Seed Phrase
What is Seed Phrase?
Seed PhraseA human-readable list of 12 or 24 words (typically a BIP-39 mnemonic) that encodes the master secret from which all keys of a crypto wallet are derived.
A seed phrase, sometimes called a recovery phrase or mnemonic, is the canonical backup format defined by BIP-39 and used by most non-custodial wallets. The words are drawn from a fixed wordlist and encode 128 or 256 bits of entropy plus a checksum. Combined with a derivation path (BIP-32, BIP-44, BIP-49, BIP-84, BIP-86), the seed generates every private key, public key, and address in the wallet. Anyone with the phrase can fully control the funds, so it must never be entered on a website, screenshotted, stored in cloud notes, or shared with support staff. Best practices include offline paper or metal backups, geographic redundancy, optional BIP-39 passphrases, and multi-signature wallets for larger amounts.
● Examples
- 01
MetaMask and Ledger both display a 12 or 24-word BIP-39 phrase that the user must back up offline.
- 02
Many wallet-drainer scams ultimately convince victims to type their seed phrase into a fake support form.
● Frequently asked questions
What is Seed Phrase?
A human-readable list of 12 or 24 words (typically a BIP-39 mnemonic) that encodes the master secret from which all keys of a crypto wallet are derived. It belongs to the Web3 & Blockchain category of cybersecurity.
What does Seed Phrase mean?
A human-readable list of 12 or 24 words (typically a BIP-39 mnemonic) that encodes the master secret from which all keys of a crypto wallet are derived.
How does Seed Phrase work?
A seed phrase, sometimes called a recovery phrase or mnemonic, is the canonical backup format defined by BIP-39 and used by most non-custodial wallets. The words are drawn from a fixed wordlist and encode 128 or 256 bits of entropy plus a checksum. Combined with a derivation path (BIP-32, BIP-44, BIP-49, BIP-84, BIP-86), the seed generates every private key, public key, and address in the wallet. Anyone with the phrase can fully control the funds, so it must never be entered on a website, screenshotted, stored in cloud notes, or shared with support staff. Best practices include offline paper or metal backups, geographic redundancy, optional BIP-39 passphrases, and multi-signature wallets for larger amounts.
How do you defend against Seed Phrase?
Defences for Seed Phrase typically combine technical controls and operational practices, as detailed in the full definition above.
What are other names for Seed Phrase?
Common alternative names include: Recovery phrase, Mnemonic phrase, Backup phrase.
● Related terms
- web3№ 198
Cold Wallet
A crypto wallet whose private keys are generated and stored on a device that is kept offline, so they are not exposed to remote network attackers.
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Hot Wallet
A crypto wallet whose private keys reside on an internet-connected device, trading lower security for low-friction signing of frequent transactions.
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Wallet Drainer
Malicious software or a phishing kit that tricks crypto-wallet users into signing transactions or approvals that hand over all valuable tokens and NFTs.
- attacks№ 821
Phishing
A social-engineering attack in which an attacker impersonates a trusted party to trick a victim into revealing credentials, transferring money, or running malware.
- identity-access№ 797
Password Manager
An application that generates, stores, and autofills strong unique credentials, secured by a master passphrase and increasingly by passkeys.
- web3№ 106
Blockchain Security
The discipline of protecting distributed ledgers, their consensus mechanisms, smart contracts, and surrounding infrastructure from compromise, fraud, and theft.