- Use "recovery code" instead of "mnemonic phrase" or "seed phrase". A
new tipbox describes that mnemonic implies memorization but that's bad
practice. The phrase recovery code is generic enough to apply to a
variety of schemes, including Electrum seed words, BIP38 seed words,
aezeed, and non-phrase schemes like that used in Muun.
- Be clearer about the difference between "wallet" and "wallet
software".
- Mention that restoring from a code doesn't restore labels or
offchain transaction info.
- Warn about re-entering your code into malware / phishing attacks.
@ -319,36 +319,87 @@ the option to create a new Bitcoin wallet. Because the wallet she has
chosen is a non-custodial wallet, Alice (and only Alice) will be in
control of her keys. Therefore, she bears responsibility for backing
them up, since losing the keys means she loses access to the bitcoin. To
facilitate this, her wallet produces a _mnemonic phrase_ (explained more
in <<mnemonic_phrase_intro>>), in the form of 12 English words that can
be used to restore her wallet on any of the hundreds of compatible
software or hardware wallets.
Let's elaborate a bit on the mnemonic phrase, next.
[[mnemonic_phrase_intro]]
==== Mnemonic Phrase
Most modern non-custodial Bitcoin wallets will provide a _mnemonic
phrase_ (also sometimes called a "seed" or "seed phrase") for their user
to back up. The mnemonic phrase usually consists of 12 English words,
selected randomly by the software, and used as the basis for the keys
that are generated by the wallet. A sample mnemonic phrase is shown in
<<mnemonic_phrase_sample>>.
[[mnemonic_phrase_sample]]
.Alice is shown a 12-word mnemonic phrase that she must backup (offline on paper)
image::images/mnemonic_phrase_sample.png[".Alice is shown a 12-word mnemonic phrase that she must backup (offline on paper)"]
This mnemonic phrase can be used by Alice to restore *all* the
transactions and funds in her wallet in the case of an event such as a
lost mobile device, a software bug, or memory corruption. The mnemonic
phrase is based on a common standard and therefore can be restored on
any compatible software or hardware wallet. This allows Alice to try
different wallets and also removes any dependency on the software or
hardware maker of the wallet.
Of note, when receiving funds to a new mobile wallet for the first time, many wallets will often re-verify that you have securely backed-up your mnemonic phrase. This can range from a simple prompt to requiring the user to manually re-enter the phrase.
facilitate this, her wallet produces a _recovery code_ (explained more in
<<recovery_code_intro>>) that can be used
to restore her wallet.
Let's elaborate a bit on the recovery code, next.
[[recovery_code_intro]]
==== Recovery Code
Most modern non-custodial Bitcoin wallets will provide a _recovery
code_ for their user
to back up. The recovery code usually consists of numbers, letters, or words
selected randomly by the software, and is used as the basis for the keys
that are generated by the wallet. Sample recovery codes from different wallets are shown in