When a hardware wallet is first launched, a so-called “seed” is generated, which is usually 12 to 24 English words. These words serve as the master key to all your cryptocurrencies stored in that wallet. If you lose the wallet, damage it, or if it is stolen, you can use these words to restore access to your funds on a new device. By default, this seed is written on a piece of paper, which is, however, susceptible to destruction, for example by fire, water, or gradual fading. A seed backup is a physical device, most often made of a durable metal such as stainless steel or titanium, which serves for the permanent and secure storage of these words. The words are recorded into the metal body of the backup mechanically, for instance by stamping letters, engraving, or assembling individual letter tiles. This creates a record that is resistant to high temperatures, corrosion, and physical damage. The goal of such a backup is to ensure that your master key remains legible and accessible even after many years or after an unexpected event that would destroy the paper version.
