{"id":"seed-phrase","title":"Seed Phrase","content":"**Seed Phrase** is a sequence of random words, used as a master key to access a user's [cryptocurrency wallet](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency-wallet). Also referred to as a recovery phrase, backup seed phrase, mnemonic seed, or mnemonic phrase, it enables users to recover their cryptocurrency wallets. These phrases are not linked to a specific [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) and can be used to access an entire portfolio of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), IQ token, and other blockchain-based assets. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-5b2aRlMZF23aDvsi) [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-dYk0wmT0uCXD6cLF)​\n\n## Overview\n\nSeed phrases are generated using the BIP-39 standard, which creates a mnemonic sentence from a list of 2,048 predefined words. This sequence is then used to create a binary seed that derives the private keys necessary for transactions. Typically, seed phrases consist of 12, 15, 18, 21, or 24 words, where each configuration represents different levels of entropy and security, ranging from 128 to 256 bits. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-EPoY59SgPeDwzgpc) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-s2Uqm37oRNMlqH5B)​\n\nA seed phrase serves as a human-readable way to store the complex cryptographic keys that control access to cryptocurrency holdings. It generates the private keys, which are strings of numbers and letters crucial for signing transactions. These private keys, in turn, generate public wallet addresses for receiving cryptocurrencies. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-mqqxJbJaxF7ynWNT)​\n\nAn optional BIP-39 passphrase, often referred to as the 25th word, can be added to a seed phrase for enhanced security. However, while this adds an additional security layer, it must be remembered faithfully. If forgotten, recovery of the wallet could be compromised, leading to irreversible loss of assets. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-5b2aRlMZF23aDvsi)​\n\nIn custodial wallets, a third-party provider manages the private keys, facilitating recovery if the seed phrase is lost. Non-custodial wallets, however, require users to manage their own seed phrases, offering autonomy but with the responsibility for the security of their assets. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-mqqxJbJaxF7ynWNT)​\n\n## Security Issues & Common Risks\n\nSeed phrases are vulnerable to various attack vectors including phishing, malware, social engineering, and physical theft. It is crucial to store seed phrases securely offline, as they can grant complete control over the linked assets if compromised. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-5b2aRlMZF23aDvsi)​\n\nSeed phrases follow the BIP-39 standard, allowing them to be used to recover funds across different wallets that comply with this protocol. This means users can restore their wallet and access their assets even after device failure or switching to a different wallet application. [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-dYk0wmT0uCXD6cLF)​\n\nTo securely store a seed phrase, it should be written on paper or etched into a stainless-steel plate, and stored in a fireproof and waterproof safe. For enhanced security, multiple copies should be stored in different geographical locations. Advanced users may consider using Shamir Backup or multi-signature as alternative security measures. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-EPoY59SgPeDwzgpc)​","summary":"Human-readable mnemonic (BIP-39) used to recover hierarchical-deterministic cryptocurrency wallets.","images":[{"id":"QmfDprSofbQdkDU8RaipNcm1kQ7KcakHddNLU3wjtAJNM2","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}],"categories":[{"id":"glossary","title":"glossary"}],"tags":[],"media":[],"metadata":[{"id":"references","value":"[{\"id\":\"EPoY59SgPeDwzgpc\",\"url\":\"https://world.org/learncenter/digital-crypto-assets/what-is-seed-phrase\",\"description\":\"World.org\",\"timestamp\":1780504668518},{\"id\":\"s2Uqm37oRNMlqH5B\",\"url\":\"https://www.coinbase.com/en-ca/learn/wallet/what-is-a-seed-phrase\",\"description\":\"Coinbase\",\"timestamp\":1780504668518},{\"id\":\"mqqxJbJaxF7ynWNT\",\"url\":\"https://binance.com/en/square/post/30149252282593\",\"description\":\"Binance\",\"timestamp\":1780504668518},{\"id\":\"5b2aRlMZF23aDvsi\",\"url\":\"https://trustwallet.com/blog/crypto-basics/what-is-a-seed-phrase-and-why-is-it-important\",\"description\":\"Trust Wallet\",\"timestamp\":1780504668518},{\"id\":\"dYk0wmT0uCXD6cLF\",\"url\":\"https://nexo.com/blog/what-is-a-seed-phrase\",\"description\":\"Nexo\",\"timestamp\":1780504668518},{\"id\":\"uI3wqQwxQXxMtgQ3\",\"url\":\"https://coinbase.com/en-ca/learn/wallet/what-is-a-seed-phrase\",\"description\":\"Coinbase\",\"timestamp\":1780504668518}]"},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"\"https://ipfs.everipedia.org/ipfs/QmNVn9CVKKv7BiFhx1EGC3W3qegZvDyuWRqa4RdYCewG6V\""},{"id":"commit-message","value":"\"Removed seed phrase article content\""},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"QmNVn9CVKKv7BiFhx1EGC3W3qegZvDyuWRqa4RdYCewG6V"}],"user":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"author":{"id":"0x7da121Af2c3Fc2e65eDCD3573a403C352B4538Aa"},"operator":{"id":"0x1E23b34d3106F0C1c74D17f2Cd0F65cdb039b138"},"language":"en","version":1,"linkedWikis":{"blockchains":[],"founders":[],"speakers":[]},"recentActivity":"{\"items\":[{\"id\":\"f826dbe9-7976-4265-9174-ef3be80a83d0\",\"title\":\"Seed Phrase\",\"description\":\"Human-readable mnemonic (BIP-39) used to recover hierarchical-deterministic cryptocurrency wallets.\",\"timestamp\":\"2026-06-03T16:50:27.690Z\",\"category\":\"glossary\",\"status\":{\"icon\":\"RiGlobalLine\",\"label\":\"Wiki Updated\",\"iconClassName\":\"text-green-500\"},\"user\":{\"name\":\"0x7da121Af2c3Fc2e65eDCD3573a403C352B4538Aa\",\"address\":\"0x1E23b34d3106F0C1c74D17f2Cd0F65cdb039b138\"},\"button\":{\"label\":\"View Summary\",\"icon\":\"RiFileTextLine\"},\"summarySections\":[{\"title\":\"Linked Wikis\",\"subtitle\":\"Replaced one linked wiki entry with a different one\",\"variant\":\"modified\",\"changeCount\":2,\"changes\":[\"Removed linked wiki with id \\\"defi\\\" and title \\\"Decentralized Finance\\\"\",\"Added linked wiki with id \\\"glossary\\\" and title \\\"glossary\\\"\"]},{\"title\":\"Content\",\"subtitle\":\"Rewrote and expanded the article content (lead, added Overview and expanded security/storage guidance)\",\"variant\":\"modified\",\"changeCount\":7,\"changes\":[\"Replaced the original lead/definition with an expanded, more technical definition of a seed phrase. [[1]](#cite-id-EPoY59SgPeDwzgpc) [[2]](#cite-id-s2Uqm37oRNMlqH5B) [[3]](#cite-id-mqqxJbJaxF7ynWNT) [[4]](#cite-id-5b2aRlMZF23aDvsi) [[5]](#cite-id-dYk0wmT0uCXD6cLF)\",\"Added an \\\"Overview\\\" section explaining the BIP-39 standard, the 2,048-word list, typical phrase lengths (12, 15, 18, 21, 24 words) and corresponding entropy (128–256 bits). [[1]](#cite-id-EPoY59SgPeDwzgpc) [[2]](#cite-id-s2Uqm37oRNMlqH5B) [[3]](#cite-id-mqqxJbJaxF7ynWNT) [[4]](#cite-id-5b2aRlMZF23aDvsi) [[5]](#cite-id-dYk0wmT0uCXD6cLF)\",\"Added explanation of how a seed phrase generates private keys and public addresses (human-readable way to store cryptographic keys). [[1]](#cite-id-EPoY59SgPeDwzgpc) [[2]](#cite-id-s2Uqm37oRNMlqH5B) [[3]](#cite-id-mqqxJbJaxF7ynWNT) [[4]](#cite-id-5b2aRlMZF23aDvsi) [[5]](#cite-id-dYk0wmT0uCXD6cLF)\",\"Added description of the optional BIP-39 passphrase (the \\\"25th word\\\") and a warning that forgetting it can prevent wallet recovery. [[1]](#cite-id-EPoY59SgPeDwzgpc) [[2]](#cite-id-s2Uqm37oRNMlqH5B) [[3]](#cite-id-mqqxJbJaxF7ynWNT) [[4]](#cite-id-5b2aRlMZF23aDvsi) [[5]](#cite-id-dYk0wmT0uCXD6cLF)\",\"Added a paragraph differentiating custodial and non-custodial wallets and their implications for seed-phrase management. [[1]](#cite-id-EPoY59SgPeDwzgpc) [[2]](#cite-id-s2Uqm37oRNMlqH5B) [[3]](#cite-id-mqqxJbJaxF7ynWNT) [[4]](#cite-id-5b2aRlMZF23aDvsi) [[5]](#cite-id-dYk0wmT0uCXD6cLF)\",\"Expanded the security section to list common attack vectors (phishing, malware, social engineering, physical theft) and emphasized offline storage. [[1]](#cite-id-EPoY59SgPeDwzgpc) [[2]](#cite-id-s2Uqm37oRNMlqH5B) [[3]](#cite-id-mqqxJbJaxF7ynWNT) [[4]](#cite-id-5b2aRlMZF23aDvsi) [[5]](#cite-id-dYk0wmT0uCXD6cLF)\",\"Updated and expanded storage recommendations: writing/etching on durable media (e.g., stainless-steel plate), storing in fireproof/waterproof safes, keeping multiple geographically separate copies, and noting advanced options like Shamir Backup or multi-signature. [[1]](#cite-id-EPoY59SgPeDwzgpc) [[2]](#cite-id-s2Uqm37oRNMlqH5B) [[3]](#cite-id-mqqxJbJaxF7ynWNT) [[4]](#cite-id-5b2aRlMZF23aDvsi) [[5]](#cite-id-dYk0wmT0uCXD6cLF)\"]},{\"title\":\"Summary\",\"subtitle\":\"Replaced a short informal summary with a concise technical summary\",\"variant\":\"modified\",\"changeCount\":1,\"changes\":[\"Changed summary from \\\"Seed Phrase is a collection cryptographically generated of words, that is simply employed to access a users crypto wallet.\\\" to \\\"Human-readable mnemonic (BIP-39) used to recover hierarchical-deterministic cryptocurrency wallets.\\\"\"]},{\"title\":\"Metadata\",\"subtitle\":\"Replaced empty metadata and removed a 'Glossary' metadata entry; added a 'references' metadata entry with multiple reference objects\",\"variant\":\"modified\",\"changeCount\":3,\"changes\":[\"Removed metadata array value (previously empty)\",\"Removed metadata item with id \\\"Glossary\\\"\",\"Added metadata entry with id \\\"references\\\" containing 6 reference objects (ids: EPoY59SgPeDwzgpc, s2Uqm37oRNMlqH5B, mqqxJbJaxF7ynWNT, 5b2aRlMZF23aDvsi, dYk0wmT0uCXD6cLF, uI3wqQwxQXxMtgQ3)\"]},{\"title\":\"Tags\",\"subtitle\":\"Tags were cleared\",\"variant\":\"modified\",\"changeCount\":1,\"changes\":[\"Set tags to an empty array (no tags)\"]}]}]}"}