Keeping your 12-word secret key (also known as a 12-word secret recovery phrase) safe is crucial to always have access to your crypto.
Your secret key lets you restore your wallet and funds on another device. This ensures you'll always have access to your crypto, even if your phone or computer is broken, lost, or stolen.
Need a crypto wallet that gives you complete control of your assets? You can download Exodus here.
In this article:
Why is it important to back up my wallet?
You should back up your wallet by writing down your 12-word secret key so that you never lose access to your funds. Your wallet is not backed up automatically on any operating system, including iOS or Android.
You only need to write down your secret key and save it in a secure location once. As long as you have access to it, you can restore your wallet, no matter what happens to your phone or computer.
Write down your secret key in a private location where no one can see your screen, and don't display your secret key when your wallet is connected to a public WiFi connection. Anyone who gains access to your secret key will have full access to your wallet and its funds.
To learn more, visit: Everything you need to know about your 12-word secret key.
In Exodus Mobile, you can also back up your wallet with a passkey. To learn more, visit: How do I back up my wallet with a passkey?
Your device's cloud backup does not back up your wallet automatically. It doesn't include your 12-word secret key and can't restore your wallet. You'll need to write down your secret key or take steps to encrypt and save it using your passkey manager and cloud storage.
What happens if I get a new device?
If you get a new phone or computer, your wallet won't automatically transfer when you download Exodus.
Instead, you'll need to restore your previous wallet using its 12-word secret key.
If you don't have your secret key, you risk losing access to your funds. For more information, visit: What happens if I lose access to my wallet?
On iOS, there is a small possibility your Exodus app's iCloud backup might contain your secret key. If someone gets access to your phone, they could use it to access your iCloud backup and get access to your Exodus wallet and funds. To avoid this, delete old Exodus app iCloud backups by following Apple's guide: Manage your iCloud storage.
Before deleting files, ensure you have written down your 12-word secret key.
If you've backed up Exodus Mobile with a passkey and iCloud, your backup file is stored in your iCloud account. Don't delete your backup file or passkey. You won't be able to restore with your passkey and iCloud if you delete them. Only delete old Exodus app iCloud backups.
What’s the difference between my password and 12-word secret key?
Your password and secret key serve very different purposes.
Your secret key controls all the assets in your wallet, and all your private keys are directly derived from it. The secret key is all you need to restore your wallet.
Your password protects your Exodus wallet and the local data on your phone or computer, but it can't restore your wallet.
For example, if someone steals your device, your password adds an extra layer of security, as the attacker can't open your wallet to view your secret key or steal your funds without the password.
However, if the attacker gets access to your secret key, they could access your wallet even without the password. This is why it is so important to keep your secret key safe. For more information, visit: How do I keep my money safe?
Do I need to back up my wallet every time it updates?
No, if you already written down and safely stored your Exodus secret key once, you don't need to do it again.
As long as you have access to your secret key, you can always restore your wallet, no matter what happens to your phone or computer.
How do I back up my wallet and write down my 12-word secret key?
In the sections below, we'll go over how to view your 12-word secret key in Exodus Mobile, Desktop, and Web3 Wallet so you can back up your wallet by writing down your secret key and storing it securely.
To help protect your secret key, Exodus Mobile and Exodus Desktop prevent screenshots and screen recordings while it is visible. This also stops tools like Windows Recall from viewing and storing it.
Mobile
Video tutorial: How do I back up my mobile wallet?
In Exodus Mobile, a) tap the Wallet icon, then b) swipe down to go to the profile screen.
Tap Settings.
Tap Backups.
Tap Secret Key.
If you are looking to back up your wallet with a passkey, visit: How do I back up my wallet with a passkey?
The first time you view your 12-word secret key, you’ll see seven slides about keeping it safe. Tap Get started, then tap the confirmation button once it appears on each slide to move forward.
To see your secret key, a) press and hold your finger on the Press and Hold to Reveal button. Once you have written it down, b) tap Done.
We recommend writing down your 12-word secret key on more than one piece of paper, and keeping the copies in separate secure locations. This will prevent a single point of loss from events like fires, floods, etc.While viewing your secret key, make sure no one is around you. The secret key is for your eyes only!
Your secret key generates all your wallet’s addresses and private keys, so it's crucial to keep it safe
Do not store your secret key as an unencrypted digital copy, as digital information can be vulnerable to hackers. Learn more about how to keep your crypto safe.
Next, you will receive a question about your secret key to ensure you have written it down correctly. a) Choose the correct answer, then b) tap Done.
Now that you have your secret key secure, it is time to add a passcode to lock your wallet. Toggle on Passcode Lock.
Passcode Lock may not be available if you're using Exodus Pay. If you don't see it, you can still protect your wallet with Face ID (iOS) or Touch ID (Android).
Create your passcode and re-enter it to confirm. This will enable your passcode on Exodus Mobile.
And that's it! You only have to go through this process once. As long as you have your 12-word secret key, you can access your funds.
For instructions to set up Face ID on iOS, or Touch ID on Android, visit: How do I secure my wallet with Face ID or Touch ID?
Desktop
Video tutorial: How do I back up my desktop wallet?
In Exodus Desktop, click the Settings icon in the top right corner.
a) Click the Backup tab. b) Enter a strong, secret, and unique password, and c) click Next.
Make Make sure your Exodus wallet password is not the same or similar to any other password you have ever used! We recommend using a password manager to create your password, as they can generate highly random and strong passwords for you as well as store them.
If you forget or lose your password, no one can recover or reset it for you. You can only reset your password with your secret key.
a) Re-enter your password and b) click Next.
a) Check the box to confirm you understand the risks of sharing your secret key, then b) click View secret phrase.
a) Check the box to show your secret key and then write it down in the correct order. Double-check that each word is spelled correctly. When you are finished writing down the secret key, put it in a secure place that only you can access and b) click Done.
We recommend writing down your 12-word secret key on more than one piece of paper, and keeping the copies in separate secure locations. This will prevent a single point of loss from events like fires, floods, etc.
Your secret key generates all your wallet’s addresses and private keys, so it's crucial to keep it safe
Do not store your secret key as an unencrypted digital copy, as digital information can be vulnerable to hackers. Learn more about how to keep your crypto safe.
Next, a) read the verification question carefully, b) select the correct answer, and c) click Done.
And that's it! You only have to go through this process once.
Web3 Wallet
In Exodus Web3 Wallet, a) click the Profile icon, then b) click Security.
Click Back Up.
a) Check the box to confirm you understand the risks of sharing your secret key. Next, b) enter your password, and c) click View Secret Phrase.
You can now view your 12-word secret key by clicking Reveal secret recovery phrase. Write down your secret key and store it in a secure place to you always have access to your funds. Be sure to double-check that the words have been written down in the correct order and that every word is spelled correctly.
We recommend writing down your 12-word secret key at least twice, and keeping copies in separate secure locations. This will prevent a single point of loss from events like fires, floods, etc.
Your secret key generates all your wallet’s addresses and private keys, so it's crucial to keep it safe
Do not store your secret key as an unencrypted digital copy, as digital information can be vulnerable to hackers. Learn more about how to keep your crypto safe.
After you have written down your 12-word secret key, click Next.
To confirm that you've written down the correct secret key, a) choose the correct word, then b) tap Next.
And that's it! You only have to go through this process once. As long as you have your 12-word secret key safe, you will always have access to your funds.
What if Exodus Mobile crashes before I write down my 12-word secret key?
Important: Don’t delete or uninstall Exodus before completing these troubleshooting steps. Doing so could permanently erase your 12-word secret key and make your funds unrecoverable.
If you can’t complete the steps below because Exodus Mobile crashes on launch or won’t open, go to the next section: How do I access my 12-word secret key if Exodus Mobile won't open?
Follow this guide if your wallet crashes and you don't have your 12-word secret key written down.
For assistance, contact Exodus Support by sending an email to [email protected] or visiting the messenger (purple chat icon in the bottom-right corner) to start a chat.
If your wallet crashes and you are on an older version of Exodus, Exodus will prompt you to update your wallet. Tap Update to go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). After updating, open Exodus to check if your issue is resolved.
For instructions, please visit: How do I update Exodus?
If you're already on the latest version of Exodus, tap and hold Contact Support.
You can only access your backup history this way if your wallet crashes and you see the "Something went wrong" message.
Your backup history will appear with a list containing your current and previous secret keys. Tap on the first word of the secret key of the wallet you wish to recover.
To restore your wallet, tap Restore.
Open Exodus to confirm your wallet has been restored.
If your wallet opens successfully, be sure to write down your secret key. For instructions, visit: How do I always have access to my wallet with my 12-word secret key?
If your wallet still crashes, contact Exodus Support by sending an email to [email protected] or visiting the messenger (purple chat icon in the bottom-right corner) to start a chat.
How do I access my 12-word secret key if Exodus Mobile won't open?
Important: Don’t delete or uninstall Exodus before writing down your 12-word secret key. This could permanently erase your secret key and you could lose your funds.
If Exodus Mobile crashes on launch or won't open, you might be able to access your 12-word secret key using Recovery Mode.
Exact steps vary depending on your device. Follow the steps for iOS or Android to safely write down your secret key.
If you need help, contact Exodus Support by sending an email to [email protected] or visiting the messenger (purple chat icon in the bottom-right corner) to start a chat. Never share your 12-word secret key with anyone, including Exodus Support.
iOS
On your iOS home screen, tap Settings.
Swipe down and tap Apps.
Find and tap on Exodus.
Toggle on Recovery Mode.
Next, open Exodus.
If you don't see Recovery Mode when opening Exodus, try restarting the app.
Tap Recover Seed Phrase.
If your wallet is protected by a passcode, you'll need to enter it.
Before viewing your 12-word secret key, you’ll see seven slides about keeping it safe. Tap My screen is private to get started, then tap the confirmation button once it appears on each slide to move forward.
To see your secret key, a) press and hold your finger on the Press and Hold to Reveal button.
We recommend writing down your 12-word secret key on more than one piece of paper, and keeping the copies in separate secure locations. This will prevent a single point of loss from events like fires, floods, etc.While viewing your secret key, make sure no one is around you. The secret key is for your eyes only!
Your secret key generates all your wallet’s addresses and private keys, so it's crucial to keep it safe
Do not store your secret key as an unencrypted digital copy, as digital information can be vulnerable to hackers. Learn more about how to keep your crypto safe.
To disable Recovery Mode, repeat steps 1–4 to open your iOS settings and toggle off Recovery Mode. You'll need to restart Exodus to apply the changes.
Once you have your 12-word secret key written down, you'll be able to use it to restore your wallet and access your funds.
If you need help or have issues restoring your wallet, contact Exodus Support by sending an email to [email protected] or by starting a chat in the messenger (purple chat icon in the bottom-right corner).
Android
On your Android device, a) tap and hold the Exodus app icon until the menu appears, then b) tap Recovery Mode.
Tap Recover Seed Phrase.
If your wallet is protected by a passcode, you'll need to enter it.
Before viewing your 12-word secret key, you’ll see seven slides about keeping it safe. Tap My screen is private to get started, then tap the confirmation button once it appears on each slide to move forward.
To see your secret key, a) press and hold your finger on the Press and Hold to Reveal button.
We recommend writing down your 12-word secret key on more than one piece of paper, and keeping the copies in separate secure locations. This will prevent a single point of loss from events like fires, floods, etc.While viewing your secret key, make sure no one is around you. The secret key is for your eyes only!
Your secret key generates all your wallet’s addresses and private keys, so it's crucial to keep it safe
Do not store your secret key as an unencrypted digital copy, as digital information can be vulnerable to hackers. Learn more about how to keep your crypto safe.
You'll exit Recovery Mode once you restart the Exodus app.
Once you have your 12-word secret key written down, you'll be able to use it to restore your wallet and access your funds.
If you need help or have issues restoring your wallet, contact Exodus Support by sending an email to [email protected] or by starting a chat in the messenger (purple chat icon in the bottom-right corner).