Seed Phrases and Backups

8 min readarticleIncludes quiz · 5 questions

Your 12–24 word seed (also called a recovery phrase) can recreate your entire wallet on any compatible app or hardware device. Treat it like the master key to your money.

Simple definitions (plain English):

  • •Seed phrase: The 12–24 words that can recreate all your wallet addresses and funds.
  • •Backup: A safe copy of those words so you can recover after loss/theft/damage.
  • •Recovery: The process of restoring a wallet using the seed in a new app/device.
  • •Passphrase (25th word): Optional extra secret that creates a different hidden wallet when combined with the seed.
  • •Metal backup: Your seed stamped into steel so it survives fire and water.

Golden rules (remember these):

  • •Never type your seed into a website, chat, or support form—ever.
  • •Never take photos or store it in cloud notes/screenshots.
  • •Write it down clearly, in order, with correct spelling.
  • •Keep at least two backups in different safe places.
  • •Anyone with the seed can move your funds.
Paper vs Metal Backups
Paper vs Metal Backups

How to back up safely (step‑by‑step):

1) When your wallet shows the 12–24 words, ensure no cameras or people are around. 2) Write the words in order. Double‑check spelling. 3) Make a second backup (paper or metal). Store it in a separate place. 4) Add an app PIN and strong device passcode. 5) Do a tiny test: restore the seed on a spare device or fresh app (offline if possible) and verify a receive address matches.

Do’s and Don’ts:

Do

  • •Consider a metal backup for long‑term savings.
  • •Keep seed and optional passphrase in different places.
  • •Periodically check that you can still read your handwriting.

Don’t

  • •Share the seed with 'support'—real support will never ask.
  • •Enter the seed on unknown computers or browser extensions.
  • •Store the seed in email, cloud drives, or messenger apps.

About passphrases (optional):

  • •Seed + passphrase = a different wallet.
  • •Lose the passphrase and funds in that wallet are gone—even if you still have the seed.
  • •Only use a passphrase if you can back it up safely and remember exact capitalization/spaces.

Common recovery mistakes (and fixes):

  • •Wrong word order → Carefully re‑enter in exact order.
  • •Misspelled word → BIP39 word list is fixed; correct spelling matters.
  • •Using the wrong app → Restore into a compatible BIP39 wallet, check derivation paths if needed.
  • •Forgetting a passphrase → Funds are unrecoverable; avoid casual passphrase use if you cannot secure it.

Test Your Knowledge

This lesson includes a 5-question quiz (passing score: 75%).

Quiz functionality available in the mobile app.