What Is a Recovery Phrase?

A recovery phrase is a human-readable backup of your private key, usually consisting of 12 or 24 words. It’s generated by your wallet when you first set it up and is the master key to all your Bitcoin. If your phone breaks, your computer crashes, or your wallet app is deleted, the recovery phrase lets you restore everything on a new device.

Because the recovery phrase grants full access to your Bitcoin, it should never be stored online or typed into untrusted websites or apps. The safest method is to write it down on paper or engrave it in metal and keep it somewhere secure, such as a safe or another location only you can access. Many people choose to store multiple backups in different places to reduce the risk of loss.

A key principle of Bitcoin self-custody is: never share your recovery phrase with anyone. No legitimate wallet, app, or support agent will ever ask for it. Keeping it private and protected is the single most important step in securing your Bitcoin.