ShopApplies to: COLDCARD Q, Mk5, and Mk4
Verified on: August 15, 2026
First identify what you are recovering. Seed words, a BIP-39 passphrase, and the 12-word password for an encrypted COLDCARD backup serve different purposes. Do not try possible secrets on a networked device.
Seed words and recovery cards
Review what the wallet backup card records and what must be preserved for recovery.
Encrypted COLDCARD backups
Create, verify, restore, or clone from an encrypted backup using the current device instructions. On Mk4/Mk5 5.6.1 and Q 1.5.1Q, Backup System captures the wallet currently in effect. For a passphrase wallet, the backup contains its effective XPRV, not the parent seed words or passphrase; preserve the intended parent seed and passphrase recovery material separately.
BIP-39 passphrases
For any wallet intended to hold an amount whose loss would be materially harmful to you, use a strong, unique passphrase. Back it up exactly and separately from the seed, record the passphrase wallet's fingerprint, and test recovery before depositing funds. A forgotten or mistyped passphrase cannot be recovered from the seed.
Seed XOR and advanced backups
Use advanced backup schemes only when you understand their reconstruction and storage requirements.
Do not send seed words, passphrases, PINs, backup passwords, private keys, descriptors, or funded transaction files to support. If the correct official path is still unclear, describe the model, firmware version, and visible error without including wallet secrets.