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.
EDITORIAL OVERVIEW · Prepared by the project editors from the sources listed below.
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.
Unless stated otherwise, the text, conclusions, structure and editorial arrangement were created by the project editors. Facts, quotations and source materials remain attributable to their authors and rights holders.
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