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Backup Your Wallet with Recovery Seed

Secure your Firo wallet with BIP39 recovery seed phrase backup

CRITICAL SECURITY WARNING

Do NOT use the seed phrase examples shown in any guide! If you do, your funds will be gone!

Always generate your own unique seed phrase and NEVER share it with anyone. Anyone with access to your seed phrase has complete control over your funds.

Overview

The recovery seed phrase feature was introduced in December 2019 with version 0.13.8.10, following the BIP39 standard. This enables offline wallet backups and restoration across compatible wallets.

What is BIP39?

BIP39 is a Bitcoin Improvement Proposal that defines how to generate a mnemonic sentence (seed phrase) to backup and restore cryptocurrency wallets. This standard is used across many different cryptocurrencies.

Creating a New Wallet

Seed Phrase Options

12-Word Phrase

Security: 128-bit

Provides strong security suitable for most users while being easier to write down and verify.

24-Word Phrase

DEFAULT

Security: 256-bit

Maximum security recommended for storing large amounts. Default selection for enhanced protection.

Setup Process

1

Create a New Wallet

Select "Create a new wallet" when launching Firo-QT wallet for the first time

2

Choose Word Count

Select your preferred word count (12 or 24 words). 24 words is recommended for maximum security.

3

Optional: Additional Passphrase

Add an additional passphrase for extra protection (advanced users only)

4

Write Down Seed Phrase

Write down your seed phrase on paper in the exact order shown. Store it securely offline.

5

Verify the Phrase

Re-enter your seed phrase to confirm you've recorded it correctly

Important Distinction

The additional passphrase is NOT the same as your wallet's password that you use to unlock your wallet or send a transaction. It's an extra layer of security for your seed phrase.

Restoring from Seed Phrase

If you need to restore your wallet on a new device or after reinstalling, follow these steps:

1

Select "Recover existing wallet"

Choose this option when launching the Firo wallet

2

Specify Word Count

Indicate whether your seed phrase has 12 or 24 words

3

Enter Seed Phrase

Carefully type in your backed-up seed phrase in the correct order

4

Add Additional Passphrase (if used)

If you set an additional passphrase during wallet creation, enter it now

5

Complete Restoration

Click OK to complete the restoration process and access your funds

Compatibility Note

Electrum-Firo Compatibility: Electrum-Firo uses a different standard and cannot import QT wallet phrases directly.

However, the reverse is possible: Firo-QT can import Electrum-Firo seed phrases with BIP39 enabled.

Best Practices

Write on Paper

Never store your seed phrase digitally. Use paper and pen for maximum security against hackers.

Multiple Copies

Create multiple copies and store them in different secure locations

Protect from Elements

Store in waterproof and fireproof containers to protect against physical damage

Test Recovery

After initial setup, test the recovery process with a small amount to ensure your backup works

Never Share

Never share your seed phrase with anyone, including Firo support. No legitimate service will ever ask for it.

Your Security is Your Responsibility

Remember: With cryptocurrency, you are your own bank. Take the time to properly secure your seed phrase. Anyone with access to it has complete control over your funds.