This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to permanently punch your recovery phrase into your Steelwallet.

Before you begin, make sure you have your complete list of recovery words from your wallet setup. The Steelwallet is designed to hold either a 12 or 24-word recovery phrase. If you have a 24-word phrase, you will use two steel sheets.

What you'll need

• Your list of recovery words (e.g., from your BitBox02)
• The Steelwallet kit, which includes the steel sheet(s) and an automatic center punch
• A non-permanent marker

Step 1: Mark the letters for your first six words

Each word is recorded by punching the first four letters. As explained in our What is a Steelwallet? article, the first four letters are all you need to uniquely identify each word in the BIP39 list.

1. Take one steel sheet and your non-permanent marker.
2. For your first recovery word, identify the first four letters. For example, for the word "escape", you need "esca".
3. On the sheet, find the row for the first letter ('E') and the column for the second letter ('S'). Mark the hole where they intersect with your marker.
4. Next, find the row for the third letter ('C') and the column for the fourth letter ('A'). Mark that hole.
5. Repeat this process for the first six words of your recovery phrase.

Step 2: Double-check your marks

Accuracy is critical. Before punching, carefully review the marks for the first six words against your recovery word list.  Correcting a mistake now is much easier than doing so after the steel has been punched.

Step 3: Punch the marks and complete the sheet

1. Take the automatic center punch and place its tip firmly on your first marked hole.
2. Press down firmly on the punch until it clicks. This will create a permanent indent in the steel.
3. Continue this for all marked holes for the first six words.
4. Flip the steel sheet over.
5. Repeat the marking (Step 1) and checking (Step 2) process for your next six words (words 7-12).
6. Punch the marks for words 7-12.

If you have a 24-word phrase, take your second steel sheet and repeat all the steps for words 13-24.

Step 4: Secure your Steelwallet

Congratulations, your recovery phrase is now backed up on stainless steel.  The final and most important step is to store it securely.