Trezor’s 20-word wallet backup standard enhances security and usability compared to traditional 12- and 24-word wallet backups. It features a clearer wordlist, a stronger checksum for error detection, and optimized typing for easier recovery. The format also enables seamless upgrades to Multi-share Backup, allowing users to split their wallet backup for added protection.
Trezor has been at the forefront of wallet security innovation, having developed the original 12 and 24-word ? standards back in 2013. So, why this 20-word wallet backup, and what advantages does it carry over the 12 and 24-word wallet backups? The 20-word wallet backup allows for a seamless transition from a standard Single-share Backup to an advanced Multi-share Backup, enhancing wallet recovery protection with added security measures. But what does that mean?
Read on, as we answer your most asked questions on this subject.
Why introduce a 20-word wallet backup (also known as Single-share Backup)?
We believe the 20-word standard is an evolution of the previous standard (12 and 24-word wallet backup) with many significant improvements. It includes:
- **Upgraded wordlist for easy recall and recovery: **All words in the enhanced standard are carefully chosen to be highly distinguishable from each other in terms of spelling and pronunciation, simplifying the backup and recovery process. For example, the legacy backup wordlist contains similar words like “all,” “wall,” “fall,” “call,” and “ball,” making it easy to write down incorrect words and jeopardize wallet security.
- Stronger checksum for enhanced fault tolerance: The enhanced standard utilizes the last three words as a checksum, providing better protection against errors. This allows users to identify and correct mistakes more easily, ensuring a more robust backup.
- **Faster typing with optimized word selection: **The words in the upgraded wordlist are selected so they require fewer keystrokes and have simpler patterns, making them quicker to type on a T9 keyboard. This reduces the time required for data entry and improves user efficiency.
Beyond this, it allows for a seamless transition from a Standard Single-share Backup to an Advanced Multi-share Backup (previously known as Shamir Backup).
So, what is the Advanced Multi-share Backup? Do I need this?
With Multi-share Backup, you can easily split your wallet backup (also known as recovery seed) into multiple parts. By splitting your backup, you don’t have to worry about losing a single backup and access to your funds. Or as we say, no single point of failure.
To recover your wallet, you only need a set number (called the threshold) of these parts. As long as you have the threshold number of parts, you can safely recover your wallet.
**Here’s an example of how it works: **Let’s take an example of a 3-of-5 Multi-share Backup. What this means is you have a total of 5 shares. You can distribute these shares between different locations and/or trusted individuals. All you need in this case is any 3 of the shares (threshold) to recover your wallet. Thus, even if some shares are lost, your wallet remains secure as long as the threshold number of shares is intact. In this case, if someone finds 1 share, they cannot access your wallet because of the need for at least 3 shares.
Did you know? We developed the 12 and 24-word wallet backup (also known as recovery seed), widely used as an industry standard. Yes. That was in 2013/2014.
Wallet backup - Common FAQs
Do I need to switch to a 20-word wallet backup? Can't I just keep my 12 or 24-word backup?
No, you can retain your existing 12 or 24-word wallet and continue using your Trezor device as is. However, we recommend adopting the 20-word backup so you can easily upgrade to Multi-share Backup if needed.
So, what's the difference between the 20-word wallet backup and the 12 and 24-word backups?
As mentioned earlier, the 20-word wallet backup is made up of carefully selected words that are easily distinguishable from one another, enhancing the user-friendliness of the backup and recovery process. The words comprising your wallet backup are optimized for entry on a T9 keyboard (the same as on Trezor and other touchscreen devices). They also come with a stronger checksum. The final three words of your 20-word wallet backup form a stronger checksum, ensuring its integrity and validity. If you make a mistake, the checksum won't let you continue until you correct it. To top it all, the 20-word wallet backup allows for a seamless upgrade to Multi-share Backup in Trezor Suite, while continuing to use the same accounts and addresses.
What Trezor models support the 20-word wallet backup?
The 20-word wallet backup is the default backup option on the latest Trezor models, including the Trezor Safe 3 and Trezor Safe 5. It is also supported on the Trezor Model T.
How do I use the 20-word wallet backup?
So, if you’re yet to set up your wallet, the 20-word wallet backup will be the default on the models mentioned above. However, if you’ve already got a Trezor up and running, and you’re interested in upgrading to a Multi-share scheme for the long-term security of your funds, we’ve got you covered with our upgrading to Multi-share Backup article.
Can I upgrade from a 12-word backup to a 20-word Multi-share Backup?
Yes, you can. If you’re already using a 12-word wallet backup, there are a few steps involved. This is because you will be migrating from one standard to another (BIP39 or 12 and 24-word to SLIP39 or the 20-word wallet backup). This means you will have to migrate your funds carefully from one seed to another, which entails multiple steps.
