Best Practices for Recovery Phrase Storage

Topics Covered

1. Smart Practices for Secure Recovery Phrase Storage
   
   

2. Why Redundancy Is Critical for Protecting Your Recovery Phrase
   
   

3. Using Technology: Encrypted Notes and Password Managers
   
   

Your Key to Crypto Security: Safeguard Your Recovery Phrase

Your recovery phrase is the backbone of your wallet security. This 12-word key ensures you can restore access to your wallet if your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged. Protecting it is the single most important step to keeping your crypto safe.

In this guide, we’ll cover proven best practices for storing your recovery phrase, the importance of redundancy, and how you can use technology responsibly to add extra protection.

1. Smart Practices for Secure Recovery Phrase Storage

Write It Down (Not Online)

• Write your recovery phrase on paper the moment it’s generated.
  
  

• Never store it in email, cloud services, or plain text files — these are vulnerable to hacking.
  
  

• For maximum durability, consider metal backups (e.g., CRYPTOTAG, Billfodl) that are waterproof and fireproof.
  
  

 Never Share Your Recovery Phrase

• Your recovery phrase is private.
  
  

• Trust Wallet Support will never ask for it.
  
  

• Anyone who has it has full access to your funds.
  
  

 Keep It Offline

• Avoid screenshots or storing your phrase on your device.
  
  

• Offline storage is always safer than digital storage.
  
  

2. Why Redundancy Is Critical

Relying on just one backup is risky. Redundancy ensures you’ll still have access to your wallet even if one copy is lost or destroyed.

• Multiple Physical Copies: Keep at least two written copies in different safe places (e.g., a fireproof safe at home and a bank deposit box).
  
  

• Geographically Distributed: Store copies in separate locations to protect against fire, theft, or natural disasters.
  
  

• Manual + Digital Combo (Optional): A written copy is best, but a properly encrypted digital backup can serve as a secondary safeguard.
  
  

3. Using Technology Responsibly

Digital tools can help, but they must be used with strong security in mind.

 Encrypted Notes

• Apps like iOS Notes, OneNote, or Samsung Notes allow password-protected, encrypted notes.
  
  

• Only use this method with a strong, unique password.
  
  

 Password Managers

• Tools like 1Password, Bitwarden, or Keeper can safely store your phrase inside an encrypted vault.
  
  

• These apps also help create strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
  
  

⚠️ Pro Tip: Always check that your chosen app uses strong encryption standards before storing sensitive information.

 Encrypted Cloud Backup (Optional Feature)

Trust Wallet also offers an Encrypted Cloud Backup option for recovery phrases.

• New wallets: Choose Back up to Google Drive/iCloud when creating a wallet, then set a unique encryption password.
  
  

• Existing wallets: Go to Settings > Wallets > Info > Cloud Backup to enable backup.
  
  

 Important: Never reuse your Google/iCloud password as the encryption password. Use a strong, unique one instead.

 Final Thoughts: Protect Your Wallet, Protect Your Assets

Your recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet. Treat it like your most valuable possession. By combining offline storage, redundant backups, and secure digital tools, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of losing access to your crypto.

 Always use the latest version of Trust Wallet: trustwallet.com/download

Looking for more security tips? See our guide: Essential Steps to Keep Your Crypto Wallet Secure

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is a recovery phrase, and why is it important?
 It’s a 12-word sequence that acts as the master key to your wallet. Without it, you cannot recover your wallet or funds.

Can I store my recovery phrase digitally?
 Not recommended. If you do, it must be encrypted and stored securely (e.g., password manager).

How many copies should I create?
 At least two or three, stored in different secure locations.

What if someone learns my recovery phrase?
 They can access your funds. Immediately create a new wallet and transfer your assets.

Can Trust Wallet recover my recovery phrase?
 No. Trust Wallet never stores your recovery phrase. If you lose it, your funds are permanently inaccessible.

Is a recovery phrase the same as a private key?
 Not exactly. A recovery phrase is the master key that can generate all your private keys. Each crypto address has its own private key, but the recovery phrase controls them all.

⚠️ Remember: If you lose your recovery phrase, you lose access to your crypto — forever.