Your 24 recovery words are the master key to your crypto. Storing them securely is just as important as keeping your BitBox02 safe. This guide covers the best practices for protecting your physical backup.
Why offline storage is critical
The single most important rule is to never store your recovery words in any digital format. This includes taking a photo, saving them in a text file, or using a password manager. Any device connected to the internet is a potential target for hackers. Keeping your backup entirely offline eliminates this risk.
Do's and Don'ts of backup storage
Follow these simple rules to keep your backup safe.
Do:
- Write the words down clearly and in the correct order.
- Store your backup in a secret, secure, and private location.
- Use a robust, physical medium to protect against damage.
- Consider making more than one copy and storing them in different secure locations.
Don't:
- Keep them offline, always. Never store your recovery words in any digital format. This includes taking photos, using a password manager, or saving them in a text file, email, or cloud storage.
- Work in private. When you view or write down your words, make sure you are in a secure location where no person or camera can see them.
- Do not store your recovery words together with your hardware wallet.
- Never type them on a computer. Only enter your recovery words directly on your BitBox02. Your computer could have hidden malware that steals your words.
- Do not make photocopies. Modern printers and copiers often store a digital copy of what they scan.
- Do not read them out loud.
Recommended backup solutions
While writing your words on paper is good, it is vulnerable to damage from fire or water. For long-term security, we recommend more durable solutions.
microSD card
The BitBox02 creates an instant, encrypted backup of your wallet on the included microSD card. This is a fast and convenient way to restore your wallet, but the primary disaster recovery backup remains your 24 recovery words written down separately. You can get additional labeled microSD cards to manage multiple backups here: microSD card
Steelwallet Pro
For the ultimate protection against physical damage, the Steelwallet Pro is the best solution. It allows you to permanently record your recovery words on stainless steel, making them resistant to fire, water, and corrosion. You can find more information here: Steelwallet Pro
BitBox Backup card
The BitBox02 comes with a Backup card, which is a small, laminated card for writing down your recovery words. It's a great starting point and is more durable than plain paper. You can learn more about it here: Backup card
Steelwallet
For the ultimate protection against physical damage, a Steelwallet is the best solution. It allows you to punch your recovery words into stainless steel plates, making them resistant to fire, water, and corrosion. You can find more information here: Steelwallet
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is my optional passphrase (25th word) part of the backup?
No. The optional passphrase is a separate secret that is never stored on the device or included in any backup. It is an advanced security feature that you must memorize or store securely and separately from your 24 recovery words. Restoring your 24 words alone will not give you access to your passphrase-protected wallet. You can learn more about the benefits and risks here: Benefits and risks of using an optional passphrase
Should I split my recovery words into multiple parts?
Splitting your seed phrase (e.g., 12 words in one location, 12 in another) is an advanced technique called sharding. While it can increase security against theft, it significantly increases the risk of you losing one of the parts, which would mean losing your funds forever. For most users, we do not recommend this.
Is a safe deposit box a good place to store my backup?
A safe deposit box can be a secure option, but you must be aware of the risks. Access can be restricted or denied by the bank, and it may be difficult for your heirs to access it. You must weigh the trade-offs between personal custody and third-party reliance.
Should I laminate my paper backup?
Yes, laminating a paper backup is a good, low-cost way to protect it from moisture and wear. The Backup card included with the BitBox02 already comes laminated.