# The seed passphrase ("25th word")

An optional passphrase combines with your seed to create a different wallet, protecting you if the seed is stolen. Learn the benefits and the risks.

Canonical page: https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/seed-passphrase
Topic: Wallets and security
Published: 2026-10-29
Updated: 2026-10-30


## A second factor for your seed
[BIP 39](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/seed-phrases-bip39) allows an optional **passphrase**. The seed words plus the passphrase produce the wallet's keys. A different passphrase, even one character different, gives a completely different, valid-looking wallet.

> Diagram: Same seed, different passphrases, completely different wallets — Seed words → + passphrase "A" → *Wallet A → (change it)Passphrase "B" → Wallet B: unrelated

## Why use one
- Someone who finds your seed words alone **can't** spend the funds.
- You can keep a small "decoy" wallet with no passphrase and the real funds behind the passphrase.

## The risks
- **No passphrase recovery.** Forget it or mistype it once, and the funds are effectively gone.
- There's no "wrong passphrase" error. The wallet just opens an empty one, which can be alarming.

## Tips
- Use a long but memorable phrase.
- Back it up **separately** from the seed, so one discovery doesn't reveal both.
- Test it: note the first receive address, then restore and confirm you get the same one.


## Passphrase vs PIN vs password
| | Passphrase | Device PIN | App password |
|---|---|---|---|
| Changes which keys you get | Yes | No | No |
| Recoverable if forgotten | No | Reset with the seed | Reset with the seed |
| Protects a stolen seed | Yes | No | No |


## Key takeaways

- A passphrase plus the seed creates a different wallet.
- A stolen seed alone can't reach passphrase-protected funds.
- A forgotten passphrase can't be recovered.

## Common questions

### Is the passphrase the same as my device PIN?

No. The PIN unlocks the device; the passphrase changes which keys are derived.

### Can a wallet tell me if my passphrase is wrong?

No. Every passphrase opens a valid wallet. Check against a known first address.

### Is a passphrase the same as a 25th word?

Yes; it's often called the 25th (or 13th) word, though it can be any text.

### Should beginners use a passphrase?

Only if they can reliably back it up. Forgetting it locks the funds permanently.

## Related lessons

- [Seed phrases (BIP 39)](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/seed-phrases-bip39)
- [How to back up a Bitcoin wallet](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/backing-up-a-wallet)
- [Hardware wallets](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/hardware-wallets)
- [HD wallets (BIP 32)](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/hd-wallets-bip32)