Seed phrase

A seed phrase is a series of words that gives you full access to your crypto wallet. You can use these words to restore a wallet if you lose your device or password.

What is a seed phrase?

A seed phrase usually consists of 12 to 24 randomly selected English words. The order matters: only the right words in the right order give you access.

The seed phrase is created when you set up a new crypto wallet. It’s used to generate your private keys. These are digital keys that prove the crypto in the wallet belongs to you and let you approve transactions.

Never share your seed phrase with anyone. Whoever has the words can control the wallet and the crypto in it. So store the words somewhere safe and offline, such as on a piece of paper in a safe.

An example of a seed phrase

Suppose your phone with your crypto wallet on it breaks. You install the same wallet app on a new device and choose to restore an existing wallet.

If you enter the seed phrase correctly, you’ll regain access to your wallet and funds. Without the right words, or with the words in the wrong order, you won’t be able to restore it.

Why is a seed phrase important in crypto?

A seed phrase gives you a lot of control, but it also comes with a big risk. If you lose it, you may never be able to access your crypto again. If you think someone has seen or stolen the words, you can create a new wallet and move your crypto to it.

Messages about crypto wallets may mention a seed phrase when you set up, restore, or import a wallet. That doesn’t mean you should give the words to an app, an employee, or anyone else. Those words are for you alone.

With a non-custodial wallet, you manage access yourself. That’s different from just logging in with an email address and password: the seed phrase remains the main way to restore your wallet.