What is a seed phrase and why never share it?

In short

• A seed phrase is a list of 12 to 24 words that backs up your entire crypto wallet and can restore it on any device.
• Anyone who has your seed phrase can take all your funds, so you should never share it, type it into a website, or store it online.
• trip1 and CoinGate never ask for your seed phrase. Paying for a hotel only ever requires scanning a QR code and sending crypto from your wallet.

What is a seed phrase?

A seed phrase, also called a recovery phrase, is a set of 12 to 24 simple words your wallet generates when you first set it up. Those words are the master backup of your wallet.

If you lose your phone or device, you can type the seed phrase into a new wallet and recover all your funds. That power is exactly why it must stay private.

Why you should never share it

Your seed phrase is the one secret that grants complete control of your wallet. Anyone who reads it can move every coin out, and blockchain transfers cannot be reversed.

Scammers often pose as support agents, wallet providers, or giveaways and ask you to confirm your seed phrase. No legitimate company will ever need it. trip1 will never ask for it under any circumstances.

How to keep your seed phrase safe

• Write it on paper or metal and store it offline in a private, secure place.
• Never take a screenshot, email it to yourself, or save it in a notes app or cloud drive.
• Never enter it into a website or share it with anyone, even someone claiming to be support.

Important: If you ever enter or share your seed phrase, treat the wallet as compromised. Move your funds to a brand new wallet with a fresh seed phrase right away, because exposed funds cannot be recovered once they are moved.

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