en
Your seed phrase is the most important thing in self-custody. Here's what it is and how to protect it. Learn the key concepts, practical steps and risks to.
A seed phrase, also called a recovery phrase or backup phrase, is a sequence of words that compatible wallets can use to derive and restore wallet keys. Anyone who obtains it may be able to control the associated assets.
Illustrative example only. Never use this phrase for a real wallet:
apple brave crane dance elegant fortune grape horizon island jungle kingdom lamp
A valid phrase can restore keys in a compatible wallet when the same standards and derivation paths are supported.
When a compatible wallet creates a seed phrase, it should use cryptographically secure randomness. The phrase is converted into a seed that can derive wallet keys according to supported standards and derivation paths.
The relationship:
If the phrase is your only backup and you lose access to the wallet, the associated keys may be unrecoverable.
These aren't random words from a dictionary. They're selected from a standardized list of 2,048 words (BIP-39 standard).
A correctly generated 12-word BIP-39 phrase represents 128 bits of entropy plus a checksum. This makes brute-force guessing computationally infeasible when secure randomness is used.
What to do:
1. Store it safely
Keep your seed phrase in a secure location:
2. Verify you stored it correctly
Use the wallet’s built-in confirmation process to verify that you recorded every word in the correct order. Do not enter the phrase on an unfamiliar website or device merely to test it.
3. Never show it to anyone
No one (not friends, family, or support staff) should ever see your seed phrase.
4. Keep it offline
Physical storage only. Never connect it to the internet.
What to avoid:
1. Never take a screenshot
Screenshots are vulnerable to hacking, malware, and accidental cloud backups.
2. Never store it digitally
No cloud storage, password managers, notes apps, or encrypted files.
3. Never share it
No legitimate service will ever ask for your seed phrase. Anyone asking is a scammer.
4. Never type it into websites
Phishing sites that look like wallet apps will try to steal your seed phrase. Only enter it directly into the trusted KriptoK app on your device.
5. Never split it across messages
Sending parts of your seed phrase digitally still exposes it to risk.
If someone obtains your seed phrase, they may be able to control the associated wallet until the assets are moved to keys generated from a new, uncompromised phrase. They can:
There is no way to revoke a seed phrase. Your only option is to create a new wallet and transfer funds before they do.