A seed phrase (also called a recovery phrase) is a list of 12, 18, or 24 random words created when you set up a digital wallet. For example:

river clock galaxy maple stone ladder bottle story ...

It may look simple, but this phrase is the master key to your wallet. From it, your wallet can recreate your private key, your wallet address, and access to everything in your wallet. In other words, your seed phrase is your wallet.

Why do I need one?

In Web3, there’s no “forgot password” button and no company holding a backup of your account. Your seed phrase lets you restore your wallet on a new device or move it to a different wallet app. You stay in full control, and you’re also responsible for keeping it safe.

Why should I never share it?

Anyone with your seed phrase has complete control of your wallet. They can transfer your assets, move or sell your NFTs, and empty your wallet, with no alerts and no way to undo it. Blockchain transactions are final.

No legitimate service, including .locker, will ever ask for your seed phrase. If someone asks for it, it’s a scam.

How do I keep it safe?

• Write it down and store it in a secure physical location.
• Never save it digitally. That means no screenshots, cloud storage, email, or notes apps.
• Only enter it in your official wallet app when restoring your wallet. Never type it into a website or share it with anyone.
• Keep a backup in a separate secure location.
• Consider a hardware wallet for long-term storage.

The safest seed phrase is one that only you have ever seen.