Why is it important to write down your 12-word passphrase?

What is a seed passphrase?

A 12-word passphrase, or a seed phrase, is the most important key to your assets in your wallet. It is made up of 12, 18, or 24 random words that are generated when you create a wallet. It is the most important security feature. You can use this phrase to recover access to your wallet and keep your coins safe. It might look like this:

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Another security feature is a passphrase. It is a unique phrase that you create yourself and is also used to recover access to your wallet. Here’s an example of a passphrase: mySecret123.

If you forget your seed phrase, you will lose access to all your coins and assets forever, with no way to recover them.

However, many platforms, such as custodial smart-contract wallets, allow you to create a wallet using your email, phone number, or biometric data, because this method helps recover access to the wallet. But if you use non-custodial or hardware wallets, you must store your seed phrase in a secure location.

How to save and not forget a seed phrase?

• Write it down on a piece of paper (it's better to make 2-3 copies).
• Don't take a photo of it or store it in notes on your phone or computer.
• Don't print it out — printers may save copies.
• Keep the paper in a secure place (such as a safe or safety deposit box).

In addition, there are special metal plates designed for writing down your seed phrase. These products are offered by companies like Ledger, CryptoSteel, Billfodl, and others, who provide metal plates for securing your seed phrase.

The main rule: never share your seed phrase with anyone. Don’t post it online or show it to anyone — ever. No one (not wallet support, not an exchange) will ask for it. If someone does, they’re a scammer.