How to Restore Your Coinbase Wallet with a Seed Phrase on a New Phone
If you've lost your phone or just upgraded, you don't need to worry about losing access to your cryptocurrency. Here’s a simple guide to help you restore your Coinbase Wallet on a new device using your seed phrase.
Why Your Seed Phrase Matters
Before we get into the steps, let's explain why your seed phrase is so important:
- It’s your 12- or 24-word recovery phrase that acts like a key to your wallet.
- It creates all your private keys and addresses.
- Coinbase can’t help you recover it if you lose it.
- Anyone with your seed phrase can access your funds.
What You Need to Get Started
To restore your Coinbase Wallet, you’ll need:
- Your seed phrase (12 or 24 words)
- A new smartphone (iOS or Android)
- A stable internet connection
- About 10-15 minutes of your time
Step-by-Step Guide to Restore Your Wallet
Step 1: Get the Official Coinbase Wallet App
Make sure you download the legit app:
- For iOS: Grab it from the App Store
- For Android: Download it from Google Play
⚠️ Tip: Avoid downloading wallet apps from untrusted sources or emails.
Step 2: Start the Restoration
- Open the Coinbase Wallet app you just installed.
- Tap on I already have a wallet.
- Choose Restore with recovery phrase.
Step 3: Enter Your Seed Phrase
This step is super important:
- Type the words in the correct order (Word 1, Word 2, etc.)
- Double-check your spelling and capitalization.
- Verify each word using the BIP-39 word list
- Never enter your phrase where others can see it.
? Tip: For privacy, try entering the phrase in a secluded spot.
Step 4: Set Up Security Features
Once you've verified the phrase:
- Create a new 6-digit PIN.
- Turn on biometric authentication (like Face ID or fingerprint).
- Check and adjust your security settings.
Step 5: Confirm Your Wallet Is Restored
Make sure everything looks good:
- Check your balance.
- Look over transaction history.
- Verify any connected apps.
- You can try a small transaction if you want.
Common Issues and Solutions
Problem | Solution |
---|---|
Invalid recovery phrase error | Check the order and spelling of your words. Look for extra spaces. |
Missing tokens | Manually add custom tokens under Settings → Add Tokens. |
No transaction history showing | Wait 15 minutes or restart the app. |
Biometric authentication not working | Reset your security settings or use your PIN for now. |
Wallet shows a zero balance | Look your address up on a blockchain explorer. |
Best Security Practices Post-Restoration
- Never digitize your seed phrase (no photos, cloud storage, or emails).
- Keep multiple physical copies somewhere safe.
- Think about a metal backup for protection against fire or water.
- Enable all security features in the app.
- Check your backup once a year to make sure it’s still good.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I restore my wallet without the seed phrase?
> No. You need the seed phrase to recover a non-custodial wallet. Coinbase can’t get it back for you.
2. What happens if I type the wrong seed phrase?
> Your wallet will seem empty or give an error. You’ll need to restart the process with the correct phrase.
3. Will my NFTs be restored?
> Yep, all your assets linked to your wallet address will be available after restoration.
4. Can I use the same wallet on different devices?
> You can, but it’s not the best idea for security. Conflicts might happen with transactions.
5. How often should I check my seed phrase backup?
> At least once a year to make sure you can still access it.
6. What's the difference between 12-word and 24-word phrases?
> Both are secure, but 24-word phrases offer a bit more security. Restoring is the same for both.
7. Can I change my seed phrase after restoring?
> Not directly. You’d need to set up a new wallet and move your funds.
Restoring to a Hardware Wallet
If you’re switching to a hardware wallet:
- Set up your hardware device.
- Choose Restore existing wallet.
- Enter your Coinbase Wallet seed phrase.
- Follow the specific instructions for your device.
Final Security Checklist
✔ Your seed phrase is stored safely in multiple spots.
✔ Your new device is updated with the latest security patches.
✔ All wallet security features are active.
✔ You’ve confirmed a small test transaction.
✔ Your old device (if you have it) is secured.
When to Reach Out for Help
Get in touch with Coinbase Wallet support if you face:
- Frequent crashes in the app during restoration.
- Your correct seed phrase isn't working.
- You think your wallet has been accessed without permission.
Just a reminder: They can’t recover your seed phrase or bypass security.
In Conclusion
Restoring your Coinbase Wallet with your seed phrase is pretty straightforward if you follow these steps. By keeping your seed phrase safe and following good security practices, you can make sure your crypto stays protected, no matter what happens with your devices.
Always remember: Your seed phrase is your crypto. Treat it like cash, because knowing those words means owning the assets.
https://onedesigns.com/support/topic/how-to-recover-coinbase-wallet-step-by-step-guide-2025/
https://vocal.media/lifehack/how-do-i-recover-my-coinbase-wallet
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/coinbase-wallet-recovery-5-ways-restore-access-without-sumerlin-n6ape
https://theprome.com/read-blog/22019_quick-ways-to-withdraw-money-from-coinbase-wallet.html
https://theprome.com/read-blog/22020_coinbase-wallet-to-cash-ways-to-withdraw-your-crypto.html
https://theprome.com/read-blog/22023_how-to-set-up-coinbase-wallet-on-a-new-phone.html
https://theprome.com/read-blog/22024_backup-amp-restore-coinbase-wallet-keep-your-crypto-safe.html
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