What is a seed phrase?
DefinitionA seed phrase, also called a recovery phrase or mnemonic, is a list of 12 to 24 words that encodes the master secret of a crypto wallet. Every private key and address in the wallet is derived from it, so whoever has the words has the funds.
How a seed phrase works
A seed phrase works by turning a large random number into words a person can write down. Most wallets use the BIP39 standard: each word comes from a fixed list of 2,048 words, and the last word includes a checksum that catches most typing mistakes.
From the phrase, the wallet derives keys for each network along standard paths, so the same words recreate the same addresses in any compatible wallet. A 24-word phrase carries 256 bits of randomness, and the order of the words matters.
12 or 24 words, BIP39 and TON
Both 12-word and 24-word BIP39 phrases are considered secure; 24 words simply add a larger safety margin. TON wallets use their own 24-word mnemonic standard, which is why a phrase from one wallet does not always work in another.
Some wallets also support an optional passphrase, sometimes called a 25th word. It creates a completely different wallet, so losing the passphrase is the same as losing the phrase.
How to store a seed phrase safely
Treat your seed phrase like the key to a safe:
- Write it on paper or stamp it on metal, and keep it somewhere private and safe from fire and water.
- Never photograph it, screenshot it, type it into notes or save it in cloud storage.
- Never enter it on a website or give it to anyone, including support staff; genuine support never asks for it.
- Never use a phrase that came pre-printed or was given to you by someone else.
Your seed phrase in Waletifi
Waletifi creates a 24-word phrase that is valid both as a standard BIP39 phrase and as a TON phrase, so TON restores in other standard TON wallets and every other network in standard BIP39 wallets. Screens that show the phrase block screenshots, and the app never puts it on the clipboard.
