Backup drill
A paper copy you have tested is a backup. One you have not is a hope.
The drill, step by step
Four steps over the first month, then one short drill each month.
Write the words once, by hand
The app shows your twelve recovery words a single time, on the phone only. Write them on paper in order; no photo, no notes app, no cloud.
Answer four words a week later
Seven days after set-up the app asks for four of the words at random, to check the paper copy is readable.
Run the restore drill each month
A practice screen rebuilds the wallet from your paper copy without moving anything, so you know the copy works.
Keep two copies in two places
One at home, one with someone or somewhere you trust. A fire or a break-in should not take both.
Nobody genuine will ever ask for your recovery words: not support, not a friend, not a bank, not us.
A backup you have actually tested
A paper copy of your recovery words only helps if it is complete, readable and in order. The backup drill checks that while nothing is at stake: once a week after set-up, then once a month.
- Twelve words, written by hand, shown once
- A monthly restore drill that moves nothing
- A reminder you can snooze, never switch off
Nobody genuine will ever ask for your recovery words: not support, not a friend, not a bank, not us.
Check before you send
Fourfold Wallet (sample) is free on iPhone and Android. It holds your keys on your phone and runs the four checks before every send.