How to find my secret recovery phrase in Phantom wallet?

Phantom Wallet's secret recovery phrase is a 12- or 24-word backup used to restore wallet access and must be securely stored, as it's only shown once during setup.

Jul 09, 2025 at 02:56 pm

What is a Secret Recovery Phrase in Phantom Wallet?

A secret recovery phrase, also known as a wallet seed phrase, is a sequence of 12 or 24 words generated when you first create your Phantom wallet. This phrase acts as the ultimate backup to your wallet and allows you to restore access to your funds in case you lose your device, uninstall the wallet, or want to migrate your wallet to another service. It's crucial to store this phrase securely and never share it with anyone. In Phantom wallet, this phrase is only shown once during setup, and users are encouraged to write it down and keep it safe.

Why You Might Need to Access Your Recovery Phrase

There are several scenarios where knowing how to retrieve your secret recovery phrase becomes essential. If you're planning to import your wallet into another cryptocurrency wallet like Trust Wallet or MetaMask, you'll need this phrase. Similarly, if you're reinstalling your browser extension or switching devices, having the recovery phrase ensures you don’t lose access to your digital assets. However, Phantom wallet does not allow users to view their recovery phrase after initial setup for security reasons. This means that if you didn't save it at the time of creation, you’ll have to restore your wallet using the phrase instead of retrieving it directly from the app.

How to Recover Your Wallet Using the Secret Phrase

If you've lost access to your Phantom wallet and still have your recovery phrase, you can easily restore your wallet by following these steps:

• Open the Phantom wallet browser extension.
• Click on "Import wallet".
• Select "Restore from recovery phrase".
• Enter your secret recovery phrase carefully, ensuring each word is correctly spelled and in the correct order.
• Set a new password for your wallet.
• Confirm the action and wait for the restoration process to complete.

Once restored, your wallet balance and transaction history will reappear, allowing you to continue managing your crypto assets seamlessly.

Where Is the Secret Recovery Phrase Stored During Setup?

During the initial wallet creation process, Phantom displays your secret recovery phrase on the screen for a short period. At this point, you’re prompted to write it down manually or use a secure method to store it offline. Phantom does not store this phrase on its servers or within the wallet interface after this step. The responsibility of safeguarding the recovery phrase lies entirely with the user. Once you proceed past the setup screen, there’s no built-in functionality to retrieve the phrase again through the wallet itself.

Security Best Practices for Storing Your Recovery Phrase

Given the critical nature of the secret recovery phrase, it's important to adopt robust storage practices. Consider using a hardware wallet or a secure password manager to store it. Alternatively, you can write it down on paper and store it in a safe or safety deposit box. Avoid taking screenshots or saving the phrase digitally unless it's encrypted and stored offline. Never share it with anyone, including customer support representatives, as legitimate services will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I view my recovery phrase in Phantom wallet after setup?

No, Phantom wallet does not provide an option to view your recovery phrase after the initial setup. This is a deliberate security measure to prevent unauthorized access.

Q: What should I do if I lost both my recovery phrase and access to my Phantom wallet?

Unfortunately, without the secret recovery phrase, there is no way to recover your wallet or the funds associated with it. Phantom does not maintain backups of recovery phrases for user wallets.

Q: Is it safe to store my recovery phrase on my computer or phone?

Storing your recovery phrase digitally poses risks, especially if the device is connected to the internet. It’s safer to use a hardware wallet or physical storage methods like a fireproof safe.

Q: Can I change my recovery phrase in Phantom wallet?

No, the secret recovery phrase is tied to your wallet address and cannot be changed. To generate a new phrase, you would need to create a completely new wallet and transfer your funds to it.