Login Guide — Fast, Safe, and Focused

What this guide covers

This page walks you through the Coinbase Pro login flow for desktop and mobile, two-factor authentication (2FA) setup and recovery, how to recognize and avoid phishing, and targeted troubleshooting for the most common issues that actually block access. This is not generic marketing copy — each step is actionable and written so you can follow it now.

Before you start: checklist

• Confirm you are on the official Coinbase Pro page or app (URL and app store publisher checked).
• Have your registered email and password ready.
• If you enabled 2FA, have your authenticator app or security key available.
• Know the device you used to create the account — Coinbase sometimes prompts extra verification from unknown devices.

Step-by-step — Desktop web login

1. Open your browser and go to pro.coinbase.com. Look for the secure padlock in the address bar and a matching domain.
2. Click Sign In. Enter the email address you used to register and your password.
3. If you get prompted to approve a new device, follow the email link or mobile prompt Coinbase sends you — this verifies the login attempt.
4. Complete 2FA: enter the code from your authenticator app or insert and tap your FIDO2 security key if you use one.
5. Once signed in, review the account activity panel for unfamiliar logins — immediate alerts mean someone else tried to access your account.

Step-by-step — Mobile app login

Coinbase Pro uses the Coinbase app ecosystem. The steps below apply to the official Coinbase/Pro apps on iOS and Android.

1. Open the app. Tap Sign In and enter your email and password.
2. Watch for device approval emails; tap the verification link if requested.
3. Complete 2FA inside the app or with your external authenticator. Some devices support push approval instead of entering codes.
4. If biometrics (Face ID / fingerprint) are enabled, you may be able to unlock the app quickly after the first full sign-in.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) — make it reliable

2FA is the single best defense for account takeover. Coinbase Pro supports authenticator apps and hardware security keys. Avoid SMS-based 2FA when possible because SIM-swapping attacks can defeat it.

• Authenticator apps: Authy, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator. Back up secrets (Authy gives encrypted backups).
• Hardware keys: YubiKey and other FIDO2 devices — they provide phishing-resistant protection.
• Recovery codes: Store recovery codes offline in a secure place (password manager with offline export, encrypted USB, or paper in a safe).

Troubleshooting common login problems

Below are focused fixes for the exact messages or behaviours people actually see.

“Incorrect password” or “No account found”

• Passwords are case-sensitive. Try copy-pasting from your password manager rather than typing.
• Check for extra spaces before or after the email or password field (especially when auto-filled).
• If you've changed your email address with Coinbase support, try both old and new addresses or check your inbox for change confirmations.
• Reset password using the official reset link only from the Coinbase domain.

Stuck at device approval or verification email

• Check spam and focus inboxes; approval emails sometimes land in secondary folders.
• Use the same browser and device you originally used to set up the account — this reduces friction.
• If you cannot access the approval email, Coinbase offers identity verification flows; be ready to provide documents.

2FA codes not working

• Confirm your device clock is accurate — authenticator codes depend on time sync.
• If you lost your authenticator, use your saved recovery codes or the account recovery process (expect identity checks).

Security checklist after login

• Review recent sessions and IP addresses in your Coinbase Pro settings.
• Revoke any unknown API keys or connected apps immediately — API keys can move funds if permitted.
• Enable account notifications for withdrawals and new device sign-ins.
• Use a strong, unique password stored in a reputable password manager.

Recognize and avoid phishing

Phishing is the top cause of account compromise. Don’t click links in unsolicited messages and never enter credentials on a page that isn’t the official domain.

• Check the full URL for subtle misspellings (for example, lookalike domains where letters are replaced).
• When in doubt, type pro.coinbase.com directly into your browser rather than following email links.
• Coinbase support will never ask for your password — if someone requests it, treat it as a scam.

If you can’t recover access

Document checklist for recovery requests:

• Photo of government-issued ID (passport/driver’s license).
• Selfie matching ID if requested by support.
• Proof of address only if requested.

FAQ — fast answers

• Can Coinbase Pro lock my account? Yes, if suspicious activity is detected. Contact support and follow their verification steps.
• Is biometric login safe? Biometric unlock adds convenience but keep 2FA and strong passwords as the primary protections.
• Should I store crypto on Coinbase Pro? For trading and short-term holding it’s convenient. For long-term custody, consider cold storage where you control private keys.

Advanced: API keys, programmatic access, and sessions

Traders and bots often use API keys to access Coinbase Pro programmatically. API keys are powerful — they can read balances and, if permitted, place orders or withdraw. Treat API keys like credentials:

• Create keys with the minimum required permissions (principle of least privilege).
• Store API secrets in an encrypted vault; never paste them into chat or public code.
• Rotate keys periodically and delete keys that are no longer used.
• Monitor API activity logs for unexpected endpoints or unusual request rates.

Corporate and team accounts

Teams that trade professionally should centralize security practices: use dedicated workstations, restrict API permissions per user, require hardware security keys for administrative access, and track who can perform withdrawals. Maintain an incident response plan that ties roles to actions (who contacts support, who revokes keys, who communicates with legal). Documentation and rehearsed procedures shorten recovery time during an incident.

Password change checklist

When changing your password, follow this checklist to avoid being locked out:

• Confirm you have access to your recovery email and 2FA method before changing the password.
• Update password in your password manager immediately after the change.
• Sign out other sessions if you suspect compromise.
• Re-authenticate any connected services that use OAuth or API tokens which may be invalidated.

Realistic expectations for account recovery

Recovering a locked or inaccessible account is often a manual process. Coinbase may require identity verification and review, which can vary from a few hours for simple cases to days when additional checks are needed. Provide clear images, accurate metadata (exact name and date of birth), and respond promptly to support requests — this materially reduces back-and-forth and accelerates resolution.