b9_1155what is seed phrase?
a list of words, usually 12 or 24, that can recreate all the keys of a wallet.
anyone who has the words controls the coins, so they are usually kept on paper or metal, not in a photo, a cloud note or a website. most wallets follow the BIP39 standard; real support never asks for the words.
related words
- passphrase ("25th word") an optional extra word or phrase added on top of a seed phrase.
- self-custody holding the keys to your crypto yourself, instead of a company holding them for you.
- custodial a setup where a company, usually an exchange, holds the keys and you hold an account.
part of the topic after death: free articles, more words and the guide.
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