Topic
What is a seed phrase?
Last reviewed:
- Quick fact 1
A seed phrase is usually 12 or 24 words that can rebuild your crypto wallet.
Source: BIP-39, Mnemonic code for generating deterministic keys
- Quick fact 2
Anyone who has your seed phrase can take everything in that wallet.
Source: SEC Investor Bulletin, Crypto Asset Custody Basics for Retail Investors (Dec 12, 2025)
- Quick fact 3
No company, app, or support agent can reset it for you.
Source: SEC Investor Bulletin, Crypto Asset Custody Basics for Retail Investors (Dec 12, 2025)
The short lesson
When you set up a self-custody crypto wallet, it shows you a list of ordinary words, usually 12 or 24. That list is your seed phrase, sometimes called a recovery phrase.
Your seed phrase is the master key to your wallet. If your phone breaks or you delete the app, you can type the seed phrase into a new wallet and get everything back. That's its job.
But that power works for anyone. If a stranger gets your seed phrase, they can open your wallet on their own device and move everything out. There's no "forgot password" button, and nobody can reverse it.
How beginners keep it safe:
- Write it down on paper or metal. Keep it somewhere private and safe from fire and water.
- Don't store it online. No photos, screenshots, emails, cloud notes, or chat messages.
- Never share it. Not with support staff, a friend online, or a "wallet verification" website.
- Check the order. The words only work in the exact order shown.
Here's the most important rule: nobody real will ever ask for your seed phrase. Not a wallet company, an exchange, or a government agency. If someone asks for it, it's a scam, every time.
Related terms
Go deeper in Lesson 3: The words that can rebuild your keys
Common questions
Is a seed phrase the same as a password?
No. A password can usually be reset. A seed phrase can't be reset, and it gives full control of the wallet to whoever has it.
Will customer support ever ask for my seed phrase?
No. Real support never needs it. Anyone asking for it is trying to steal from you.
What happens if I lose my seed phrase?
If you still have access to the wallet, back it up again right away. If you lose both the device and the seed phrase, the crypto is usually gone for good.
Where should I keep my seed phrase?
Offline, written on paper or metal, in a private and safe place. Never in photos, email, or cloud storage.