Recovering a lost cryptocurrency wallet depends entirely on whether you have your seed phrase. This 12 to 24-word phrase is the master key to your assets, and if you have it, the recovery process is generally straightforward.
If you have lost this phrase, recovery becomes a digital forensics challenge that may still be possible if the original wallet data can be found on a device.
This guide will walk you through the essential recovery methods. We will cover how to identify your wallet type, the steps to restore a wallet using a seed phrase, and the forensic techniques used when a seed phrase is lost. We will also explain the separate process for recovering accounts on centralized exchanges and how to identify and avoid common recovery scams.
Datarecovery.com provides expert resources for cryptocurrency recovery. With risk-free evaluations and our no data, no charge guarantee, we provide peace of mind while optimizing your chances of a successful recovery — even if you’ve lost your wallet password or you’ve got a partial seed phrase. To learn more, call 1-800-237-4200 or submit a case online.
First, Identify Your Wallet Type
Before you can attempt a recovery, you must know what kind of wallet you were using. Crypto wallets fall into two main categories, and the recovery method is completely different for each.
- Non-Custodial (Self-Custody) Wallets: With these wallets, you — and only you — are in control of your funds. You hold the private keys, which are the secret codes that authorize transactions. These wallets are typically backed up by a seed phrase (also called a recovery phrase). Examples include software wallets like MetaMask and Trust Wallet, and hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor. If you use this type of wallet, data recovery depends on having the seed phrase or the original device.
- Custodial Wallets: These wallets are managed by a third party, most commonly a centralized cryptocurrency exchange like Coinbase or Binance. The exchange holds the private keys on your behalf, similar to how a bank holds money in a savings account. If you use a custodial wallet, recovery is a process of proving your real-world identity to the exchange.
In simple terms, custodial wallets never give you direct control over your crypto. That’s one of the reasons that we strongly recommend non-custodial wallets, and hardware wallets in particular: Your funds are safest when you have full control over them, provided that you take appropriate precautions (and treat your crypto as carefully as you’d treat paper money).
Method 1: Restoring a Wallet with Your Seed Phrase
If you have a non-custodial wallet and your written-down 12, 18, or 24-word seed phrase, you are in the best possible position. This phrase is the universal key to your assets on the blockchain.
The process works because most modern wallets use the BIP39 standard. This is a specific list of 2048 English words that allows your seed phrase to be compatible across different wallet applications. For a more detailed explanation of BIP39, read: What Are the Odds of Someone Getting The Same Bitcoin Seed Phrase?
In other words: You can lose your phone or computer, and the original wallet app can even become defunct, but you can still access your funds by importing your phrase into any other BIP39 compatible wallet.
Note: When performing a recovery, only download wallet software from official websites or official app stores. Never enter your seed phrase into a website or give it to anyone claiming to be from support. A legitimate company will never ask for your seed phrase.
How to Restore a Software Wallet (MetaMask, Exodus, etc.)
Software wallets are applications on your computer or phone. The restoration process is similar for most of them, though you may need to check the product documentation if you can’t follow these instructions:
- Install the Wallet Application: On a secure, malware-free device, download and install the official wallet software.
- Choose the “Restore” Option: When you launch the app, it will ask if you want to create a new wallet or restore an existing one. Select the option labeled “Restore Wallet,” “Import Wallet,” or “I already have a seed phrase.” Don’t create a new wallet.
- Enter Your Seed Phrase: Carefully type in your 12 to 24-word phrase in the exact correct order. The order of the words is critical; in BIP39, the final word of the seed phrase acts as a checksum for all the preceding words (which can make data recovery possible in some circumstances if a person has a partial seed phrase).
- Set a New Password: The wallet will ask you to create a new password. This password is only for this specific device and is used to encrypt the wallet file for daily access. It is not your seed phrase.
- Wait for Synchronization: The wallet will regenerate your keys from the seed phrase and scan the blockchain for your assets. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the cryptocurrency. When the process is complete, your balances should appear.
How to Restore a Hardware Wallet
Hardware wallets are physical devices that store your private keys completely offline.
These offer the highest level of security — which is why we recommend them as the default for crypto storage. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore your funds to a new device using your seed phrase. The seed phrase is entered directly onto the device itself, never on your computer.
Here’s an example process for Ledger devices.
- Get a new Ledger device and connect it to your computer.
- Install the Ledger Live app from the official ledger.com website.
- Initiate Restoration on the Device: Power on the new Ledger and use its buttons to select the “Restore from recovery phrase” option.
- Set a New PIN: You will be prompted to create a new 4 to 8-digit PIN code on the device.
- Enter the Recovery Phrase: Using the device’s buttons, select the length of your phrase (e.g., 24 words) and then enter each word one by one. The device will suggest words as you type the first few letters.
- Finalize Setup: Once all words are entered correctly, the device will confirm the restoration is complete. You can then add accounts in Ledger Live to see your funds.
If you have another type of hardware wallet, review the manufacturer’s instructions. Here are a few resources to help you get started:
- Recovering a wallet on Trezor Safe 5.
- Recoverying a Tangem wallet.
- Recovering a SecuX wallet.
- Recovering a D’CENT wallet.
Method 2: Recovering a Wallet Without a Seed Phrase
If you have lost your seed phrase, recovery is much more difficult but may still be possible through digital forensics. This process relies on finding the original encrypted wallet files on the computer or device where the wallet was created.
Note: Before attempting any of these steps, we strongly recommend creating a complete backup of your device’s hard drive or SSD to prevent accidental data loss.
Generally speaking, you only have one chance to restore your data. A failed attempt may cause permanent data loss. The safest course of action is to contact our team at 1-800-237-4200 for a risk-free evaluation (you can also submit a case online).
Searching for Wallet Data Files
Wallet files are often stored in hidden system folders. You will need to configure your operating system to show hidden files before you begin your search.
Bitcoin Core (wallet.dat): This is the original Bitcoin wallet file.
- Windows: C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Bitcoin
- macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Bitcoin/
- Linux: ~/.bitcoin/
Ethereum Wallets (Keystore/JSON files): Wallets like MyEtherWallet or older clients like Mist use JSON keystore files.
- Windows: %APPDATA%\Ethereum\keystore
- macOS: ~/Library/Ethereum/keystore
- Linux: ~/.ethereum/keystore
MetaMask (Browser Vault): MetaMask stores its encrypted data in the browser’s local storage directory. The path includes a unique extension ID: nkbihfbeogaeaoehlefnkodbefgpgknn. That’s also the ID of the official app’s Chrome extension page — so if you’ve found a version of MetaMask that does not use this ID, it’s not legitimate.
- Windows (Chrome): C:\Users\USER_NAME\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\nkbihfbeogaeaoehlefnkodbefgpgknn
- macOS (Chrome): ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/Local Extension Settings/nkbihfbeogaeaoehlefnkodbefgpgknn
The MetaMask subreddit is an excellent resource if you have issues accessing your crypto through the extension. MetaMask also has a help page with a series of steps for recovering the secret recovery phrase through the extension — we’re writing this in August 2025, so if you’re reading this article much later, you should check with MetaMask to make sure you’re following an up-to-date process.
Using Wallet Files to Regain Access
Once you locate a wallet file, you will need your wallet password to decrypt it.
- For wallet.dat or Keystore Files: You can import these files into a new installation of the corresponding wallet software. The software will prompt you for your password to unlock the funds.
- For MetaMask Vault: If you have your MetaMask password but can’t access the extension, you can use a tool called the MetaMask Vault Decryptor. You will need to find the .ldb or .log file in the directory listed above, open it in a text editor, copy the encrypted data string (it begins with {“data”:…}), and paste it into the decryptor tool along with your password. If successful, the tool will reveal your seed phrase.
What About Exchange Accounts? (Custodial Wallets)
If your funds are on an exchange like Coinbase or Binance, you do not have a seed phrase. Recovery is an account access issue handled by the exchange’s support team and relies on identity verification.
- Password and 2FA Reset: The most common issues are a forgotten password or a lost two-factor authentication (2FA) device. All exchanges have a “Forgot Password?” link on their login page. Resetting your 2FA device is a more involved process that requires you to prove your identity
- Recovery Without Email or Phone: If you’ve lost access to the email and phone number associated with your account, you must contact the exchange’s support team directly. The process is rigorous and requires extensive identity verification to prevent fraud. Be prepared to provide government-issued identification.
We are not providing links to the recovery pages on Coinbase, Binance, or other custodial exchanges for a good reason: Bad actors frequently clone those pages to try to trick victims into divulging their personal information. You should not follow third-party links to custodial exchanges — access the site’s official support channels on your own!
A Warning About Professional Recovery Scams
When you are trying to recover lost funds, you are a prime target for scammers. The vast majority of services advertising “crypto recovery” are fraudulent. Be extremely cautious and watch for these red flags:
- They demand upfront fees. Legitimate professional services work on a success-fee basis, taking a percentage only after your funds are recovered.
- They guarantee success. Recovery is never guaranteed. Any promise of 100% success is a lie.
- They ask for your seed phrase or private key. Never share this information. A legitimate service will not ask for it.
- They impersonate government agencies or exchanges. Scammers often pretend to be from the FBI, SEC, or Coinbase to appear legitimate. Government agencies will never contact you and ask for money to recover assets.
- They contact you first. Be wary of anyone who contacts you unsolicited on social media platforms like Telegram or Twitter after you post about your loss.
How to Avoid Losing Your Crypto Wallet
The best recovery method is prevention. By following strong security practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing access to your assets.
Secure Your Seed Phrase
Your seed phrase is the most important piece of information you own (at least, with respect to crypto). It is your cryptocurrency — if someone else gets control of your seed phrase, they have your crypto.
- Keep It Offline: Never store your seed phrase in a digital format. This means no text files, no photos, and no password managers. Any online storage is vulnerable to hacking.
- Use Durable Materials: Paper can be easily destroyed by fire or water.
- Create Redundant, Geographically Separated Backups: Store multiple copies of your seed phrase in different secure locations, such as a fireproof safe at home and a bank’s safe deposit box.
Use Strong Security Practices
- Strong, Unique Passwords: Protect all wallet apps and exchange accounts with long, complex passwords generated by a reputable password manager. Do not reuse passwords across different services.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always enable 2FA on exchange accounts. Use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator, as it is more secure than SMS-based 2FA.
- Secure Your Hardware Wallet: Purchase hardware wallets only from the official manufacturer to avoid tampered devices. When not in use, store the device in a secure, private location.
When to Seek Professional Crypto Recovery Services
Losing access to your cryptocurrency is stressful, but as long as you’ve got the wallet file or a partial seed phrase, there’s hope.
If you have lost your seed phrase and are facing a complex data recovery scenario, we can help. At Datarecovery.com, our experts have successfully employed advanced forensic techniques to help clients regain access to their cryptocurrency wallets.
Contact Datarecovery.com for a confidential, risk-free evaluation. Call 1-800-237-4200 to get started or set up a case online.
