Restoring is the moment when your backup does its job. It is also when your words are most exposed, so follow the steps with care. This how-to is part of our guide to crypto inheritance and recovery.
Before you start
- Work in private, with no cameras around.
- Make sure the phrase is the complete one, in order.
- Know whether you used a passphrase.
- Know which wallet you used before, if possible. See wallet compatibility.
Step 1: Get a trusted wallet
Best: a new hardware wallet, bought from the maker. Entering words on the device keeps them off your computer. If you must use an app, download it from the official site.
Step 2: Choose restore
In the app or on the device, choose "restore", "recover" or "import an existing wallet". Do not choose "create".
Step 3: Enter your words
Enter them on the device, one by one, in order. Devices often autocomplete, so check each one. If it says that the phrase is invalid, look for a misspelled or swapped word. The checksum catches most mistakes.
Step 4: Add your passphrase
If you use one, enter it exactly. See typos, case and spaces.
Step 5: Check your funds
Add the accounts or coins that you used, and wait for the wallet to sync. Compare the first receiving address with your records if you have them.
If you see zero, do not panic. See restoring an old wallet.
Step 6: Decide what happens next
| Why you restored | Next step |
|---|---|
| Device broke | Carry on. Store your backup as before |
| Device lost | Think about moving to a new phrase |
| Device stolen | Move to a new phrase |
| Words may have been seen | Move at once. See next hour steps |
| You inherited the wallet | Move to your own wallet |
Never do these
- Restore on a website.
- Follow a link sent to you by "support".
- Let anyone do it for you remotely.
- Photograph the words for convenience.
- Use a device that came with a phrase.