How to Convert Mnemonic (12 Word) to Private Key & Address Wallet Bitcoin and Ethereum (2024)

FAQs

How to Convert Mnemonic (12 Word) to Private Key & Address Wallet Bitcoin and Ethereum? ›

To convert a mnemonic to a private key, you first need to generate a seed from the mnemonic using a key derivation function such as PBKDF2 or BIP39. The seed is then used to generate a master key using a hierarchical deterministic (HD) key generation algorithm such as BIP32.

The process of converting a mnemonic phrase into a private key involves several steps. First, the mnemonic phrase is converted into a 512-bit integer using a cryptographic algorithm called SHA-256. This integer is then used as the seed for a random number generator, which is used to generate a series of private keys.

A 12-word seed phrase acts as a key to unlock access to a crypto wallet and is also the ultimate recovery tool for wallets on the blockchain.

Here is an example of a 12-word seed phrase: timber, sword, where, noodle, joy, eagle, admit, tuna, vibrant, museum, gossip, river. The standard method for seed phrases is called BIP-39 —short for Bitcoin improvement proposal-39. BIP-39 was introduced in 2013 with a list of 2,048 words that could be in seed phrases.

To convert a mnemonic to a private key, you first need to generate a seed from the mnemonic using a key derivation function such as PBKDF2 or BIP39. The seed is then used to generate a master key using a hierarchical deterministic (HD) key generation algorithm such as BIP32.

If you forgot to write down your backup phrase you can always access it within the wallet. You just need to enter the wallet with your password. Then go to the Settings tab and find Private Keys. View your phrase and save it in a safe place.

For example, "A5CD7462F..." is part of a private key. Instead of having to deal with that long string of characters, the wallet seed phrase, also known as a mnemonic phrase, is made up of 12, 18, or 24 words that the wallet originally relies on to initially generate your private key.

All of your cryptocurrency balance(s) are encrypted within the “12-Word” Recovery Phrase. The recovery phrase is the master key for all your assets. Meaning, all private keys are derived from that 12-Word Recovery Phrase.

Can I use my seed phrase on any wallet? ›

Generally, a seed phrase only works with the same wallet software that created it. If storing for a long period of time it's a good idea to write the name of the wallet too.

Security of 12-Word Recovery Seeds

A 12-word recovery seed provides 128 bits of entropy, which is more than sufficient for the security of your private keys.

Your 12-word secret recovery phrase is the key to your wallet and controls access to all your funds, so write it down and keep it safe! If your device is lost or stolen, the only way to recover your funds is with your secret recovery phrase.

@shahbaz Is there a way of converting private key into mnemonic phrase? No, a mnemonic is generated using an hd wallet - a hierarchical deterministic wallet. Private keys are “children” of this mnemonic and there can be millions of them, but there's no way to go back to the parent having only a child private key.

OR If you already have the extension set up and are adding an additional secret phrase, select Settings, Manage Wallets, Add new wallet. Choose the Import of recover wallet option. Enter password, and enter in your secret phrase, then follow the remaining steps to recover your wallet.

The mnemonic phrase generates the private key, the private key is used to authorize the management of digital assets; backing up the mnemonic phrase is backing up the private key. HD wallet users hold their own mnemonic phrase, and Cobo HD wallet does not store any users' mnemonic phrase and private keys.

Generating a DSA key

Generating a key for the DSA algorithm is a two-step process. First, you have to generate parameters from which to generate the key then to generate the key itself. Again like RSA, 2048 is the size of the key, in bits with anything smaller than 2048 being insecure in todays standards.

Public-key cryptography, or asymmetric cryptography, is the field of cryptographic systems that use pairs of related keys. Each key pair consists of a public key and a corresponding private key. Key pairs are generated with cryptographic algorithms based on mathematical problems termed one-way functions.