A passphrase functions like an extra word added to your wallet backup (recovery seed). Each unique combination of recovery seed + passphrase grants access to the corresponding, unique hidden wallet.
Passphrases are not stored on your Trezor, and using a strong passphrase means your coins are extra safe.
⚠️ If you forget a passphrase, you lose access to any associated funds. Only use the feature once you understand how it works.
- Passphrases are not stored anywhere on the device. A passphrase cannot be recovered.
- A passphrase can be any character or set of characters, a word, or a sentence up to 50 bytes long (~50 ASCII characters).
- Passphrases are case-sensitive - lowercase and uppercase characters are distinguished and count as different.
- Spaces are counted as valid characters.
- Your passphrase and wallet backup (recovery seed) are used together. Neither can be used without the other. Coins sent to a passphrase-protected wallet can only be recovered with access to the seed and passphrase.
- There is no limit to the number of passphrase-protected wallets that can be used.
- Entering the 'wrong' passphrase will still create a protected wallet, there is no error message to indicate you mistyped it.
Create a passphrase-protected hidden wallet in Trezor Suite
When you start Trezor Suite and connect your device, you will see the 'Select wallet type' modal window:
- Type your memorable passphrase into the 'Enter passphrase' input field.
- Confirm the passphrase using your Trezor device.
- Trezor Suite then runs the coin discovery process to find your accounts and balances; if the hidden wallet is empty, you must then type the same passphrase in the 'Confirm empty hidden wallet' modal window and confirm it using your Trezor.
Hidden wallets can be loaded at any time by clicking on the device button in the top-left corner of the Suite interface, selecting '+ Add wallet', and then typing in the exact passphrase.
💡 Learn more about passphrases and hidden wallets on the Trezor knowledge base.