Seed Phrase (Recovery Phrase)
Overview
A Seed Phrase, also known as a recovery phrase or mnemonic phrase, is a sequence of 12, 18, or 24 simple words generated by a cryptocurrency wallet during setup. It acts as the master backup key that allows users to restore and access all their private keys and digital assets on any compatible device.
How It Works
Seed phrases conform to standard BIP-39 protocols, which map a long random number (entropy) generated by the wallet to a specific list of 2,048 english words. Because humans are prone to making mistakes when copying binary code or hexadecimal private keys, a list of words is much easier to write down and verify.
Security Best Practices
Anyone who obtains a seed phrase has complete control over the associated funds. Therefore, it must be stored securely offline (e.g., written on paper or stamped on metal) and never saved digitally on any internet-connected device or shared with anyone under any circumstances.