How to Backup Your Crypto Wallet and Where to Store It
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If your phone is lost, stolen, or broken and you have not backed up your wallet, the funds are gone permanently. There is no customer service line to call. When you use a self-custody wallet, where you hold full personal control of your digital assets without relying on a bank or exchange, your only recovery option is your seed phrase, a master key made of 12 or 24 random words that restores all your funds.
This post shows exactly what to do with it. Whether you just read how to create a cryptocurrency wallet or how to transfer crypto from an exchange, securing your backup is your immediate priority. For more on the concept, see our understanding seed phrases guide.
How to Backup Your Crypto Wallet: Three Simple Steps
Step 1: Find your seed phrase
Open your wallet settings and look for Backup Wallet, Secret Recovery Phrase, or Seed Phrase. You will need your PIN or password to reveal it.
- MetaMask path: Settings > Security and Privacy > Reveal Secret Recovery Phrase
- Trust Wallet path: Settings > Wallets > your wallet > Back Up
- Phantom path: Settings > Security and Privacy > Show Recovery Phrase
Step 2: Write it down on paper
Write every word in exact order, numbered 1 through 12 or 1 through 24. Do not photograph it, do not type it anywhere, and do not copy it to a notes app.
Step 3: Verify the backup
The wallet asks you to confirm the word order. Complete this step, as it confirms the paper copy is accurate.
How to Store Your Seed Phrase Safely
- Primary location: physical and private, such as a home safe, locked drawer, or secure document folder
- Keep it away from the device that holds the wallet so both cannot be lost together
- Consider an optional second copy in a separate location for redundancy
- Metal backup plates survive fire and water and are worth considering for significant holdings
- Never store it digitally in any form
What Not to Do
- Do not photograph the seed phrase because photos sync automatically to cloud storage
- Do not type it into any website or app, including anything claiming to verify your wallet
- Do not share it with anyone, including wallet support, because no legitimate wallet asks for it
- Do not store it in a notes app, even a password-protected one
Once the seed phrase is written down and stored safely, the crypto is protected regardless of what happens to the device. The backup takes five minutes. The cost of skipping it can be everything in the wallet. If you are still evaluating which wallet to use, our wallet reviews can help.