ensures private key ownership, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. Additionally, Coinbase Wallet supports biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or face recognition, adding an extra layer of security to the wallet. Users can also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added level of protection.
  • Seamless integration with Coinbase. While Coinbase Wallet operates as a standalone application, it seamlessly integrates with the larger Coinbase platform. Users can easily link a Coinbase account to Coinbase Wallet, allowing for instant transfers between the two services. This integration provides a convenient bridge between the exchange and the wallet, enabling users to manage their funds efficiently.

Getting Started

To start using Coinbase Wallet, first download the mobile application from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, you can create a new wallet or import an existing one. Coinbase Wallet offers various options for wallet creation, including the ability to set up a new wallet with a unique username, or import an existing wallet using a recovery phrase or private key.

Once a wallet is set up, connect it to a Coinbase account, allowing for seamless transfers between the two platforms. This integration with Coinbase provides users with a convenient way to manage their funds across different wallets and exchanges, all within a single interface.

Unique Aspects

One of the standout features of Coinbase Wallet is its support for a wide range of cryptocurrencies. With Coinbase Wallet, not only popular cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, ether and litecoin are available, but also a vast array of other digital assets. This includes ERC-20 tokens, which are tokens built on the Ethereum blockchain, as well as various other altcoins. The ability to store multiple cryptocurrencies in a single wallet makes Coinbase Wallet a versatile solution for individuals who hold diverse portfolios.

In addition to its broad support for cryptocurrencies, Coinbase Wallet also offers users the ability to access decentralized applications (Dapps) directly from the wallet interface. This integration with Dapps opens up a world of possibilities, allowing users to interact with decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, blockchain games and more, all within the Coinbase Wallet app. By providing a seamless connection to the decentralized ecosystem, Coinbase Wallet empowers users to explore the full potential of blockchain technology.

Furthermore, Coinbase Wallet prioritizes the security of user funds. The wallet stores private keys locally on a user's device, meaning that the user has full control over funds and the responsibility to keep a device and recovery phrase secure. This approach aligns with the ethos of decentralization, as it removes the need for third-party custodianship of funds. However, it also places the onus on the user to take adequate precautions to protect assets. Coinbase Wallet provides users with clear instructions on how to back up their wallets and store recovery phrases securely.

Advantages

  • User-friendly interface. Coinbase Wallet offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for both beginners and experienced users to navigate and interact with the wallet. The intuitive design ensures a seamless user experience, allowing users to manage their cryptocurrencies effortlessly.
  • Wide range of supported cryptocurrencies. Coinbase Wallet supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, ether, litecoin and many others. This extensive support allows users to store and manage multiple digital assets in a single wallet, eliminating the need for multiple wallets for different cryptocurrencies.
  • Enhanced security features. Security is a paramount concern when it comes to cryptocurrency wallets. Coinbase Wallet utilizes advanced security measures such as biometric authentication, two-factor authentication (2FA) and secure enclave technology to safeguard users' funds and personal information.
  • Decentralized storage. Coinbase Wallet stores users' private keys directly on their devices, ensuring full control over funds. This decentralized storage approach enhances security by reducing the risk of centralized hacking or server failures.
  • Integration with Coinbase Exchange. Coinbase Wallet seamlessly integrates with Coinbase Exchange, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges. This integration allows users to easily transfer funds between Coinbase Wallet and Coinbase Exchange accounts, providing a convenient and efficient way to manage assets.
  • DApp Browser. Coinbase Wallet features a built-in Dapp browser that enables users to access decentralized applications directly from the wallet interface. This integration makes it convenient for users to explore and interact with various blockchain-based applications without the need for additional tools or software.

Disadvantages

  • Limited customer support. Coinbase Wallet's customer support is known to be lacking in certain aspects. Some users have reported delays or difficulties in receiving timely assistance when encountering issues or inquiries. It is important for users to be aware of this potential drawback and seek alternative support channels if needed.
  • Centralized point of failure. While Coinbase Wallet stores private keys on users' devices, it is worth noting that the wallet's infrastructure and backend systems are still centralized. This means that if Coinbase's servers experience a security breach or downtime, it could potentially impact users' access to funds temporarily.
  • Dependency on Coinbase services. Coinbase Wallet's integration with Coinbase Exchange provides convenience for users who already utilize Coinbase's services. However, it also means that users are reliant on Coinbase's infrastructure and systems. If Coinbase experiences technical issues or disruptions, it could affect the functionality and availability of Coinbase Wallet.
  • Limited control over network fees. When transacting with cryptocurrencies using Coinbase Wallet, users have limited control over the network fees. The wallet automatically sets the transaction fees based on current network conditions, which may result in higher fees during periods of network congestion.
  • Not fully open source. While Coinbase Wallet is built on open-source technology, the wallet itself is not fully open source. This means that users cannot independently verify the codebase or contribute to its development. Some users prefer fully open-source wallets for increased transparency and security.