Instructions

A steel wallet is one of the most secure ways to store your Bitcoin seed phrase. The Bitcoin Metal Wallet - Binary allows you to back up your recovery phrase using a durable steel plate, which can withstand fire, water, and other physical damage.

This guide will explain step-by-step how to correctly record your seed phrase using binary encoding on the steel wallet. Make sure to follow each step carefully for a secure backup.

What You Will Need:

  1. Bitcoin Metal Wallet - Binary (steel plate)

  2. Center Punch Tool (not included, available at most hardware stores)

  3. Binary Seed Phrase Word List (BIP39 standard list)

  4. Marker or Pen (e.g., whiteboard marker for temporary marking)

Step 1: Understand the Binary System

The wallet uses binary encoding to record each word of your seed phrase. Every word from the standard BIP39 word list corresponds to an 11-bit binary number.

For example:

  • The word "abandon" corresponds to the binary 00000000001.

  • The word "zoo" corresponds to the binary 11111111111.

Tip: You can find a copy of the BIP39 word list by searching "bip 39 word list binary" on any search engine. Here is a link to one that is available: BIP39 Binary Word List

Step 2: Find Your Words in the Binary List

  1. Take your 12, 18, or 24-word seed phrase.

  2. Look up each word in the BIP39 Binary List to find its corresponding 11-bit binary number.

  3. Write down the binary numbers on a piece of paper as you go.

Tip: Do NOT search the list using your computer's search feature (e.g., Control+F). This can expose your seed phrase to risks. Use your eyes!

Example Binary BIP39 List

Step 3: Mark the Binary on the Steel Wallet

  1. Use your marker or pen to mark the binary digits (0s and 1s) onto the steel plate:

    • For a 0, leave the space blank.

    • For a 1, mark a dot or circle where the punch will go.

  2. Double-check your work to ensure the binary matches the seed word list.

Marking the steel with white board marker

Tip: Take your time to ensure accuracy. Errors cannot be fixed after punching the steel.

Step 4: Punch the Holes with a Center Punch Tool

  1. Place the steel wallet on a hard, stable surface.

  2. Align the center punch tool on the marked spots where you wrote a 1.

  3. Use a hammer to strike the punch tool, creating a permanent indentation. If you have a spring-loaded center punch, push down until you hear a loud sound.

  4. Repeat this process for all binary digits (1s) in your seed phrase.

  5. Double-check the steel plate once again after punching.

Using center punch tool

Close up of center punch of Bitcoin metal wallet

Step 5: Verify the Completed Steel Wallet

  1. Compare the punched binary on the steel wallet to the binary numbers on your paper.

  2. Re-translate the binary numbers back into words using the BIP39 list to ensure accuracy.

  3. Once verified, securely store your steel wallet in a safe location.

Tip: Make sure to store the steel wallet where it is protected but accessible when needed. Avoid storing it alongside your private keys or digital backups.

Top view of bitcoin metal wallet with all the binary dots punched

Additional Security Tips

  • Never type your seed phrase into any digital device. Use only offline tools and printed resources to protect your keys.

  • Keep your paper notes secure while working, and destroy any paper backups after verification. Preferably by fire.

  • Use a strong, fireproof, and waterproof safe to store the steel wallet.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a highly durable backup of your Bitcoin seed phrase using the Bitcoin Metal Wallet - Binary. The binary method ensures precision while the steel plate protects against physical damage, making it one of the safest options for long-term Bitcoin storage.

Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your Bitcoin is safe for years to come.

Person holding a bitcoin metal wallet