10 Ideas for Safely Storing Your Seed Phrase

It seems like each and every day, we hear another story of someone who lost their seed phrase or shared it with the wrong person and, as a result, lost all of their cryptocurrency.

We know it’s not easy to store a seed phrase safely, which is why we created this list to help you find a safe way to store yours. So, without further ado, read on to learn about the ways you can safely store your seed phrase.

What is a Seed Phrase?

If you are new to the world of cryptocurrency, you may be wondering just what a seed phrase is.

Generally, the words “seed phrase” are used to refer to the 12-24 random words you are given as a passcode to protect your cryptocurrency wallet. It can also sometimes be called a mnemonic phrase or security password.

No matter what app gives you a seed phrase, this should not be shared with anyone. Seed phrases are a bit like back doors into cryptocurrency wallets and could be used by a hacker or scammer to steal your crypto.

Need help knowing how to keep yours safe? Keep reading.

10 Safe Ways to Store Your Seed Phrase

1. Store Words Separately

First and foremost, you want to limit the chances that someone will collect your whole seed phrase. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen (even if one piece is compromised) is to split your seed phrase. We recommend making at least 3-4 groups of words and storing each one using a different method. This will ensure if one method is compromised, you won’t lose your crypto.

2. Store in Multiple Places

Writing your seed words down on paper and stashing them in a safe deposit box may sound good in theory, but the truth is, putting all of your eggs in one basket is always a bad idea.

That’s why, after splitting your group of words, we recommend making duplicates of each group, storing each in two separate locations. This way, even if you lose access to one safe spot, you’ll still be able to access your crypto.

3. Use a Password Manager

Password managers can be great tools for storing things like your seed phrase, but it’s important to ensure you choose the right one. Not all password managers are created equal.

Choose one that is open-source and stored offline if possible (to minimize the chances of hacks). Once picking the right one, only store one set of your words on a password manager—just in case.

4. Notes App on Your Phone

The notes app on your phone can be a great way to hide info. Not only can you lock access to notes (in case your phone is stolen), but Apple lets you wipe the device remotely if it is. Additionally, if you have an account (such as iCloud on Apple), you will be able to access your notes on other devices if it is ever compromised.

We recommend only keeping one group of your words on your notes app and disguising them if you can. For example, if your seed phrase has three words, which are foods, label the note “grocery list” before placing the three items below. This can throw someone off your trail.

5. A Seed Phrase Storage Device

If this is starting to sound like a lot of work, you might want to consider a seed phrase storage device. These devices are specially designed to hold a seed phrase and withstand damage from fire or water.

That being said, if you lose the device, you are out of luck—so only store a few words here or use this as a backup of the other methods on the list.

6. A Password Protected Document on a USB

A document stored on a USB drive can be a good method for storing a few words from your seed phrase. Of course, you need to be cautious as USB drives can be lost or stolen—or even hacked when attached to the wrong device.

Thus, we recommend only storing a few words here, and same as the note app, try to disguise the words if you can, and password protect the file just in case.

7. Use a Cipher

If you have the time to develop your own cipher, this can be a good way to disguise your seed phrase. But, unless you are a math genius, you will likely use a cipher that can be broken—therefore, while we definitely recommend using one, also ensure you divide your words and use some of the other methods on this list.

8. Email Yourself

Email is another place, similar to your notes app, where you can easily store a few words. Like other methods on this list, try to disguise the words, if you can, by giving the list a title.

Additionally, once you receive the email to yourself, ensure you mark to save it so your email provider won’t auto-delete it a few years in the future.

9. Take a Picture

Digital photos are often stored in the cloud, making them a good way to store your seed phrase in a non-conspicuous way. Just make sure you don’t store your entire phrase using this method.

After taking your picture, ensure it is set as a favorite or as a saved photo—so you won’t accidentally delete it later.

10. Memorize It

We recommend that everyone take the time to memorize their seed phrase—but ensure you don’t solely rely on this method. Not only could you possibly forget, but if you die, there is no way to direct others to access your crypto using this method. So, memorize your seed phrase—but store it using at least one of the other methods on this list as well.

Overall, we hope you find a few methods that work for you in this list of ideas for storing your seed phrase. Above all else, remember that dividing your seed phrase and using multiple storage methods is the best way to keep your crypto safe.