What is a recovery phrase?
When you create a new wallet in Wraith Wallet, a recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase or mnemonic) is automatically generated. This phrase is the most important part of your wallet because it acts as the master key to all of your addresses and funds.
Recovery phrase vs private key
Private key
A private key is a long string of characters that grants control of a single blockchain address. It is used to:
Sign transactions.
Prove ownership of funds.
Interact with blockchain networks.
Each address has its own private key.
Recovery phrase
A recovery phrase is a sequence of 12 or 24 human-readable words that can recreate all of the private keys in your wallet. It is used to:
Restore your wallet if your device is lost or the app is deleted.
Recover all addresses and tokens across supported blockchains.
Keep your assets accessible even if you change phones or operating systems.
| Aspect | Private key | Recovery phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Long cryptographic string | 12 or 24 words |
| Scope | Controls one address | Restores the whole wallet |
| Purpose | Signs transactions | Recovers all addresses & private keys |
| Ease of use | Difficult to back up | Easier to store and recover |
| Security | Must remain secret | Must remain secret - compromise means full loss |
Why it matters
Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore your wallet.
If lost, your funds cannot be recovered by anyone - not Wraith Wallet, not support, not exchanges.
If stolen, whoever has it can access and transfer all your assets.
Important: Treat your recovery phrase like physical cash or gold. Whoever has it, owns your crypto.
Best practices for securing your recovery phrase
Write it down - record all words clearly on paper or a metal backup.
Store offline - keep it in a safe, vault, or locked box.
Avoid digital storage - do not screenshot or upload to cloud storage.
Double-check - verify every word is written correctly and in order.
Create redundancy - keep a second copy in a different secure location.
Never share it - no legitimate support agent or platform will ever ask for it.
Tip: If possible, engrave your phrase on fireproof or waterproof metal to protect against accidents.
Using your recovery phrase in Wraith Wallet
During setup: you will be shown your phrase and asked to confirm it by re-entering the words in order.
During restore: select Restore wallet, then type the phrase exactly.
Advanced users: Wraith also allows importing a single private key, but this only restores one address, not your whole wallet.
Common questions
Q: Can I change my recovery phrase? No. To get a new phrase, create a new wallet and transfer your assets to it.
Q: What if I lose my phrase? You lose access to your funds permanently. There is no reset or backup.
Q: Can I store it digitally if encrypted? It is possible, but not recommended. Offline storage is safer.
Q: Does Wraith Wallet ever see my recovery phrase? No. The phrase is generated and stored only on your device. It never leaves it.
Summary
A private key controls one address, while a recovery phrase controls the entire wallet.
Wraith Wallet never stores or has access to your phrase.
Protect it offline, back it up securely, and never share it.
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