A seed phrase, also called a recovery phrase, is usually a list of 12 or 24 ordinary words that backs up every key in your crypto walletCrypto walletAn app or device that holds the keys to your crypto and lets you receive, store and send it.. All the private keysPrivate keyA secret number that proves you own the crypto in your wallet. Whoever holds the private key controls the crypto. in the wallet can be calculated from the words. So the phrase is a backup of the entire wallet: whoever has the words has the crypto.
How does a seed phrase work?
Most wallets follow a standard called BIP-39, which uses a list of 2,048 words, usually in English. When you create a wallet, it picks words from the list at random. The order of the words matters. The last word also works as a kind of check digit, so the wallet can tell if a word is mistyped.
If your phone is lost or your hardware walletHardware walletA small device that keeps private keys offline and signs transactions inside the device, so the keys never reach your computer or phone. breaks, you type the words into a new wallet and everything comes back. The phrase is like a master key to a house: one key that opens every door.
How should you store it?
- Write the words on paper, or on a metal plate that survives fire and water, and keep it somewhere safe.
- Never store them digitally. No screenshots, no email, no cloud and no notes app.
- Never share them. No legitimate service will ask for your seed phrase, whether it is a wallet or a support team. Anyone who asks is trying to steal from you. Read about PhishingPhishingA scam where criminals pretend to be a trusted company or authority to get you to hand over passwords, card details or your seed phrase..
- Think about your family. If nobody else knows where the words are, your heirs can't reach the crypto.
If you keep crypto with a CustodianCustodianA company that holds crypto and the keys to it on behalf of customers, such as a licensed crypto exchange., you don't get a seed phrase. The custodian manages the keys.
Everything in Myntkaup Learn is written and regularly reviewed by the Myntkaup editorial team. It is for education and is not investment advice. Editorial policy. Updated 18 October 2026.