Seed Phrase

A seed phrase (also called a recovery phrase or mnemonic) is a list of ordinary words, usually 12 or 24, that a crypto wallet uses to generate all of its private keys. Anyone who has the words, in the right order, can recreate the wallet on any device and move every coin in it.

How it works

Most wallets follow a widely used standard called BIP-39, which defines a list of 2,048 words. The wallet picks words from that list using a strong random number, so the phrase encodes a huge secret in a form people can write down without typos. Each word represents 11 bits of the secret, and the last word includes a checksum, so wallets can detect most mistakes when you type a phrase back in.

From that single seed, the wallet mathematically derives as many private keys and addresses as it needs. That is why one backup protects an entire wallet, across every coin it supports.

Keeping it safe

• Write it down on paper or metal, in order, and check each word.
• Never store it digitally: no photos, cloud notes, password-manager sync, or email drafts.
• Never type it into a website or share it with anyone. No legitimate company will ask for it.
• Store it where fire, water, and visitors can’t reach it. Some people keep a second copy in a separate secure location.

Some wallets let you add an optional extra word (a passphrase) to the seed. It adds protection but also means forgetting the passphrase locks you out permanently.

Why it matters

Because a seed phrase is total control, it is the main target of crypto scams. Fake support agents, fake wallet updates, and fake “verification” pages all exist to get you to reveal it.

Related: Crypto Wallets and Private Keys