Bitcoin Seed Phrase Security: 10 Tips to Keep Your Funds Safe
Your seed phrase is the master key to your bitcoin. Anyone who has it owns your bitcoin. Anyone who loses it can never recover their bitcoin. Here are the most important security practices.
What Is a Seed Phrase?
When you set up a Bitcoin hardware wallet or self-custody software wallet, it generates a seed phrase — 12 or 24 common English words. These words encode a large random number from which all your private keys are derived. Your seed phrase is your ultimate backup — and if anyone else gets it, they can access your bitcoin from anywhere in the world.
New to seed phrases? See our seed phrase explainer.
10 Critical Security Tips
1. Never Store Your Seed Phrase Digitally
Never type it into any app, save it in notes, photograph it, store it in a password manager, or email it to yourself. Any digital storage is a potential target for hackers.
2. Write It Down on Paper Immediately
Write every word down during setup — carefully, in order. Do this in private, away from cameras.
3. Use Metal Backup for Permanent Storage
Paper can burn or get wet. For long-term storage, use metal. The Trezor Keep Metal is purpose-built for this — a steel plate rated to withstand 1,400°C.
4. Make Multiple Copies
Store copies in different physical locations: home safe, bank deposit box, trusted family member's home.
5. Never Show Your Seed Phrase on Camera
Never let it appear in photos, videos, or screen recordings.
6. Consider a Passphrase (25th Word)
An additional word creates a completely separate wallet. If someone finds your seed phrase but doesn't know the passphrase, they access an empty decoy wallet. Warning: forget the passphrase, lose the funds.
7. Store Seed Phrase and Device Separately
Keep them in separate locations — ideally separate buildings.
8. Test Your Backup Before Loading Funds
Send a test amount, wipe the device, restore from your backup, verify funds appear. Do this before loading significant bitcoin.
9. Beware "Recovery" Scams
No legitimate service ever asks for your complete seed phrase. If anyone does, it's 100% a scam. See our scam avoidance guide.
10. Plan for Inheritance
Your family needs to be able to access your bitcoin if you die unexpectedly. Create a secure, documented process. Read our bitcoin inheritance guide.