If you need to learn how to restore a wallet the safe way, follow this clean workflow: verify your recovery phrase type, install the official app or firmware, restore offline if possible, confirm derivation paths and passphrases, then check addresses and balances before moving funds. Keep a copy of the steps handy. Download: How To Restore A Wallet: Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF).
What “restore a wallet” really means
Restoring a wallet re-derives your private keys from a recovery secret and rebuilds accounts. Most modern wallets use a recovery phrase (12/18/24 words per BIP-39) to deterministically regenerate keys and addresses. Some use Shamir shares (SLIP-39) to split the secret into multiple parts for added safety. Others add an optional passphrase (often called the 25th word) that changes the resulting keys entirely. The device or app also follows a derivation path (BIP-32/BIP-44 family) to lay out accounts and addresses. Get these components right and your balances reappear; get one wrong and you may see empty accounts.
Before you start, decide whether you will restore to the same brand or to a compatible alternative. When switching brands, you must match the wordlist standard (BIP-39 vs SLIP-39), the passphrase setting, and the derivation path used by your prior wallet. Newer users can skim our Beginners hub first, then come back and follow the steps below. If you need adjacent workflows (backups, exports), our How-To Tutorials section is a good companion.
Before you start: safety and prerequisites
Protect the secret. Work in a private place, offline if possible. Never type the phrase into a website or screenshot it. Use the official wallet website or app store only. Verify device packaging and firmware on hardware wallets.
Collect facts. Write down: phrase length and standard (BIP-39 vs SLIP-39), whether a passphrase was used, prior wallet brand/version, chains you used (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), and typical account indexes (Account #0/#1). Plan verification. After restoration, you will compare the first receiving addresses to a known address book or old export. Keep your Tools tab open for explorer links and address checkers.
Step-by-step: restore correctly
High-level flow: install → pick “Restore/Recover” → select phrase type → enter words → set passphrase (if used) → select chain/account → confirm addresses → rescan/sync → verify balances. Use the two focused procedures below depending on your setup.
Software wallet restore (desktop or mobile)
- 1) Install the wallet app from the official site or store and verify the publisher.
- 2) Choose Restore/Import and select Recovery phrase (BIP-39) or the specific method the app supports.
- 3) Enter 12/18/24 words carefully; BIP-39 words are from a fixed list, so typos are usually caught.
- 4) If you previously used a passphrase, enable it and enter it exactly; without the correct passphrase your balances will not appear.
- 5) Pick the correct networks (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
- 6) Add accounts starting at index 0; let the app sync and derive addresses. 7) Compare the first few addresses to your old records. If they match, proceed to rescan and verify balances.
Hardware wallet restore (device + companion app)
- 1) Update the companion app and verify firmware signatures as instructed by the vendor.
- 2) On the device, choose Recover/Restore from seed and enter your BIP-39 words or load SLIP-39 shares in the requested order.
- 3) Enable the passphrase feature if you used one before; exact casing and spacing matter.
- 4) Connect to the companion app, add your chains/accounts, and let it derive addresses.
- 5) Cross-check the first receiving address for each account with prior records.
- 6) If addresses differ, review derivation path settings in the app before moving funds.
Derivation paths, passphrases, and addresses
Derivation paths describe how keys and addresses are laid out. Common defaults include m/44'/0'/0' for legacy Bitcoin, m/84'/0'/0' for native SegWit, and m/44'/60'/0' for Ethereum. Wallets usually hide this under “standard account,” but advanced settings let you pick paths.
Passphrases (BIP-39 option) create an entirely different wallet behind the same 12/24 words; forget or mistype it and the expected funds are invisible.
Account indexes increment as you add more accounts; if your funds were on Account 2, you must add enough accounts for the app to reach that index. When switching brands, verify that the new wallet uses the same defaults, or select a custom path that matches the old one.
Troubleshooting and quick checks
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix to try |
|---|---|---|
| Balances show 0 | Wrong path, wrong account index, or missing passphrase | Add accounts 0→5; confirm passphrase; switch to the prior derivation path |
| Addresses don’t match old records | Different address type (e.g., legacy vs SegWit) or wrong chain | Select the correct address type; ensure the right network is active |
| App rejects a word | Not a BIP-39 word or typo | Check the BIP-39 list; replace with valid nearest word |
| Restored but can’t see tokens | Tokens not added to watchlist or wrong token contract | Add the token by contract address; verify chain and contract |
| Partial success on one chain only | Per-chain account not added or different defaults | Manually add that chain’s account; check path conventions |
| Using Shamir shares | SLIP-39 required; app expects BIP-39 | Restore on a wallet that supports SLIP-39; enter shares in order |
Tip: If you ever exported a past address book or saved screenshots, use them to validate the first receiving address after restoration. For printable worksheets, visit our Downloads page.
FAQ
Do I need the exact same wallet brand to restore?
Usually no. Any BIP-39 compatible wallet with the same passphrase and derivation path will reproduce your keys. SLIP-39 (Shamir) requires compatible support.
What if I forgot whether I used a passphrase?
If addresses don’t match without a passphrase, you likely used one. Try known phrases you would have set. Never guess on a web form; test locally and offline.
Can I restore with only a keystore file?
Yes if the new app supports that format. Still migrate to a recovery phrase–based backup you control, and verify by sending a tiny test transaction.
My phrase is 25 words. Is that valid?
Most phrases are 12/18/24 words. Some wallets show 24 words plus an optional passphrase; that passphrase is separate and not displayed as a 25th word.
Why do I see different Bitcoin addresses after restore?
You likely selected a different address type (legacy, SegWit, or Taproot) or a different path. Switch to the address type you used originally.
Is it safe to retype my phrase on a computer?
Prefer entering on a hardware wallet. If you must use software, work offline, scan for malware first, and never store the phrase in screenshots or cloud notes.
Can a recovery phrase restore stolen funds?
No. The phrase controls the wallet, not the chain’s history. If funds are gone, the phrase cannot reverse transactions.
Final CTA: How To Restore A Wallet: Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF)
Sources & references
- BIP-39: Mnemonic code for generating deterministic keys
- BIP-32: Hierarchical Deterministic Wallets
- BIP-44: Multi-account hierarchy for deterministic wallets
- SLIP-39: Shamir Backup (Shamir’s Secret Sharing for recovery)
- Ethereum.org — Wallets overview and recovery basics
Important disclaimer
“Important: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The views expressed reflect the authors’ opinions. Always do your own research and make decisions based on your personal circumstances — you are solely responsible for your funds and risks. Act with caution and protect your capital.”
