# Seed Phrases {% hint style="info" %} Disambiguation: [Seed Phrase vs Private Key](/glossary/disambiguation/seed-phrase-vs-private-key.md) {% endhint %} 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. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.allforone.app/glossary/definitions/self-custody-wallets/seed-phrases.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.