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STAGE 1 • MODULE 3 OF 8

💾 Emergency Backup

Time Required: 7 minutes

The Single Point of Failure

📝 What You're Protecting

Remember that seed phrase you wrote down in Module 2? Those 12 or 24 words are the ONLY way to recover your bitcoin if:

🔑 Key Principle

  • Seed phrase = Full control over your bitcoin
  • Anyone with the phrase can take your funds
  • No seed phrase = No recovery possible
  • Balance security (keep it safe) vs. accessibility (you can find it)

🏠 Storage Options: Quick Decision Guide

Where should you keep your seed phrase? Here's the honest breakdown:

❌ NEVER Store Here

DANGER ZONE

Digital photos - can be hacked/synced to cloud

Phone notes - stolen if phone compromised

Email/Cloud - hacked constantly

Password managers - single point of failure

Computer files - malware can steal

⚠️ Temporary (1-6 months)

ACCEPTABLE FOR NOW

Paper in home safe - okay for small amounts

Hidden in book - simple, but risky if lost

Safety deposit box - secure but not accessible

Use these NOW, upgrade later

✅ Best Long-Term

RECOMMENDED

Metal backup plates - fireproof, waterproof

Multiple locations - 2-3 copies, different places

Safe + offsite copy - home safe + trusted location

Upgrade to this within 6 months

Start Simple, Upgrade Later

  • For small amounts ($100-1,000): Paper in home safe is fine
  • For medium amounts ($1,000-10,000): Paper + fireproof safe
  • For large amounts ($10,000+): Metal backup + multiple locations
  • Most important: START with something secure TODAY

✍️ How to Write Your Backup (Do This Now)

Materials Needed:

Writing Process:

  1. Open your wallet app and view your seed phrase
  2. Write WORD 1 carefully, exactly as shown
  3. Continue through all words (12 or 24)
  4. Number each word (1, 2, 3... order matters!)
  5. Write clearly - if you can't read it later, it's useless
  6. Make 2-3 identical copies

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mixing up word order (word 7 in position 12 = wrong wallet)
  • Misspelling words ("their" vs "there" - wrong word!)
  • Using bad handwriting (you won't be able to read it in 5 years)
  • Storing all copies in the same location

🧪 Test Your Backup (CRITICAL)

DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. Many people lose bitcoin because they never tested their backup and made a mistake when writing it down.

Recovery Test Process:

  1. Delete your wallet from the app (don't worry - you'll recover it)
  2. Re-open the wallet app
  3. Choose "Recover from seed phrase" or "Import wallet"
  4. Enter your 12 or 24 words from your paper backup
  5. Confirm your bitcoin balance appears correctly

Why This Test Matters

If you made ANY mistake writing down your seed phrase, you'll discover it now - while you still have access to your funds. If you wait years and then discover the backup doesn't work, your bitcoin is gone forever.

This 5-minute test could save you thousands of dollars.

🧪 Practice on Bitcoin Testnet

Want to practice wallet recovery without risking real bitcoin? Use our Testnet Practice Guide to experiment safely.

Try Testnet Practice →

Get free testnet coins • Practice sending/receiving • Test recovery

✅ Complete Emergency Backup

Stage 1 Complete!

🏁 What You've Achieved in 25 Minutes:

  • ✅ Bought your first bitcoin (Module 1)
  • ✅ Moved it to self-custody (Module 2)
  • ✅ Created a secure, tested backup (Module 3)
  • ✅ You now have REAL bitcoin sovereignty

Next up: Stage 2 teaches you how to USE your bitcoin safely - sending, receiving, and avoiding costly mistakes.