What is the difference between Private Key and Passphrase?

What is a Private Key?

A Private Key is a string of random characters, representing a cryptocurrency wallet address, allowing you to access, receive, and send your crypto funds. The Private Key is created from mixed letters and letters. Similar to a Password, it’s the key of your crypto account.

A Private Key is a string of numbers and letters with the following form:

0xb46e06d22ce739ce1961724c45acd57831a21eca12fcf691c25d0f0562b5b5f6

Main features of Private key:

  • Private Key contains characters including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers.

  • The complexity of the Private Key is reflected in the random mixing of characters, without any rules, which makes it difficult for hackers to crack.

  • The Private Key is generated from the Passphrase by encrypting it.

  • Each Private Key can generate an address that allows you to make transactions in your wallet.

What is a Passphrase?

A Passphrase is a sequence of words used to control access, secure, and recover your wallet in case you cannot access your main wallet. The wallet service provider will issue you a Passphrase as soon as you create the wallet.

A Passphrase is a sequence of words with the following form: race fog come flash position garbage glass rule dizzy behind use tape

Main features of Passphrase:

  • Passphrase is usually a sequence of readable English words, from 12 to 24 words, randomly generated.

  • Passphrase is mainly used to create and restore crypto wallets.

The common point of Private key and Passphrase

  • Private key and Passphrase are used to secure the account.

  • Both allow you to restore your wallet and grant access to your wallet.

  • Private Key and Passphrase both help to strengthen the security of the account, it is more difficult for hackers to attack.

Private key vs Passphrase

  • Passphrase is preferred over Private key because of its logic and it is easy to read, easy to remember, and can be easily noted on paper.

  • You can use Passphrase to regenerate your Private Key.

  • A Passphrase can create wallets containing multiple Private Keys.

  • Passphrase has control over all your Private Keys.

Last updated