What Is a 25th Word Passphrase? (BIP39 Passphrase Explained)

Security · Informational guide · Updated 2026

An optional extra secret

Some wallets support an additional passphrase on top of your recovery phrase, sometimes called the 25th word. It creates an entirely different set of wallets from the same seed.

How it works

Your recovery phrase plus the passphrase generates a new wallet. Without the passphrase, the seed alone leads to a different, empty wallet. This is why it is sometimes called a hidden wallet.

The benefit

If your seed phrase is exposed, an attacker still cannot access the passphrase-protected wallet without also knowing the passphrase.

The risk

There is no reset and no recovery. If you forget the passphrase, the funds are permanently lost, even with the seed phrase.

Should you use one

For advanced users with a well-planned backup strategy, a passphrase adds real security. For most beginners, the risk of losing access outweighs the benefit.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research. Cryptocurrency is volatile and involves risk of loss.