Coinbase QR codes are usually wallet addresses or payment destinations. Treat every scan as a money movement step, because crypto transfers can be irreversible once confirmed.
Quick answer
To scan a QR code before sending crypto in the Coinbase app, start a send flow, choose the asset and amount, choose the network, then scan the recipient's QR code when Coinbase asks for the recipient. Before you confirm, verify the asset, network, address, amount, and recipient. To receive crypto, open the receive flow, choose the asset and network, then show or copy the QR code and address.
Visual reference: Coinbase product screenshot from the Coinbase blog announcement about send and receive improvements.
First, know what kind of Coinbase QR code you are scanning
Not every QR code in a crypto workflow means the same thing.
| QR code type | What it usually contains | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Receive QR code | A wallet address for one asset and network | Asset, network, address, memo or tag if required |
| Send recipient QR code | The recipient address inside a send flow | Recipient, network, amount, fee, final address |
| Coinbase Wallet QR code | A self-custody wallet address or Wallet app flow | Whether you are using Coinbase app or Coinbase Wallet |
| Login or security QR code | Authentication or device linking | Only scan inside the official Coinbase flow |
| Random QR code online | Unknown destination | Do not scan for payment unless you trust the source |
If you are not sure what a QR code represents, stop before confirming a transaction.
How to scan a QR code to send crypto in Coinbase
Use this when someone gives you a Coinbase-compatible receive QR code.
- Open the Coinbase mobile app.
- Select the pay or transfer area.
- Choose the asset you want to send.
- Enter the amount.
- Select the network Coinbase asks you to use.
- When Coinbase asks for the recipient, choose the scan option or camera icon.
- Scan the recipient's QR code.
- Compare the scanned address with the recipient's address if they provided it separately.
- Confirm the network matches the recipient's wallet.
- Review the amount, network fee, and destination.
- Send only after everything matches.
Coinbase says the recipient can be selected by contact, QR scan, email, phone number, crypto address, or ENS name. The QR scan is just one way to enter the recipient. It does not remove the need to check the transaction.
How to show your Coinbase QR code to receive crypto
Use this when you want someone else to send crypto to you.
- Open Coinbase.
- Choose the receive crypto flow.
- Select the asset you want to receive.
- Select the network if Coinbase asks for one.
- Let Coinbase show your QR code and wallet address.
- Share the QR code or copy the address.
- If Coinbase shows a destination tag or memo, share that too.
- Ask the sender to verify the asset and network before sending.
Coinbase's help center says the QR code and crypto address populate after you select the asset and network. For some assets, a destination tag or memo may also be required.
Coinbase app vs Coinbase Wallet
Coinbase and Coinbase Wallet are different products.
| Product | Use it for | QR code caution |
|---|---|---|
| Coinbase app | Buying, selling, sending, and receiving through Coinbase | Follow Coinbase app send or receive prompts |
| Coinbase Wallet | Self-custody wallet activity | You control the wallet, so wrong-address mistakes are your responsibility |
If a guide says "Coinbase Wallet," do not assume the same buttons exist in the main Coinbase app. Open the product you actually use and follow that product's receive or send flow.
Safety checklist before you confirm
Check these items every time:
- The asset is correct, for example BTC, ETH, SOL, or USDC.
- The network is correct, for example Ethereum, Base, Solana, or Bitcoin.
- The recipient address matches what you expected.
- Any required memo or destination tag is included.
- The amount is correct.
- The fee is acceptable.
- The QR code came from the real recipient or official app.
- You are not scanning a QR code from a screenshot, email, or website you do not trust.
Send a small test transfer first when the amount is meaningful and the recipient supports that workflow.
Common Coinbase QR problems
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| QR code will not scan | Clean the screen or camera, increase brightness, and use the copy address fallback |
| Coinbase warns about network mismatch | Stop and ask the recipient which network to use |
| Address changes after scanning | Do not send until you confirm the address source |
| Asset needs a memo or tag | Include the memo or tag exactly as Coinbase displays it |
| You scanned a suspicious QR code | Close the flow and start again from the official Coinbase app |
Where a business card QR code fits
Do not put a raw crypto payment QR code on a general business card unless the card is clearly for payments. A normal networking card should usually send people to a profile, menu, invoice page, or contact page. If you accept crypto, link to clear payment instructions from that profile instead of mixing payment scans with contact sharing.
Zapped can keep your general contact QR code separate from payment links, booking links, social profiles, and lead forms.
FAQs
Can I scan a QR code on Coinbase to send crypto?
Yes. Coinbase says the mobile send flow can use a recipient QR code, but you should still verify the address, network, amount, and recipient before confirming.
Where do I find my Coinbase receive QR code?
Open the receive crypto flow, choose the asset, choose the network if prompted, and Coinbase will show the QR code and address.
Is a Coinbase QR code always safe?
No. A QR code is only a way to enter data. It can still point to the wrong address, wrong network, or a malicious destination.
What happens if I send to the wrong network?
Crypto sent to the wrong network or address can be difficult or impossible to recover. Stop if you are unsure and ask the recipient to confirm the correct asset and network.
Sources
- Coinbase Help, steps to send crypto for the Coinbase mobile send flow and recipient QR scan context.
- Coinbase Help, steps to receive crypto for the receive flow, QR code, address, network, and memo/tag guidance.
- Coinbase Help, your crypto addresses for wallet address and QR code behavior.
- Coinbase Help, Coinbase Wallet send and receive for Coinbase Wallet receive QR context.
- Coinbase Blog, Coinbase makes sending and receiving crypto even easier for the product screenshot used as a visual reference.
- Zapped digital business card features for keeping payment links separate from general contact sharing.
