Backup & Recovery
Your seed phrase is the master key to your crypto. Learn how to back it up securely and recover your wallet if needed.
Critical Security Warning
- • Your seed phrase gives complete access to your funds. Anyone with it can steal everything.
- • NEVER share your seed phrase with anyone, including "support" staff.
- • NEVER enter your seed phrase on a website or send it via email/chat.
- • If you think your seed phrase is compromised, move funds to a new wallet immediately.
What is a Seed Phrase?
A seed phrase (also called recovery phrase or mnemonic) is a list of 12 or 24 words that represents your wallet's master key. From this phrase, all your private keys and addresses can be regenerated.
Example: abandon ability able about above absent absorb abstract absurd abuse access accident...
Backup Methods
Paper Backup
Write your seed phrase on paper and store in a secure location
Pros
- Free
- No technical knowledge needed
- Immune to digital attacks
Cons
- Can be damaged by fire/water
- Can fade over time
- Easy to lose
Tips:
- Use acid-free paper
- Write clearly in permanent ink
- Make multiple copies
- Store in fireproof safe
Metal Backup
Engrave or stamp your seed phrase on metal plates
Pros
- Fire resistant (up to 1500°C)
- Water resistant
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Costs $20-100
- Takes time to create
- Still needs secure storage
Tips:
- Use stainless steel or titanium
- Consider products like Cryptosteel or Billfodl
- Test readability after creation
Encrypted Digital Backup
Encrypt your seed phrase and store on multiple devices/cloud
Pros
- Easy to duplicate
- Can store offsite easily
- Quick to access
Cons
- Vulnerable to hacking if poorly encrypted
- Need to remember encryption password
- Technical knowledge required
Tips:
- Use strong encryption (AES-256)
- Never store unencrypted
- Use password manager for encryption key
- Store on multiple cloud providers
Shamir's Secret Sharing
Split your seed into multiple shares that must be combined
Pros
- No single point of failure
- Can distribute to trusted parties
- Survives loss of some shares
Cons
- Complex to set up
- Need to track multiple shares
- Recovery requires coordination
Tips:
- Use 3-of-5 split for balance
- Store shares in different locations
- Document which shares are where
How to Recover Your Wallet
Get a New Device
If your original device is lost or damaged, get a new hardware wallet or install a new software wallet.
Select 'Recover Wallet'
During setup, choose the option to recover an existing wallet rather than creating a new one.
Enter Your Seed Phrase
Carefully enter your 12 or 24 word recovery phrase in the exact order. Double-check each word.
Set New PIN/Password
Create a new PIN or password for the device. This can be different from your original.
Verify Your Balances
Check that all your accounts and balances are restored correctly. Tokens on some networks may need to be re-added manually.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing seed phrase digitally without encryption
Hackers can steal your funds if they access your device or cloud storage
Prevention: Always encrypt digital backups with a strong, unique password
Taking a photo of your seed phrase
Photos sync to cloud and can be accessed by hackers or leaked
Prevention: Never photograph your seed phrase. Write it down physically.
Storing backup in only one location
Fire, flood, or theft can destroy your only backup
Prevention: Keep at least 2-3 backups in different physical locations
Sharing seed phrase with 'support'
Scammers impersonate support to steal your phrase
Prevention: Legitimate support will NEVER ask for your seed phrase
Not testing recovery process
Discover backup is incomplete or illegible when you need it most
Prevention: Test recovery with a small amount before storing significant funds
Secure Your Crypto Today
Take 10 minutes to properly backup your seed phrase. It's the most important thing you can do to protect your funds.