Guide: How to Reveal Your MetaMask Secret Recovery Phrase

Your Secret Recovery Phrase, often called the SRP or seed phrase, is the foundation of your MetaMask wallet. It’s the only way to regain access if you ever forget your password, lose your device, or reinstall the extension. Since MetaMask is a self-custodial wallet, there’s no central system that can reset or restore anything on your behalf. The SRP is the master key, and losing it means losing your crypto permanently.

This guide walks you through how to reveal your MetaMask secret recovery phrase on both the browser extension and mobile app, and explains how to keep it stored safely so your funds stay protected.

What Is a Secret Recovery Phrase?

When you create a MetaMask wallet, you receive a randomly generated 12-, 18-, or 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. This phrase represents all accounts created under that wallet and allows you to restore everything when you log in on a new device. It also acts as a complete backup of your private keys.

Anyone who gains access to your SRP can control the entire wallet, move assets, and manage every account linked to it. MetaMask cannot recover your funds or reset the phrase if it’s lost, which is why storing it safely is essential. This applies whether you use MetaMask with Ethereum, Layer 2 networks, or additional networks like Solana and Starknet.

How to Reveal Your Secret Recovery Phrase on MetaMask Browser Extension

You can reveal your SRP as long as MetaMask is unlocked and you remember your password.

How to Reveal Your Secret Recovery Phrase on the MetaMask Mobile App

The process is similar on MetaMask Mobile, with a slightly different menu layout.

Safety and Backup Guidelines for Your SRP

Your Secret Recovery Phrase is the only way to restore your MetaMask wallet. The SRP controls every account created under it, which is why your backup method needs to be intentional and secure. Reveal it only in a private environment and avoid typing it on websites, forms, cloud tools, or messaging platforms. Scams often appear in the form of MetaMask “support” asking for your SRP, but MetaMask never requests it.

A written offline backup stored in a safe place is still the most reliable option. Some users keep a second copy in a separate location for added security. Once your SRP is backed up properly, you can explore MetaMask in more depth. Our detailed MetaMask review is a good next step if you want a clearer picture of its features, limitations, and how it compares to other wallets.

Bottom Line

Your Secret Recovery Phrase is the single key that controls your MetaMask wallet, and keeping it backed up safely ensures you never lose access to your funds. Now that you know how to reveal and store it correctly, you’re in a stronger position to manage your wallet securely and avoid accidental lockouts.

If you’d like to improve your wallet security even further, updating your MetaMask password is a practical next step. Once you have your SRP recorded securely, you can change your password without worrying about losing access. Our guide on how to change your MetaMask wallet password walks you through that process in a simple, safe way.

FAQs

1. Can I change my MetaMask Secret Recovery Phrase?

No. The SRP is created when your wallet is first generated and cannot be altered. To use a new phrase, you must create a new wallet and move your assets to it.

2. Is my password enough to restore my wallet on a new device?

No. The password only unlocks MetaMask on the device where it was created. The SRP is required to restore your wallet on any new device.

3. What happens if I lose my SRP?

If you lose your SRP and you originally created your wallet through the traditional setup, the wallet cannot be recovered. MetaMask cannot restore it for you.

4. What does the Secret Recovery Phrase look like?

MetaMask typically uses a 12-word phrase made up of randomly selected English words. These words together act as a human-readable version of your private keys.