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Bip39 Words

Mnemonic Phrase: What You Need to Know

A mnemonic phrase is a list of simple, easily memorable words selected according to specific criteria, which stores all the information necessary to recover a wallet. Typically, the wallet generates a mnemonic backup phrase for the user to write down and store securely. In the event of a hardware or software failure, this phrase allows for the recovery of the same wallet. Since anyone with the mnemonic phrase has full access to the wallet, it's crucial to handle its storage method and location with great care.

Mnemonic phrases are more user-friendly compared to handling raw binary or hexadecimal representations of the wallet’s initial number. The phrase can be written down on paper or communicated over the phone (though it's best to avoid this).

The English word list for the BIP39 standard consists of 2048 words. For example, if a phrase contains 12 words, the number of possible combinations is 2048 raised to the 12th power, or 2 to the 132nd power, meaning the phrase offers 132 bits of security. Wallets can use mnemonic phrases of various lengths, including 12, 15, 18, or 24 words.

While it’s possible to create your own mnemonic phrase, it is not recommended due to the difficulty of achieving true randomness manually.

A mnemonic phrase can be augmented with user-defined words or a password.

Additional words or passwords can be stored along with the mnemonic phrase or separately. It's generally more effective to memorize or securely store these separately.

Storage Recommendations:
Most people write their phrases on paper, but there are many other storage methods: memorization, writing with invisible ink, engraving on metal, carving into stone, etc. Pay attention to the physical conditions where the mnemonic phrase is stored—consider factors such as temperature, moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors.

Losing the phrase means losing full control over the wallet, unless, of course, you have it memorized.

Partial recovery of the phrase is theoretically possible in some cases, but each situation is unique.

Do not include words in the phrase that are not present in the standard list, as this does not enhance security.

By the way, the largest number of words is for the letter S, with 250 words; the smallest number is for the letter Z, with only 4 words; and there are no words for the letter X.

Download the Complete Word List in PDF Format (1 A4 Page, 1021 kB)

You can download the full list of 2048 words in English, formatted on a single A4 page, from the link below. The PDF is in black and white, making it easy to print or view on any device.
This list is useful for various purposes, including mnemonic phrase generation and more. Click the link to get your copy now!