Your 12-word secret key, also known as a secret recovery phrase, is your all-access key to your wallet and all your crypto.
Write it down and store it safely, privately, and offline.
Don’t share it with anyone. Anyone who has it can access your funds.
Exodus can’t recover it for you if it’s lost.
It’s the only way to restore your wallet if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Read on to learn how secret keys work and how to keep them safe.
Need a crypto wallet that gives you full control of your assets? You can download Exodus here.
In this article:
What is a secret key?
Your secret key is the all-access key to your wallet. It controls access to all your crypto.
A secret key is a set of words representing a string of numbers. These numbers create a seed that generates your wallet's private keys.
Each address has its own private key, which authorizes transactions and proves ownership of funds. In Exodus, your private keys are securely generated from and tied to your 12-word secret key.
If anything happens to the device your wallet is on, like your phone is lost or your computer crashes, the only way to recover your funds is with your 12-word secret key. You can restore your wallet on another device by entering your secret key into a new wallet.
Secret keys, also known as secret recovery phrases, mnemonics, or seed phrases, can be any length, but they are usually 12, 18, or 24 words.
Exodus secret keys are always 12 words.
Video tutorial: What is a secret key?
How is a secret key generated?
Your 12-word secret key starts with a large, randomly generated number created on your device. This number is 128 bits long, which means it is a series of 128 ones and zeros.
This 128-bit number is divided into chunks of 11 bits, where each set of 11 bits can represent a number between 0 and 2047 (exactly 2048 values).
These numbers are then matched with words from a standard list called the BIP39 wordlist, which has 2048 words.
So, the 12 numbers correspond to specific English words, which become your 12-word secret key.
This secret key, which can also be converted back to a number, known as a seed integer, generates all the key pairs (public addresses and private keys) used in the wallet.
Once your secret key is converted into a seed, it’s used with a standard algorithm to generate your wallet’s all-access key.
From this all-access key, an almost infinite number of private and public keys can be derived. When the same all-access key and derivation path are used, the same private and public keys will always be generated.
Each blockchain asset (like Bitcoin or Ethereum) uses a different path, called derivation paths, to create its keys. These paths prevent overlap between different assets. To see derivation paths used in Exodus, visit: Derivation paths in Exodus.
The process of generating and using your secret key follows open-source standards called Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs):
How secure is a 12-word secret key?
A BIP39 12-word secret key has 2048¹² possible combinations. That’s the same as 2¹³², or 2 to the power of 132. In theory, that gives it 132 bits of security.
However, because the secret key includes a checksum, the actual entropy is 128 bits. That’s the same level of security as a Bitcoin private key, and it’s widely considered very secure by cryptography experts.
To learn how big 2¹²⁸ is, you can look at The Bug Charmer's helpful post here: How big is 2**128?
What is an 18- or 24-word secret key?
Exodus generates a 12-word secret key to back up your wallet. However, other wallets might generate 18-word or 24-word secret keys.
For example, the Trezor Model T automatically generates a 12-word secret key, while the Trezor One creates a 24-word secret key.
Although 12-, 18-, or 24-word secret keys all provide excellent security, some platforms choose a 24-word secret key because it provides 256-bit security rather than the 128-bit offered by the 12-word secret key. If you want to dive into the math, start with this video about 256-bit security or this article about cryptographic algorithms.
Also, keep in mind that different wallets use different derivation paths. Exodus and Trezor both use the BIP39 standard. However, other wallets might use different or incompatible standards. So, not every wallet will be able to restore all assets from your secret key.
Where is my 12-word secret key stored?
Your 12-word secret key is encrypted and stored on your device where you install Exodus.
Only you have access to your secret key and private keys. Exodus does not store them and can't recover them for you. As Andreas Antonopoulos famously said: "Your keys, your Bitcoin. Not your keys, not your Bitcoin."
This design helps protect your wallet. Even in the unlikely event of a server breach, no one could access your wallet or funds because Exodus doesn't hold your secret key.
Since you’re the only one with access, you’re fully responsible for keeping your secret key safe. If you lose it, your wallet cannot be recovered.
How do I keep my 12-word secret key safe?
Anything stored online can be hacked. This is also true for your 12-word secret key. To keep your funds safe, storing your secret key offline and private is critical.
Write it down on paper: Don’t store your secret key digitally, as digital information can be vulnerable to hackers. Writing it down is safer because offline storage can’t be hacked.
Double-check spelling and order: Each word's exact order and spelling matters. If even one word is misspelled or the order is incorrect, you won't be able to restore your wallet.
Make backup copies: Consider storing multiple paper copies in separate, secure locations (like a fireproof safe or a trusted family member's home). This will protect you from disasters like floods, fires, or theft.
Never share it with anyone: No legitimate company, including Exodus, will ever ask for your secret key.
For more information, visit: How do I keep my secret key safe?
How do I back up with a passkey?
In Exodus Mobile, you can back up your wallet using a passkey and your iCloud or Google account.
Your passkey manager creates and stores a passkey. This passkey is the only way to decrypt your encrypted secret key and access your wallet.
To learn more, visit: How do I back up my wallet with a passkey?
For security tips, visit: How do I keep my passkey backup safe?
Your device's cloud backup does not back up your wallet automatically. It doesn't include your 12-word secret key and can't restore your wallet. You'll need to write down your secret key or take steps to encrypt and save it using your passkey manager and cloud storage.
Can I change my secret key?
No, it is not possible to change the secret key for an existing wallet.
If you want a new secret key, you’ll need to create a brand new wallet. This generates a new secret key.
One way of generating a new wallet is by downloading Exodus on a different device.
If you want to generate a new wallet on the same device, visit: How do I delete my wallet and start over?
Before creating a new wallet, make sure you have stored your existing 12-word secret key, so you can always access your old wallet if needed.
For security reasons, Exodus randomly generates your 12-word secret key. It’s not possible to choose your own words.
How do I restore my wallet with the secret key?
Using your secret key, you can restore and recover your Exodus wallet on any device.
For a guide, visit: How do I restore from my 12-word secret key?
To restore from a passkey, visit: How do I restore my wallet with a passkey?
How do I back up my wallet and write down my 12-word secret key?
If you can access your Exodus wallet, you can always view your 12-word secret key.
In the sections below, we'll go over how to view it in Exodus Mobile, Desktop, and Web3 Wallet so you can back up your wallet by writing it down and storing it securely.
To help protect your secret key, Exodus Mobile and Exodus Desktop on Windows and macOS prevent screenshots and screen recordings while they are visible. This also stops tools like Windows Recall (a Windows function that automatically captures your screen for AI-powered tools) from viewing and storing it. However, please note that Web3 Wallet does not support this feature.
Mobile
In Exodus Mobile, a) tap the Wallet icon, then b) swipe down to go to the profile screen.
Tap Settings.
Tap Backups.
Tap Secret Key.
If you instead wish to back up your wallet with a passkey, visit: How do I back up my wallet with a passkey?
The first time you view your 12-word secret key, you’ll see seven slides about keeping it safe. Tap Get started, then tap the confirmation button once it appears on each slide to move forward.
To see your secret key, a) press and hold your finger on the Press and Hold to Reveal button. Once you have written it down, b) tap Done.
We recommend writing down your 12-word secret key on more than one piece of paper, and keeping the copies in separate secure locations. This will prevent a single point of loss from events like fires, floods, etc.While viewing your secret key, make sure no one is around you. The secret key is for your eyes only!
Your secret key generates all your wallet’s addresses and private keys, so it's crucial to keep it safe
Do not store your secret key as an unencrypted digital copy, as digital information can be vulnerable to hackers. Learn more about how to keep your crypto safe.
Next, to check your backup, you will receive a question about your secret key. a) Choose the correct answer, then b) tap Done.
Now that you have your 12-word secret key secure, it is time to add a passcode to lock your wallet. Toggle on Passcode Lock.
Passcode Lock may not be available if you're using Exodus Pay. If you don't see it, you can still protect your wallet with Face ID (iOS) or Touch ID (Android).
Once you have created your passcode, you will be asked to re-enter it to confirm it. This will enable your passcode on your mobile Exodus wallet.
And that's it! You only have to go through the backup process once! As long as you have your 12-word secret key safe, you won't lose access to your funds.
If you would like to set up Face ID on an iOS device, or Touch ID on an Android device, visit: How do I secure my wallet with Face ID or Touch ID?
Desktop
Click on the Settings icon in the top right corner of your Exodus wallet.
a) Click the Backup tab. b) Create a strong, secret and unique password, enter it in the box, and c) click Next.
Make sure your Exodus wallet password is not the same or similar to any other password you have ever used! We recommend using a password manager to create your password, as they can generate highly random and strong passwords for you as well as store them.
If you forget or lose your password, no one can recover or reset it for you. You can only reset your password with your secret key.
a) Re-enter the password and b) click Next.
a) Check the box to confirm you understand the risks of sharing your secret key, then b) click View Secret Key.
a) Check the box to show your secret key and then write it down in the correct order. Double-check that they are spelled correctly. When you are finished writing down the secret key, put it in a secure place that only you can access and b) click Done.
We recommend writing down your 12-word secret key on more than one piece of paper, and keeping the copies in separate secure locations to prevent a single point of loss from events like fires, floods, etc.
Your secret key is your secret master seed that generates all your wallet’s addresses and private keys. It is incredibly important for you to keep your secret key safe.
Do not store your secret key as an unencrypted digital copy, as digital information can be vulnerable to hackers. Learn more about how to keep your crypto safe.
Next, a) read the verification question carefully, b) select the correct answer, and c) click Done.
And that's it! You only have to go through this process once.
Web3 Wallet
a) Click the Profile icon, then b) click Security.
Click Back Up.
a) Check the box to confirm you understand the risks of sharing your secret key. Next, b) enter your password, and c) click View Secret Phrase.
You can now view your secret key by clicking Reveal secret recovery phrase. Write down your secret key and store it in a secure place so you always have access to your funds. Be sure to double-check that the words have been written down in the correct order and that no words are misspelled.
We recommend writing down your 12-word secret key on more than one piece of paper, and keeping the copies in separate secure locations to prevent a single point of loss from events like fires, floods, etc.
Your secret key is your secret master seed that generates all your wallet’s addresses and private keys. It is incredibly important for you to keep your secret key safe.
Do not store your secret key as an unencrypted digital copy, as digital information can be vulnerable to hackers. Learn more about how to keep your crypto safe.
After you have written down your secret key, and checked that all the words are spelled correctly and are in the correct order, you can click Next.
Next, to check your backup, you will receive a question regarding the secret key you have written down. a) Choose the word that is in your secret key, b) then tap Done.
