Term
BIP39 Passphrase
An optional secret added to a BIP39 seed that creates a different wallet; losing it means losing access.
Type:
security
wallet
Also known as:
25th word
1
definition
The BIP39 passphrase is an extra password applied to a mnemonic seed. With the same 12/24 words, a different passphrase derives a completely different wallet. Without the exact passphrase, funds are unrecoverable.
2
caution
- Not all wallets support passphrases; verify before enabling
- Store the passphrase separately from the mnemonic; avoid mixing in backups
- Test recovery on a spare device with small funds
Related Terms
Seed Phrase
→A list of words that backs up a wallet; it can recreate all keys and addresses.
wallet
security
Deterministic Wallet
→A wallet that derives all keys and addresses from a single seed phrase, enabling easy backup and recovery.
wallet
security
Extended Public Key (xpub)
→A master public key in HD wallets used to derive many child public keys/addresses without exposing private keys.
wallet
hd-wallet
All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.
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