Understand custody · Backups
Twelve Words Are Not a Password
A list of 12 or 24 words looks like a sentence but behaves differently. It is an encoded random number with a checksum.
From randomness to words
BIP 39 begins with 128–256 bits of entropy, appends a checksum, and splits the result into 11-bit groups. Each group selects one word from a 2,048-word list.
This produces sets of 12, 15, 18, 21, or 24 words. The checksum catches some transcription errors but does not replace a tested backup.
One backup, many keys
The mnemonic becomes a seed, and a deterministic wallet derives many keys and addresses from it.
A photograph, cloud note, or message containing the words therefore becomes a single point of compromise.
The optional passphrase
BIP 39 permits an additional passphrase. Every value creates a different valid seed; a typo opens another, usually empty wallet rather than showing an error.
Losing that passphrase can make the correct 12 or 24 words insufficient.
A seed phrase is access in readable form, not a hint toward access.
Sources and verification
Never share a real seed phrase. This archive does not request one for verification, participation, or recovery.
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