What is a seed phrase and how many words does it have?

A seed phrase is a list of 12, 18, or 24 words that is tied to every crypto wallet and acts as a master backup for your funds. The words are not random dictionary words — they come from a standardized list of exactly 2,048 words defined by the BIP 39 protocol, and each word on that list begins with a unique four-letter prefix so there is no ambiguity when you type one in. Understanding your seed phrase matters because it is the only way to recover your wallet if you lose your device; anyone who has your seed phrase has full access to your Kaspa.