If you're unable to swap cryptocurrencies on Coinbase Wallet, several common issues could be preventing the transaction. Below, we’ll explore these reasons in detail and provide actionable solutions.
Common Reasons Swaps Fail on Coinbase Wallet
1. Price Volatility
Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, and exchange rates can shift rapidly during a swap. If the price difference becomes too significant, the transaction may fail.
Solution: Wait 60 seconds or more before retrying to allow the system to stabilize.
2. Insufficient Network Fees
Blockchain transactions require gas fees (network fees). If fees are too low, the swap may not process.
Solution:
- Check the gas fee associated with the swap.
- Ensure your wallet balance covers both the swap amount and the transaction fee.
3. Network Congestion
High traffic on the blockchain (e.g., Ethereum during NFT drops) can delay transactions.
Solution:
- Retry during off-peak hours.
- Verify the selected network in your wallet supports the cryptocurrencies being swapped.
4. Technical Glitches
Occasional app bugs or connectivity issues can interrupt swaps.
Solution:
- Close and reopen Coinbase Wallet.
- Ensure a stable internet connection.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check Wallet Balance: Confirm you have enough crypto for the swap + fees.
- Verify Network Compatibility: Ensure both tokens are supported on the selected blockchain (e.g., ERC-20 for Ethereum).
- Adjust Gas Fees: Increase gas fees slightly if transactions are pending.
- Restart the App: Force-quit and relaunch Coinbase Wallet.
👉 Learn how to optimize gas fees for swaps
FAQs
Why does my Coinbase Wallet swap keep failing?
Most failures occur due to price volatility, low gas fees, or network congestion. Follow the troubleshooting steps above.
How long should I wait before retrying a failed swap?
Wait at least 60 seconds to allow price stabilization.
Can I swap any cryptocurrency in Coinbase Wallet?
No—only tokens supported by the selected network (e.g., Ethereum, Polygon) can be swapped.
Conclusion
Swapping crypto on Coinbase Wallet is usually seamless, but external factors like volatility, fees, and congestion can cause hiccups. By understanding these issues and applying the fixes outlined, you’ll improve swap success rates.