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The passphrase: a 13th or 25th word
An optional extra word you choose, so that anyone who finds your recovery words still can't reach your bitcoin.
- A passphrase is an extra word or phrase added to your recovery words.
- Each passphrase opens a different wallet, so the words alone open an empty one.
- Forget it and the coins are gone, so back it up separately.
Your 12 or 24 recovery words can rebuild your wallet. Add a passphrase, and those words plus the passphrase rebuild a different wallet. Someone who finds only the words sees an empty wallet, or a small decoy you leave there on purpose.
Setting one up
Most hardware wallets offer it in their settings. Choose something long and unique, but something you can write down exactly: capital letters and spaces count.
The trade-off
There is no reset. A typo or a forgotten passphrase locks you out for good. Store a copy of it somewhere other than your recovery words, and test that you can restore the wallet before you move real money into it.
Not financial advice.
Want to go deeper?
Is a passphrase the same as my PIN?
No. The PIN only unlocks your device. The passphrase is part of what creates your wallet's keys, so it's needed on any device you restore to.
Should a beginner use one?
Not on day one. Get comfortable with backing up and restoring first. Add a passphrase once you trust your routine and your savings have grown.