Definition
Another name for seed phrase or mnemonic phrase — the 12 or 24 words that serve as the master backup of a cryptocurrency wallet. Used to restore access to a wallet on any compatible device.
Why It Matters
If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, your recovery phrase is the only way to regain access to your funds. Protecting it is the single most important security practice in crypto.
Example
Your Ledger hardware wallet stops working. You buy a new Ledger, enter your 24-word recovery phrase, and all your funds are instantly restored — because the blockchain never changed.
Related Terms
Seed Phrase
Private Key
Hardware Wallet
Wallet