Welcome — How to sign in and manage your crypto safely
This page is an independent guide that helps you sign in to Coinbase securely and manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies with best-practice security habits. It does not collect or transmit any credentials — the button in the sidebar opens the official Coinbase sign-in page in a new tab. Below you'll find a clear security checklist, step-by-step sign-in notes, and links to trusted resources.
Before you sign in: quick security checklist
- Confirm the URL in your browser is
https://www.coinbase.comand the certificate is valid. - Never enter your password on links sent via email or social media — type the site address yourself or use a bookmark.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) — use an authenticator app (TOTP) rather than SMS where possible.
- Consider a hardware wallet for long-term Bitcoin storage and keep only trading funds on exchanges.
- Verify emails and notifications using official support pages; double-check any withdrawal requests.
Step-by-step: signing into Coinbase safely
1) Open your browser and navigate to the official Coinbase site. If using a search engine, confirm the result points to coinbase.com.
2) Check the SSL padlock in the address bar and inspect the certificate issuer. 3) Enter your credentials only on the official sign-in page and complete your chosen 2FA method.
4) After login, review your recent activity and device list under account settings to spot unknown logins.
Protecting your holdings
Exchanges like Coinbase are convenient for trading, but they are custodial services — the exchange controls the private keys unless you withdraw to your own wallet. For significant holdings consider moving assets to a non-custodial wallet where you control the keys. Hardware wallets (cold storage) such as Ledger or Trezor reduce exposure to online attacks and phishing.
Understanding phishing and scams
Phishing attempts often imitate exchange branding and ask you to "confirm your login" or "verify a withdrawal." Never follow login prompts from email links. Bookmark official pages and use them directly. If you suspect an email is fake, forward it to the service's official support channels for verification.
Two-factor authentication: what to use
Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator) for TOTP codes rather than SMS. Authenticator apps are less susceptible to SIM swap attacks. If you use a password manager, store your recovery codes in a secure location (not the same device that holds your login session).
When to use a hardware wallet
A hardware wallet is recommended when you hold significant amounts of Bitcoin or long-term crypto. Hardware wallets store private keys offline; you sign transactions on the device itself. For active trading you may keep a small balance on an exchange, but consider transferring larger sums to cold storage.
Account recovery and support
Keep recovery information current and enable account activity notifications. If you lose access, follow the official recovery flow on the exchange and contact support only via official channels. Be wary of third-party "recovery services" that request seed phrases or account credentials — legitimate support will never ask for full private keys.
Further reading and resources
The links in the sidebar provide official Coinbase pages and reputable external resources to learn more about wallets, explorers, and safety.