> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.allforone.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.allforone.app/glossary/definitions/self-custody-wallets/seed-phrases.md).

# Seed Phrases

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Disambiguation: [Seed Phrase vs Private Key](/glossary/disambiguation/seed-phrase-vs-private-key.md)
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A **Seed Phrase**, also known as a recovery phrase or backup phrase, is a series of words that are used to recover the [private keys](/glossary/definitions/self-custody-wallets/private-keys.md) of a [self-custody wallet](/glossary/definitions/self-custody-wallets.md). If a user loses their private keys or their wallet is otherwise inaccessible, the seed phrase can be used to generate a new set of private keys and regain access to the wallet.

Seed phrases are typically made up of 12-24 words, and are generated when a wallet is first created. They are meant to be kept in a secure location, such as a safe or a password-protected digital file. Because seed phrases are the only way to recover the private keys of a wallet, keep them safe and do not share them with anyone.