We are sorry for your loss. If you are reading this, you may have inherited crypto and may know very little about it. That is fine. This guide assumes no knowledge. It is part of our guide to crypto inheritance and recovery.
Step 1: Pause and keep it private
Do not post about it, and do not tell people who do not need to know. Criminals look for families in your position.
Step 2: Gather what you have
Look for:
- Small USB-like devices, which may be hardware wallets.
- Paper or metal with 12, 20, 24 or 33 words on it.
- A letter of instructions.
- Exchange emails, bank transfers to exchanges and tax records.
- Wallet apps on phones and computers.
Keep them safe. Do not take photos of any words.
Step 3: Work out what you have
| What you find | What it means |
|---|---|
| Exchange account | A company holds the crypto, so contact it |
| Hardware wallet + words | A self-custody wallet |
| Words alone | They may be enough to restore a wallet |
| Device with no words | You may need the PIN |
| Wallet app on a phone | Need the phone's passcode |
Step 4: Get help you can trust
Speak with the executor and a lawyer. Ask a person you know well who understands crypto. Avoid strangers on the internet, and read about recovery scams.
Step 5: Exchange accounts
Go to the exchange's official site, and look for its bereavement or estate process. You will usually need a death certificate and proof of your authority.
Step 6: Self-custody wallets
Do this slowly, ideally with your trusted helper:
- Buy a new hardware wallet from the maker.
- Restore the wallet, by entering the words on the device.
- Check the balance.
- If funds are missing, there may be a passphrase or a different path.
- Move a small amount, and then the rest, to a wallet that you created.
The final step matters, because other people may know the old words.
Step 7: Legal and tax
Tell the executor what you find. Crypto is part of the estate, and it may need to be shared and reported. Record the value on the date of death. Keep all paperwork, and talk to an accountant.
If you find nothing that works, your options may be limited. See what happens if a seed phrase is lost.