Storing a recovery phrase: a safety checklist

Tick each step as you go. Use the print button for a paper copy to keep by your computer.

1. Your wallet generated it. Never use a phrase that came printed in the box, from a website or from another person.
2. Written by hand, numbered, in order. Check each word against the BIP-39 word list. A misspelling can make the backup useless.
3. Never photographed, typed or uploaded. No photos, screenshots, notes apps, email or cloud drives.
4. Restore tested. With a small amount, restore on a reset device and confirm the same address appears.
5. Durable medium. Paper to start; stamped or engraved metal for long-term savings.
6. Private place, away from the device. Not in the same drawer or bag as the hardware wallet.
7. Second copy decided. Many people keep two copies in two secure places. Never cut one phrase into halves.
8. Passphrase backed up separately. If you use an optional passphrase, store its backup somewhere else.
9. Someone trusted can find it. A letter of instruction with your estate papers that says where, not what. Never put the words in a will.
10. Checked once a year. Still there, still legible, still where your instructions say.
11. Shared with no one. Support never asks for it. Anyone who does is a scammer.

All 11 checked. If anything along the way felt wrong, trust that feeling and wait.

Your ticks are saved only in this browser, so you can come back to them. Nothing is sent anywhere.