How to restore a crypto wallet on a new device
You restore a crypto wallet by importing its recovery phrase into the official app or hardware restore flow. Check addresses before sending funds.
Vahe HakobyanEditor-in-chief
Updated Oct 5, 20263 min readFact-checked
On this page
- Use the maker's official restore flow, not a search ad link.
- On a hardware wallet, enter the phrase on the device.
- A missing passphrase restores a different, empty wallet.
A crypto wallet holds the keys to your funds, and the recovery phrase is the backup that rebuilds those keys on a new phone, computer, or hardware wallet.
What do you need to restore?
Restoring means importing your recovery phrase into wallet software on the new device. Use the official app, the hardware maker's restore flow, or a reputable wallet that supports your seed standard.
How do you restore the wallet?
Open the official wallet software or the hardware wallet's menu, then choose restore or import. The labels differ, but the flow asks for the phrase words in order. If you set an optional passphrase (the 25th word), enter it when asked.
- 1Open the official walletInstall the app from the maker's site, or open the menu on your hardware wallet. Avoid links from search ads or email.
- 2Choose restore or importPick restore, import, or recover. Do not choose create a new wallet.
- 3Enter the phrase in orderIn the official app, type each word in order. On a hardware wallet, enter each word on its screen with buttons, never in computer software. Add your optional passphrase when prompted, because without it the phrase opens a different, empty wallet.
What should you do after restoring?
After the wallet rebuilds its keys, secure the new device and check the right wallet opened. Set a new device passcode and turn on app locks or biometrics. Confirm addresses and balances match your records before sending funds.
Frequently asked questions
Without the phrase, you cannot restore the wallet. A private key import can recover funds only if you saved that key separately.
Usually no. The phrase is the standard backup. A few wallets support private key import if you saved one.
Safe inside the official app's restore flow, or on a hardware wallet's screen. Not safe on an untrusted website, in chat, or in a pop-up.
A different wallet type or derivation path creates a different set of addresses. Many wallets also create a new receiving address for each transaction.
