How to Restore Your Coinbase Wallet on a New Phone

If you've lost your phone or just got a new one, you can still access your crypto. This guide shows you how to restore your Coinbase Wallet using your recovery phrase, which is the only way to get back your funds.

Steps to Restore Your Wallet

Step 1: Download the Coinbase Wallet App

For iOS: Go to the App Store, search for Coinbase Wallet, and tap Get.

For Android: Open Google Play, search for Coinbase Wallet, and click Install.

Step 2: Open the App & Choose Recovery

Launch the app and tap I already have a wallet (or Restore with recovery phrase).

Don’t choose Create new wallet, or you’ll just end up with an empty wallet.

Step 3: Enter Your 12-Word Recovery Phrase

Type in your words in the right order into the fields.

Tips:

✅ Double-check the spelling and capitalization.
✅ Ensure the words are in the correct order.
❌ Don’t use screenshots or copy-paste; it’s a security risk.

Step 4: Set Up Security

Create a new 6-digit PIN or enable biometrics (Face ID/Touch ID/Fingerprint).

This replaces your old security from your previous phone.

Step 5: Verify That It Worked

Look over your wallet:

Check your balances (it might take a few minutes to show).
Review your transaction history.
Check connected dApps/DeFi platforms.

You might want to send a small test transaction to ensure everything is working.

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem	Solution
Invalid phrase error	Double-check your typing. Use a word list for help if needed.
Missing funds	Make sure you’re restoring the right wallet. Check a blockchain explorer for your balance.
Transaction history not showing	It takes a bit to sync. Wait a few minutes or restart the app.
Biometrics don’t work	Re-enable the option in Settings > Security, or use your PIN instead.

FAQs: Restoring Coinbase Wallet

1. Can I restore without my recovery phrase?
> No. That phrase is your only backup. Coinbase doesn’t save it and won’t help you if you lose it.

2. What happens if I mess up the phrase?
> You’ll see an invalid phrase error. Just try entering it again. If you get it wrong five times, restart the app.

3. Can I use the same wallet on two phones?
> Yes, but not at the same time. Restoring to a new phone doesn’t delete the old wallet, so move funds first if needed.

4. Why do my tokens not show up?
> - Tokens on unsupported networks might not show automatically. You can add them manually.
> - If it’s just taking time to sync, refresh your balance by pulling down.

5. Is my recovery phrase limited to one blockchain?
> No. It works for all assets across different networks linked to that phrase.

6. Can I change my recovery phrase?
> Not directly. Create a new wallet, move your funds, and save the new phrase.

7. What if I lost my old phone?
> Restore on your new device as soon as you can. If your old phone was unlocked, consider moving your funds to a new wallet.

8. Does this affect my Coinbase exchange account?
> No, the Coinbase Wallet is separate from your exchange account. Your login details for the exchange won’t change.

Security Tips

Keep your recovery phrases somewhere safe, like on a metal plate or fireproof paper.
Don’t save them online, in emails, or in photos.
Try restoring from a small wallet first so you get the hang of it.
Consider using a hardware wallet for extra security.

What Coinbase Can & Can’t Do