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Blockchain
What is Seed Phrase?
A series of 12-24 words that serves as the master backup for a cryptocurrency wallet, from which all private keys can be regenerated.
Also known as: Recovery Phrase, Mnemonic Phrase
Your seed phrase IS your wallet. Anyone who has it has full access to your funds.
How It Works
- Based on BIP-39 standard (for Bitcoin-derived wallets)
- Words are selected from a standardized list of 2,048 words
- The phrase deterministically generates all your private keys
- 12 words = 128 bits of entropy; 24 words = 256 bits
Security Rules
- Never store digitally: No photos, no notes app, no cloud storage
- Write on paper or metal: Paper in a fireproof safe; metal plates survive fires
- Never share: No legitimate service will ever ask for your seed phrase
- Split storage: Consider Shamir's Secret Sharing for high-value wallets
- Test recovery: Verify you can restore the wallet before depending on the backup
Common Scams
- "Enter your seed phrase to verify your wallet" — ALWAYS a scam
- Fake wallet apps that harvest seed phrases
- Phishing emails claiming your wallet needs "re-verification"
- Social engineering targeting seed phrases is the #1 crypto theft method
Related Terms
Non-Custodial Wallet
A cryptocurrency wallet where only you hold the private keys, giving you full control over your funds without trusting a third party.
Shamir's Secret Sharing
A cryptographic method for splitting a secret into multiple parts so that a defined threshold of parts are needed to reconstruct it.
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