When you create a wallet with Stacks, you're given a 12-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if you lose your device. It's also the only thing standing between your Bitcoin and anyone who gets their hands on it.
Here's how to protect it.
What Is a Recovery Phrase?
A recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase) is a set of 12 randomly generated words. These words encode your private key — the cryptographic key that controls your Bitcoin.
If you have the phrase, you have the Bitcoin. If you lose the phrase and your device, your Bitcoin is gone forever. There is no "forgot password" option. No customer support can help you.
The Golden Rules
1. Write It Down on Paper
Never store your recovery phrase digitally. No screenshots. No notes app. No email drafts. No cloud storage. Paper is offline and unhackable.
2. Make Multiple Copies
Store at least two copies in separate physical locations. A fire or flood at one location shouldn't mean losing access to your Bitcoin forever.
3. Use a Metal Backup
For long-term storage, consider engraving your phrase on a metal plate. Paper can burn, get wet, or fade. Steel doesn't.
4. Never Share It
No legitimate service will ever ask for your recovery phrase. Not Stacks. Not customer support. Not anyone. If someone asks for it, it's a scam. Every time.
5. Don't Store It With Your Device
If someone steals your phone and your recovery phrase is in the same bag, they have everything they need to take your Bitcoin.
Where to Store It
Good locations:
- A home safe or lockbox
- A safety deposit box at a bank
- With a trusted family member (sealed envelope)
Bad locations:
- Your phone
- Your email
- A sticky note on your desk
- Anywhere connected to the internet
What Stacks Does to Help
During wallet setup, Stacks walks you through the recovery phrase process step by step. We show you the 12 words, ask you to write them down, and then verify that you've recorded them correctly by asking you to confirm them in order.
We do this because your security is our priority — even though we can't access your funds ourselves.
The Bottom Line
Your recovery phrase is the single most important piece of information in your Bitcoin journey. Treat it accordingly. A few minutes of careful storage today protects your wealth for years to come.