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What a seed phrase is

A seed phrase is a list of 12 or 24 words that can rebuild your crypto wallet on any device. Whoever has the words has the money.

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Make a group cardNotes and money, in one link.

seed phrase
The words that rebuild a wallet.
Secret Recovery Phrase
MetaMask's name for it.
private key
The key for one address, made from the seed phrase.

Where the words come from

Most wallets follow a standard called BIP-39. The words come from a fixed list of 2,048, picked at random when the wallet is made.

Source: BIP-39.

What it can do

  • Rebuild the wallet on a new phone.
  • Bring back every address the wallet made.
  • Move every coin, without your password.

How to store it

  • Write it on paper, in order, and check each word.
  • Keep it somewhere a fire or a flood will not reach. A metal plate is sold for this.
  • No photo, no cloud note, no email to yourself.
  • Tell one person you trust where it is.

Requests to refuse

  • Support asking for it. Real support never does.
  • A site asking you to type it to claim an airdrop.
  • A QR code or form that wants it to fix your wallet.

If someone else has seen it

Make a new wallet with a new phrase, and move everything to it at once. The old phrase cannot be changed.

Seed phrases and tbfcrypto

Paying into a card or claiming one never needs your seed phrase. You sign with your wallet.

The front of the card

For Mo · Thank you · 2 October

Collection pot4 people chipped in 90 USDG

  • Thank you for sitting with Dad until his wallet worked.

    Zainab

  • He wrote the words down twice. Proud of him.

    Yusuf

  • A small thanks for a big afternoon.

    0xfatima

Robinhood Chain

An example card. The names are made up.

Questions

What is a seed phrase?

12 or 24 words that can rebuild your crypto wallet.

Is a seed phrase the same as a password?

No. A password unlocks the app on one device. The seed phrase rebuilds the wallet anywhere.

Where should I keep my seed phrase?

On paper or metal, offline, somewhere safe from fire and flood.

Can I change my seed phrase?

No. Make a new wallet and move everything to it.

Will a wallet company ever ask for it?

No. Anyone who asks is trying to take your money.

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