Lesson 3: The words that rebuild your keys | Baskin Logic Crypto Academy

A seed phrase is a list of ordinary words that can rebuild the keys. If someone copies the words, they can rebuild the keys too.

Write them down once. Keep them off a screen if you can. No helper, shop, or school needs those words. Not in Cozumel. Not anywhere.

The words are the backup. The school does not tell you which product to use. The school does not tell you what to buy.

Key terms

Seed phrase: A seed phrase is a list of 12 to 24 ordinary words that can rebuild your crypto wallet.
Lost seed phrase: A lost seed phrase means the backup words for a self-custody wallet are gone.
Private key: A private key is a secret number that proves you own the crypto at an address and lets you sign payments from it.
Keeping crypto safe: Keeping crypto safe means protecting your keys, accounts and devices.

Five questions from this lesson. Your score stays on this device.

Show the answers

A list of ordinary words that can rebuild your keys. A seed phrase is a list of ordinary words, usually 12 or 24, that can rebuild your keys.
Rebuild your keys. Copying the words lets someone rebuild the keys and take control.
Written down, off a screen. Write the words down once and keep them off a screen if you can.
No one. No helper, shop or school needs those words. Not anywhere.
It is the backup. The words are the backup that can rebuild your wallet.

Written and reviewed by Joshua Baskin, founder. Last reviewed October 2, 2026. How we check facts · Report an error

This lesson explains a basic idea and does not quote outside figures. Terms follow our glossary, and rule pages link to the official text.