Seed Phrase

A sequence of words used to back up and restore access to a digital asset wallet.

What is Seed Phrase?

A seed phrase, also known as a recovery phrase, is a set of typically 12, 18, or 24 randomly generated words provided when creating a digital asset wallet, such as MetaMask or Trust Wallet. This phrase serves as a master key, allowing users to recover their wallet and access associated digital assets (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other tokens) if they lose their device, forget their password, or encounter other access issues. The seed phrase is derived from a cryptographic seed using standards like BIP-39, ensuring it can regenerate all private keys and addresses tied to the wallet.

The phrase must be kept secret and secure, as anyone with access to it can control the wallet and its funds. For example, a typical seed phrase might look like: “apple banana cherry dog elephant…” and is unique to each wallet. Users are advised to store it offline, such as on paper or a hardware device, and never share it digitally to avoid phishing or hacking risks. Unlike traditional passwords, seed phrases cannot be changed or reset, making their safekeeping critical to protecting digital assets.