Does a valid BIP39 checksum prove my recovery words belong to my old Bitcoin wallet?

No. A valid BIP39 checksum only means the words form a structurally acceptable mnemonic. It does not identify the intended wallet, optional passphrase, derivation path or original address.

The answer

No. A valid BIP39 checksum only means the words form a structurally acceptable mnemonic. It does not identify the intended wallet, optional passphrase, derivation path or original address.

What to do next

Compare a known public address from the original wallet with addresses derived using the correct passphrase and account type; never enter the words on a website.

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Frequently asked questions

Can two different valid mnemonics both pass the checksum?

Yes. Many different word sequences have valid checksums, and each normally derives different keys.

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