A seed phrase, also called a recovery phrase, is a backup for a cryptocurrency wallet. A common BIP-39 phrase contains 12 or 24 words selected from a standard wordlist. Those words encode the information used to derive the wallet\u2019s seed and master private key, from which its accounts and addresses can be recreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The phrase is not just a reminder or a password reset token. Anyone who obtains it can restore a compatible wallet and control the associated funds, often without needing access to your phone or computer. Transactions on a blockchain are generally irreversible, so a stolen phrase can be costly even if the original device remains in your possession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Write the words in the correct order and keep the backup offline, for example on paper stored securely or on a durable metal backup. Consider hazards such as fire, water and theft when deciding where to keep it. A carefully protected second offline copy can help if the first is destroyed, but every copy needs the same level of protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Never photograph the phrase, save it in cloud storage, type it into a website or share it with anyone. Genuine wallet or exchange support will not ask for your recovery words. If someone says they need the phrase to verify an account, fix a wallet or release funds, treat that request as a warning sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some wallets also support an optional BIP-39 passphrase, sometimes called a 25th word. It is separate from the recovery phrase and can be more than one word. The exact passphrase is needed along with the phrase to recover the corresponding wallet; losing it can mean losing access. Learn how your wallet handles recovery before relying on this option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n