Navigate to coinbase.com and click "Get Started." Use a strong, unique email address and create a password with at least 12 characters including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

Check your email for Coinbase's verification message. Click the verification link within 10 minutes to avoid expiration. If you don't see the email, check your spam folder.

Coinbase requires identity verification for legal compliance. Upload a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Ensure the document is clear, well-lit, and all corners are visible.

Add your phone number for SMS verification. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) using Google Authenticator or Authy for maximum security. This is critical for protecting your account.

Link your bank account for the lowest fees. Coinbase uses Plaid for secure bank connections. ACH transfers take 3-5 business days but have minimal fees (typically $0.15 for transfers up to $10).

For instant purchases, add a debit card. Fees are approximately 3.99% per transaction. Only use this for urgent purchases or small amounts due to high fees.

Click "Buy & Sell" from the main dashboard. Select Bitcoin (BTC) from the cryptocurrency list. You'll see the current market price and 24-hour price change.

Enter your desired purchase amount in USD or BTC. Start with a small amount for your first purchase ($25-$100) to familiarize yourself with the process. Review the preview showing fees and final BTC amount.

Review all details: purchase amount, fees, BTC received, and payment method. Click "Buy Bitcoin" to execute. You'll receive a confirmation email and the BTC will appear in your Coinbase wallet.

Verify tamper-evident seals are intact. Check for any signs of tampering. Only buy directly from manufacturers or authorized retailers.

Follow the device setup wizard. Choose "Create New Wallet" (never use a pre-generated seed phrase). Set a strong PIN (6-8 digits).

Your device will display 12-24 words. Write these on the provided recovery sheet with a pen (never digital). Verify each word twice. This is your ultimate backup.

Store in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Consider metal backup plates for ultimate durability. Never store digitally or take photos.

Download official software from manufacturer's website. Connect your device and verify firmware authenticity. Update to latest firmware if needed.

Get the exact Bitcoin address from the recipient. Double-check every character - Bitcoin transactions are irreversible. Use QR codes when possible to avoid typos.

Open your Bitcoin wallet (hardware, software, or mobile). Find the "Send" or "Transfer" option. Some wallets call this "Pay" or use a send icon.

Paste or scan the recipient's address. Enter the amount in BTC or your local currency. Add a label/note for your records (this stays private).

Select fee priority: Economy (slower, cheaper), Standard (balanced), or Priority (faster, more expensive). Higher fees get faster confirmation times during network congestion.