MetaMask is a new way to connect to sites and applications.
On traditional websites, a central database or bank is responsible for controlling and
recovering your accounts.
But on MetaMask, all of the power belongs to the holder of a master key.
Whoever holds the key, controls the accounts.
Your secret recovery phrase is your "master key".
It's a series of 12 words that are generated when you first set up MetaMask, which allow
you to recover your wallet and funds if you ever lose access.
It's important that you secure your wallet by keeping your
secret recovery phrase very safe, and very secret.
If anyone gets access to it, they will have the "master key" to your wallet and can
freely access and take all of your funds.
To secure your MetaMask wallet you'll want to safely save your secret recovery phrase.
You can write it down, hide it somewhere, put it in a safe deposit box
or use a secure password manager.
Some users even engrave their phrase onto a metal plate!
Nobody, not even the team at MetaMask, can help you
recover your wallet if you lose your secret recovery phrase.
If you haven't written down your secret recovery phrase and stored it somewhere safe,
do it now. We'll wait.
And remember, never share your secret recovery phrase with anyone: not even us.
If anyone ever asks you for it, they're trying to scam you.
That's it!
Now you know what a secret recovery phrase is and how to keep your wallet safe and secure.