Backup & Recovery

Your recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet. Learn how to backup and recover properly.

Understanding Recovery Phrases

Your recovery phrase (also called seed phrase or mnemonic) is a list of 12 or 24 words that can restore your entire wallet.

word1 word2 word3 word4 word5 word6
word7 word8 word9 word10 word11 word12

Critical

Anyone with your recovery phrase has FULL access to your funds. Treat it like the keys to a vault.

Backup Best Practices

DO ✅

• Write on paper with pen
• Store in multiple secure locations
• Use a fireproof safe
• Consider metal backup (fire/water resistant)
• Tell trusted family member about location (not the phrase)

DON'T ❌

• Take screenshots
• Store in cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.)
• Store in password manager
• Email to yourself
• Store on computer/phone
• Share with anyone online

Creating a Secure Backup

Method 1: Paper Backup

1. Get a clean piece of paper
2. Write each word clearly
3. Number the words (1-12 or 1-24)
4. Double-check spelling
5. Store in secure location

Method 2: Metal Backup

For ultimate durability, use steel backup plates:

• Resistant to fire up to 1500°C
• Waterproof
• Won't degrade over time

Popular options:

• Cryptosteel
• Billfodl
• Blockplate

Recovery Process

Recovering Your Wallet

1. Install Cave Wallet
2. Select "Import Existing Wallet"
3. Enter your recovery phrase
4. Set a new password
5. Wallet restored!

Testing Your Backup

Before storing significant funds:

1. Write down your phrase
2. Create a test wallet
3. Send small amount to test wallet
4. Uninstall extension
5. Reinstall and recover
6. Verify funds are accessible

Lost Recovery Phrase

No Recovery Possible

If you lose your recovery phrase AND lose access to your wallet, your funds are permanently lost. There is no "forgot password" option in crypto.

Prevention

• Multiple backup locations
• Regular backup verification
• Consider hardware wallet for large amounts

Security Checklist

• [ ] Recovery phrase written on paper
• [ ] Stored in secure location
• [ ] Second backup in different location
• [ ] Tested recovery process
• [ ] No digital copies exist
• [ ] Family knows location (emergencies)