How to Backup & Recover Your Wallet
If you lose access to your wallet AND don't have a backup, your crypto is gone forever. There's no customer service to call. This guide is critical.
Understanding Seed Phrases
Your seed phrase (also called recovery phrase or mnemonic) is 12-24 words that represent your entire wallet.
How It Works:
- These words are generated randomly when you create a wallet
- They mathematically generate all your private keys
- Anyone with these words can access ALL your funds
- Works across different wallet apps (standards: BIP39, BIP44)
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(This is the first 12 words from the BIP39 word list - never use this as your seed!)
Your seed phrase can recover:
- All cryptocurrencies in that wallet
- All addresses (past, present, future)
- All tokens and NFTs
- Transaction history (on blockchain)
Creating a Secure Backup
DO:
- Write on paper with permanent ink (not pencil)
- Number each word (1-12 or 1-24)
- Double-check every letter
- Store in waterproof/fireproof container
- Make 2-3 copies in different locations
- Tell trusted family member where it is (for inheritance)
NEVER:
- Take a photo or screenshot
- Store in cloud (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Type into notes app or email
- Send to yourself or anyone
- Store on computer/phone
- Keep in obvious places (desk drawer)
- Home safe or lockbox
- Bank safe deposit box
- With trusted family member
- Hidden secure location only you know
Consider different geographic locations for disaster protection.
How to Recover Your Wallet
If you lose your device or need to switch wallets:
Recovery Process:
- Install wallet app (same type or compatible)
- Choose "Recover Wallet" or "Import Existing"
- Enter seed phrase in exact order
- Set new password for this device
- Wait for sync - balances appear automatically
Important Notes:
- You can recover on ANY compatible wallet (MetaMask, Trust Wallet, etc.)
- The 12/24 words must be in the correct order
- Spaces between words, but no extra characters
- All lowercase letters
Before storing large amounts, test recovery with a small balance. Create wallet → send $5 → delete app → recover using seed → verify funds are there. This confirms your backup works.
Advanced Protection: Metal Backups
Paper can burn, get wet, or fade. For serious protection, use metal.
Metal Backup Options:
| Product | Price | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptosteel | ~$80 | Letter tiles in steel case |
| Billfodl | ~$80 | Letter tiles in steel |
| Blockplate | ~$100 | Punch dots in steel plate |
| DIY Steel | ~$20 | Engrave on steel washers |
What Metal Protects Against:
- Fire - Steel melts at 2500°F, house fires ~1100°F
- Water/Floods - Doesn't dissolve or fade
- Time - Won't degrade over decades
The safest approach: Metal backup at home in safe, paper backup in bank safe deposit box, another paper copy with trusted family member in different city. Redundancy is your friend.