In-depth! 10 Things to Know Before Using Passphrase, the Hidden Wallet Feature on Trezor & OneKey

Many friends have inquired a lot about Passphrases. A Passphrase is not like a Seed phrase or Recovery seed where we write down 12-24 words, and it's not like the Password we are familiar with.

A Passphrase is an advanced security feature in Trezor Suite that enhances the security of digital assets. However, since there is no way to recover a lost Passphrase, this article compiles frequently asked questions to help you understand and confidently use this Passphrase feature.

10 Important Questions About Passphrases

Question 1: What is a Passphrase and how does it work?

A Passphrase is like a special key used to access a "secret vault" in your wallet, allowing you to access a separate wallet from the Standard wallet or regular wallet we use. This allows us to have unlimited sub-wallets within the main wallet (without a Passphrase).

Divided into:

• Standard Wallet: Uses only a Recovery seed
• Hidden Wallet: Uses Recovery seed + Passphrase

How it works:

1. The Passphrase acts like an additional word appended to the Recovery seed.
2. Using only the Recovery seed will only access the Standard Wallet.
3. Using different Passphrases will create unique Hidden Wallets.

Question 2: Can a Passphrase be used with other software?

A Passphrase is not a Trezor-specific feature; it can be used with other applications, such as MetaMask. However, there are things to be aware of:

• MetaMask supports Passphrases only when used through a Hardware Wallet.
• MetaMask itself does not have a Passphrase feature.

Question 3: If a Recovery seed is stolen, can a Passphrase still protect assets?

Yes! Even if a Recovery seed is compromised, a Passphrase can still protect your assets because:

• The Passphrase is not stored on the device.
• No one can see or access the Hidden Wallet.
• Both the Recovery seed and the Passphrase are required to access assets.

Question 4: What should I do if I lose my Trezor?

Don't worry, Bitcast provides comprehensive after-sales service. You can:

1. Buy a new Trezor from us immediately.
• Trezor Safe3 and Safe5 are ready for shipping.
• 100% genuine product guarantee.
2. Import your Recovery seed into the new device.
3. Activate the Passphrase.
4. Enter the same Passphrase you previously used to access the Hidden Wallet.

Caution:

• Enter the Passphrase exactly (e.g., "Hello" ≠ "hello").
• Entering it incorrectly will create a new Hidden Wallet without notification.
• If you forget your Passphrase, it cannot be recovered.

Question 5: Does Trezor generate the Passphrase for users?

No, you must create the Passphrase yourself, adhering to the following requirements:

Creation Requirements:

• Length not exceeding 50 characters.
• Can use letters, numbers, and special symbols.
• Case-sensitive.
• Spaces count as characters (e.g., "Bit coin" = 8 characters).

Question 6: How should a Passphrase be stored?

Storage Recommendations:

• Memorizing is the best method.
• If you must write it down, store it separately from your Recovery seed.
• Do not store it digitally or on electronic devices.
• Store it in a secure place where close relatives can find it in an emergency.
• Consider using a bank safety deposit box or entrusting it to a lawyer.

Question 7: Where is the Passphrase stored in Trezor?

The Passphrase is not stored anywhere:

• It is not recorded in Trezor.
• It is not stored in software.
• Data cannot be extracted from the device even if stolen.

Question 8: What happens if I forget my Passphrase?

If you forget your Passphrase, the following will occur:

• Permanent loss of access to the Hidden Wallet.
• Inability to recover assets.
• No entity, not even Trezor, can help recover it.

Reasons for unrecoverability:

• The Passphrase is not stored anywhere.
• It is an advanced security system that users are solely responsible for.
• There is no backup system for Passphrases.

Question 9: Should I share my Passphrase with others?

Basic Principle:

• Treat it like a Recovery seed.
• Do not store it digitally in any form.
• Do not take photos or share it online.
• Do not tell anyone except in the case of a will.
• Store it only on paper or metal.
• Store it in a different location from your Recovery seed.

A Passphrase is like an additional backup key that must be guarded as carefully as a Recovery seed. If it is compromised, it could lead to the loss of all assets.

• It should not be shared with anyone unless absolutely necessary.

When to Share:

• Digital inheritance planning.
• Emergency access by family.
• Only share with individuals you trust 100%.

Question 10: Can I use a simple Passphrase?

Things to avoid:

• Simple Passphrases like "password" or "12345".
• Easily guessable words.
• Common personal information: date of birth, phone number, national ID number.

Recommendation for setting:

• Mix uppercase and lowercase letters.
• Use special characters.
• Make it easy to remember but difficult to guess.
• Always check for correct casing, e.g., "Hello World" is not the same as "hello world".

Additional Recommendations from Bitcast

1. Purchase Hardware Wallets only from officially authorized dealers. We offer a variety of quality products:
• Trezor Safe 3 and Safe 5
• Foundation Passport (import in progress)
• Blockstream (import in progress)
• Coinkite Tapsigner (import in progress)
2. Security Checks:
• Check device seals before use
• Verify that it is the latest firmware version
• Use only official applications
3. Our team is ready to consult:
• Detailed usage instructions
• Recommendations for security settings
• Ongoing consultation during use

Conclusion

Passphrases are powerful security tools, but they must be used carefully and responsibly. Understanding how to use them correctly will help you protect your digital assets effectively.

Source: 10 Common FAQs Around Passphrases in Trezor Wallets