> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.leather.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.leather.io/get-started/recovery-phrase.md).

# What is a Recovery Phrase?

What a recovery phrase is, how Leather's 24-word Secret Key works, and how to store it safely.

A recovery phrase, also called a seed phrase, is a list of words that restores a crypto wallet and every account in it. Leather calls its recovery phrase the Secret Key. A new Leather wallet gets a 24-word Secret Key, and Leather can restore wallets from 12-word or 24-word phrases.

The words come from a standard list of 2,048 English words. The order matters: the same words in a different order are a different key.

## Why wallets use recovery phrases

Your device can break, get lost or be stolen. With the recovery phrase you can restore the wallet on a new device and reach the same assets. Wallets that follow the same standard (BIP-39) accept each other's phrases. They can still show different accounts, because each wallet picks its own derivation paths.

## Find your Secret Key in Leather

Leather shows the Secret Key once when you create the wallet. To see it again, open Settings and select "Secret Key", then enter your password. See [View Secret Key](/get-started/view-secret-key.md). You need access to the wallet to view it.

## Store your recovery phrase

* Keep a copy away from the device you use the wallet on. A stolen laptop then does not take the backup with it.
* Store it where other people cannot reach it, for example in a safe.
* Many people keep a copy on paper or engraved in metal. Storing the phrase digitally, including in a password manager, exposes it to anyone who gets into that account.
* Keep more than one copy, in separate places.

The [Cryptocurrency Security Standard (CCSS)](https://cryptoconsortium.org/cryptocurrency-security-standard-documentation/details/) has further guidance on key storage.

## If you lose your recovery phrase

Leather is self-custodial and keeps no copy of your Secret Key. Leather cannot recover it for you. If you lose the phrase and the wallet is deleted, the assets in it are gone.

If someone else gets your phrase, they can move your assets to a wallet you do not control. Enter your Secret Key only in Leather.

## Restore your wallet

With your Secret Key you can restore the wallet on any browser. Choose "Use existing key" on the welcome screen and enter the words.

If you think someone has seen your Secret Key, create a new wallet and move your assets to it. See [Migrate Assets Between Wallets](/get-started/migrate-assets-wallets.md).

## Recovery phrase and private keys

A private key controls one account. The recovery phrase generates all the private keys in the wallet, so it controls every account at once.

Think of a safe that holds your house key and your car key. Each key opens one thing, like a private key. The code to the safe is the recovery phrase: whoever has it gets both keys.

## Related

* [Secure Your Secret Key](/wallet-and-security/secure-secret-key.md)
* [View Secret Key](/get-started/view-secret-key.md)