> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.ellipal.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.ellipal.com/docs/troubleshooting-and-support/loss-security-and-support/what-should-i-do-if-i-lose-my-seed-phrase.md).

# What Should I Do If I Lose My Seed Phrase?

What happens next depends on one question: can you still access your wallet? If your ELLIPAL device or connected App still works, move your assets to a new wallet with a fresh backup as soon as possible. If you have lost both the seed phrase and access to the wallet, the assets cannot be recovered.

***

### If You Can Still Access Your Wallet

Your wallet works for now, but without the seed phrase there is no backup. A lost, damaged, or reset device would lock you out permanently. Move your funds to a newly backed-up wallet right away.

1. Create a new account on your ELLIPAL device, which generates a new seed phrase
2. Write down every word of the new seed phrase in order and complete the on-device verification
3. Transfer all assets from the old account to the new account's addresses
4. Once the transfers confirm on-chain, stop using the old account

After the last transfer confirms, your assets are protected by the new seed phrase, and losing the old one no longer matters.

***

### If You Lost Both the Seed Phrase and Wallet Access

Unfortunately, there is no way to recover the assets. ELLIPAL is a self-custody wallet: your seed phrase and private keys exist only with you, and ELLIPAL keeps no copy. This limit is intentional: if ELLIPAL could restore wallets without a seed phrase, it could also access customer funds, which would defeat the purpose of self-custody.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Protect your next backup:** write the seed phrase on paper or a metal backup plate, store it in a secure offline location, and never keep it as a photo, screenshot, cloud note, or email. Anyone who sees it can take your assets.
{% endhint %}

***

### How to Confirm It Worked

Open the new account and check that the full balance appears on its addresses, then verify the same on a blockchain explorer. Your new seed phrase backup, stored offline and verified on the device, is now the only backup that matters.

***

### FAQ

<details>

<summary><strong>Can ELLIPAL recover my wallet without the seed phrase?</strong></summary>

No. ELLIPAL does not store your seed phrase or private keys and has no way to retrieve them on your behalf. Only your seed phrase can restore a wallet.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>My device still works. Can I just keep using it without a backup?</strong></summary>

It is risky. The device can be lost, damaged, or reset at any time, and without the seed phrase there would be no way back in. Transfer your assets to a newly backed-up wallet as soon as possible.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Does my password or passphrase replace the seed phrase?</strong></summary>

No. The password unlocks the device, and a passphrase modifies which wallet the seed phrase opens. Neither can restore a wallet on its own. Recovery always requires the seed phrase itself.

</details>