Generating a BIP39 seed phrase using dice rolls is a method to create a highly secure and random seed phrase for your cryptocurrency wallet. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:
1. Gather Your Materials
- Dice: You'll need a set of dice. The exact number and type may vary depending on the method you choose (more on this later), but commonly used are 20-sided dice (D20) and 10-sided dice (D10).
- BIP39 Word List: This is a list of 2048 words that are used to generate the seed phrase. You can find it on reputable sources like the Bitcoin GitHub repository. It's crucial to use a trusted source to ensure the integrity of your seed phrase.
- Paper and Pencil: Use these to record your dice rolls and the corresponding words. It's recommended to use a pencil and destroy the paper afterward to minimize the risk of someone finding your seed phrase.
- Computer (Offline): You'll need a computer to generate the checksum for the last word of your seed phrase. It's highly recommended to do this offline (air-gapped computer or a live Linux USB like Tails OS) to protect your seed phrase from online threats.
2. Choose a Dice Rolling Method
There are a few different methods for using dice to generate BIP39 seed words. Here are two common approaches:
- Method 1: Using D20s and D10s: This method involves rolling two D20s and two D10s for each word. The combination of the dice rolls maps to a specific number in the BIP39 word list, which you then use to find the corresponding word.
- Method 2: Using Six-Sided Dice (D6s): This method uses standard six-sided dice and a coin flip to generate each word. You'll need to consult a table that maps the dice rolls and coin flips to the BIP39 word list.
3. Roll the Dice and Record the Results
Follow the chosen method to roll the dice and record the results. Each set of dice rolls will correspond to a number, which you'll use to look up a word in the BIP39 word list.
4. Look Up the Words
Use the numbers generated from your dice rolls to find the corresponding words in the BIP39 word list. Write down each word in order. You'll need to generate 24 words in total.
5. Generate the Checksum Word
The 24th word of your seed phrase is a checksum, which is used to verify the integrity of the previous 23 words. To generate the checksum, you'll need to use a computer (offline, as mentioned earlier) and a tool or script that can calculate it based on the first 23 words.
6. Verify Your Seed Phrase
Once you have all 24 words, it's crucial to verify that they are correct. You can do this by using a reputable BIP39 wallet (offline is best) to import your seed phrase and check if it generates the correct addresses.
Important Security Considerations
- Randomness: Ensure your dice rolls are truly random. Use fair dice and roll them in a way that ensures randomness.
- Offline Generation: Generate your seed phrase offline to protect it from online threats.
- Secure Storage: Store your seed phrase in a secure place, such as a physical backup (metal plate or paper stored in a safe place) or a hardware wallet.
- Privacy: Keep your seed phrase private and never share it with anyone.
Additional Resources
Remember, generating a BIP39 seed phrase using dice rolls requires careful attention to detail and adherence to security best practices. If you're not comfortable with the process, consider using a reputable hardware wallet, which can generate and store your seed phrase securely.