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Leave the wallet passphrase off unless you have a reason
A wallet passphrase is a second password with no reset, so leave it off unless you have a written reason to use it.
Written by John AlewineReviewed by the Crypto Guidance team
Published ยท Updated
A passphrase is an extra secret you type on top of your seed words. The words alone open one wallet. The words plus the passphrase open a completely different wallet.
There is no checksum on the passphrase. A typo gives you a different, empty wallet, and the software will not warn you. Spaces matter. Capitals matter. It is a second password with no reset and no vendor to call.
Where it goes wrong
- Writing the passphrase on the same paper as the seed words. That defeats the point.
- A family restore after a death that never mentions the hidden wallet.
An AI assistant can explain what a passphrase is, but whether you typed yours exactly the same way is something only you and your own written record can settle.
When it makes sense
Default is off. It only makes sense after a basic hardware setup works, a backup is tested, and you have a written reason. The Security page is enough for almost everyone. The longer explanation is on what is a passphrase wallet.
Not sure whether you turned one on? I can look at it with you in a consulting session. I sit with people one at a time and never ask for your keys or seed phrase.