Trezor Pockets Backups Defined: BIP-39 (12 or 24 phrases) vs. SLIP-39 (20 phrases) | by Lucien Bourdon | Apr, 2025

Which Trezor gadgets help SLIP-39 backups?

SLIP-39 backups are supported by Trezor Mannequin T, Trezor Protected 3, and Trezor Protected 5.

Can I improve my current BIP-39 pockets to SLIP-39 immediately?

No. SLIP-39 is a special backup commonplace. To change, you’ll have to create a brand new SLIP-39 pockets and switch your funds to it.

Can I improve a SLIP-39 backup later?

Sure. In the event you begin with a 20-word Single-Share backup, you'll be able to improve to a Multi-Share setup anytime utilizing Trezor Suite. Your unique backup will nonetheless work except you select to retire it.

Can I exploit a passphrase with BIP-39 and SLIP-39?

Sure, nevertheless it introduces a brand new single level of failure. In the event you lose or overlook the passphrase, your pockets can’t be recovered, even with the right backup. Be sure to write it down and don’t lose it.

What if Trezor stops making {hardware} wallets?

BIP-39 and SLIP-39 are open requirements supported by a number of wallets. Even when Trezor had been unavailable, you might get better your pockets utilizing different appropriate gadgets or software program.

Is SLIP-39 appropriate with multisig?

Sure. SLIP-39 can be utilized to securely again up one of many keys in a multisig pockets. If the unique system is misplaced or unavailable, the important thing will be restored utilizing the SLIP-39 shares and imported to a brand new system.

What number of shares can I create with SLIP-39?

As much as 16 shares. Extra shares can provide extra flexibility, however they’re additionally tougher to maintain monitor of.

What occurs if I lose a SLIP-39 share?

So long as you continue to have the required variety of shares (the threshold), you'll be able to get better your pockets. With fewer than the edge, restoration is just not potential — and no usable details about the pockets or keys will be extracted. In the event you imagine a number of shares might have been compromised, it’s most secure to create a brand new pockets and transfer your funds.

Why use Multi-Share as a substitute of simply splitting an everyday backup myself?

SLIP-39 makes use of cryptography to separate your backup securely. Any variety of shares fewer than the edge reveal nothing on their very own. Manually splitting a BIP-39 phrase (e.g. writing half in a single place, half in one other) doesn’t provide the identical safety and will increase the danger of unintentional loss or compromise.

What's the distinction between a 12-word and a 24-word BIP-39 backup? Is 24 phrases safer?

A 24-word backup has extra entropy, however a 12-word backup is already unguessable in follow. Even with billions of supercomputers, it could take longer than the age of the universe to brute-force.

What issues most isn’t the variety of phrases — it’s holding your backup secure, personal, and offline.

Ought to I improve to SLIP-39?

In case your BIP-39 backup is safe and works effectively for you, there’s no pressing want to modify. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re in search of enhanced safety, flexibility, or fear a couple of single level of failure, SLIP-39 is likely to be a greater possibility.