Back up your Exodus wallet using a passkey and your iCloud or Google account.
Learn how to save your encrypted secret recovery phrase in the Exodus backup vault.
In this article:
What is the backup vault?
The backup vault allows you to create a backup of your wallet using a passkey and your iCloud or Google account. It's available in Exodus Mobile on iOS and Android devices that support passkeys.
When you opt to use the backup vault, your secret recovery phrase is encrypted and stored as a file in your iCloud or Google Drive account.
At the same time, your passkey manager creates and stores a passkey that is secured by the same Face ID, Touch ID, PIN, or password you use to unlock your device. This passkey is the only way to unlock your encrypted secret recovery phrase and access your wallet.
As long as you are signed into both your iCloud or Google account and passkey manager, your device will automatically manage your encrypted secret recovery phrase and passkey, so you don't have to manually enter your secret recovery phrase.
If you don't see the backup vault as an option, then it is not currently available to you. Instead, you can back up your wallet by writing down your 12-word secret recovery phrase.
What do I need to know when using the backup vault?
The backup vault is only available on iOS and Android devices that support passkeys: Does my device support the backup vault?
Ensure you know where your backup file and passkey are stored and how to access them: Where are my backup file and passkey stored?
Never delete your backup file or passkey. You need both to access your wallet with the backup vault.
To access your backup vault, you need the same Face ID, Touch ID, PIN, or password you used to create it.
You can only restore your wallet on another device that uses the same operating system (iOS or Android) as the device where you created the backup vault.
How do I store my 12-word secret recovery phrase in the backup vault?
Mobile
Learn how to back up your wallet and store your 12-word secret recovery phrase with the backup vault on iOS or Android.
iOS
Before you begin, you need to be logged in to your Apple account and have passkeys enabled.
For a guide on how to set up your device, visit: What do I need to enable before using the backup vault?
The Apple account you use to set up the backup vault will store the backup file in iCloud, and your passkey manager will store the passkey.
In Exodus Mobile, a) tap on the Profile icon, then b) tap Security.
Tap Backups.
Tap Create Backup.
If you want to write down your secret recovery phrase, tap Back Up Manually. To learn more, visit: How do I always have access to my wallet with my 12-word secret recovery phrase?
If you're prompted to allow access, you'll need to sign in to your Apple account and enable permissions before continuing: What do I need to enable before using the backup vault?
If everything is enabled, you will automatically skip to step 6.
Authenticate with your Face ID, Touch ID, PIN, or password to create a passkey. The exact method will depend on your device and passkey manager.
If you use a passkey manager other than iCloud, be careful when creating multiple backups. Some passkey managers may overwrite previously created passkeys. If you overwrite your passkey, you risk losing access to your funds.When creating multiple backups in Exodus, it is crucial that you select the option to create a new passkey without overwriting or updating existing ones. To learn more, visit: Where are my backup file and passkey stored?
After your backup has been created, tap Done.
a) You will see the label Backup Created. To also back up by writing down your secret recovery phrase, b) tap Secret Phrase.
For more information on backing up with the secret recovery phrase, visit How do I always have access to my wallet with my 12-word secret recovery phrase?
Android
Before you begin, you need to be logged in to your Google account and have passkeys enabled on your device.
For a guide on how to set up your device, visit: What do I need to enable before using the backup vault?
The Google account you use to set up the backup vault will store the backup file in Google Drive, and your passkey manager will store the passkey.
In Exodus Mobile, a) tap on the Profile icon, then b) tap Security.
Tap Backups.
Tap Create Backup.
If you want to write down your secret recovery phrase, tap Back Up Manually. To learn more, visit: How do I always have access to my wallet with my 12-word secret recovery phrase?
Tap Allow Access.
If you are unable to continue because you haven't enabled passkeys or allowed access to Google, then follow these steps: What do I need to enable before using the backup vault?
Select the Google account you want to use with the backup vault.
The Google account you select will be used to store the backup file in Google Drive.
Carefully read the prompt before allowing permissions for Google Drive. a) Check the box to allow access, and b) tap Continue.
To create the passkey, authenticate with your Face ID, Touch ID, PIN, or password. The exact method will depend on your device and passkey manager.
If you use a passkey manager other than Google, be careful when creating multiple backups. Some passkey managers may overwrite previously created passkeys. If you overwrite your passkey, you risk losing access to your funds.When creating multiple backups in Exodus, it is crucial that you select the option to create a new passkey without overwriting or updating existing ones. To learn more, visit: Where are my backup file and passkey stored?
After your backup has been created, tap Done.
a) You will see the label Backup Created. To also back up with the secret recovery phrase, b) tap Secret Phrase.
For more information on backing up with the secret recovery phrase, visit How do I always have access to my wallet with my 12-word secret recovery phrase?
How do I restore a wallet from my backup vault?
Mobile
Before you begin, you need to be signed into the iCloud or Google account and the passkey manager you used to create the backup vault.
For a guide on how to set up your device so you are ready to use the backup vault, visit: What do I need to enable before using the backup vault?
You can only restore your wallet on another mobile device that uses the same operating system (iOS or Android) as the device you used to create the backup vault.
On a newly installed Exodus Mobile app, a) tap I have a wallet.
Tap Backup Vault.
To continue, allow access to your iCloud or Google account and enable passkeys.
iOS
If passkey or iCloud permissions haven't been enabled, you will be asked to enable them. To do this, visit: What do I need to enable before using the backup vault?
If everything is enabled then you will automatically skip to step 5.
Android
After tapping Allow Access, select the Google account you used with the backup vault. If you previously used the backup on your device, sometimes your device will remember which account you used and skip this step.
If you haven't enabled passkeys or allowed access to Google, then follow these steps: What do I need to enable before using the backup vault?
Select which backup you'd like to restore. If you only have one backup, you will automatically skip this step.
Your passkey manager will ask you to confirm using the same Face ID, Touch ID, PIN, or password you used to create the backup vault.
Exodus will now restore your wallet from the backup vault. This process may take several minutes or longer, especially for wallets with a long transaction history.
Backup vault FAQs
Find answers to common backup vault questions and learn more about how the backup vault works.
Does my device support the backup vault?
To use the backup vault, you need an iOS or Android device that supports passkeys.
The following operating systems support passkeys:
iOS 16 or higher. For more information on managing passkeys with an iOS device, visit Apple's guide: Use passkeys to sign in to apps and websites on iPhone.
Android 9 or higher. For more information on managing passkeys with an Android device, visit Google's guide: Sign-in to your applications & websites with passkeys.
If your device doesn't support passkeys, you can back up your wallet by writing down your secret recovery phrase: How do I always have access to my wallet with my 12-word secret recovery phrase?
Where are my backup file and passkey stored?
Knowing where your backup file and passkey are stored and how to access them is crucial to ensuring you always have access to your wallet.
Never delete the backup file or your passkey. Without them, you cannot restore your wallet with the backup vault. Only you have access to your backup file and passkey. Exodus does not have access to your secret recovery phrase, backup file, or passkey, and cannot assist you in restoring your wallet if you lose access.
Backup file (the encrypted secret recovery phrase): Your secret recovery phrase is encrypted and stored as a backup file in your iCloud (iOS devices) or in Google Drive (Android devices).
iCloud on iOS: The backup file's default location is in a folder named 'Exodus (do not delete)/Backups.' Never delete the folder or its files from your iCloud storage.
Google Drive on Android: The file is hidden, and accessing it isn't possible.
Passkey: Your device's passkey manager generates and stores your passkey. Make sure you understand how to manage your passkeys on your device.
iOS devices will default to storing passkeys on the iCloud Keychain in your Apple account. To learn more, visit: Use passkeys to sign in to apps and websites on iPhone.
Android devices will default to storing passkeys in the Google Password Manager in your Google account. To learn more, visit: Sign-in to your applications & websites with passkeys.
Other passkey managers: We can't guarantee the backup vault will work with other passkey managers. If you choose to use one, make sure you're familiar with the service and understand how to access and manage your passkey.
If you use a passkey manager other than iCloud or Google, be careful when creating multiple backups. Some passkey managers may overwrite previously created passkeys. If you overwrite your passkey, you risk losing access to your funds.
When creating multiple backups in Exodus, it is crucial that you select the option to create a new passkey without overwriting or updating existing ones.
You won't be able to restore your wallet if the passkey is deleted or overwritten.
How do I keep my backup vault safe?
Because your backup vault is managed by both the passkey in your passkey manager and the backup file in your iCloud or Google Drive account, the first step is to make sure that your iCloud or Google account and passkey manager are secured with strong passwords.
Only use unique, strong passwords, and never reuse passwords.
If possible, enable 2-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security on your accounts.
When creating the passkey with the backup vault, make sure you know which service you use and what you need to access it. To learn more, visit: Where are my backup file and passkey stored?
Remember, to access the passkey, you use the same method you use to unlock your device, such as a Face ID, Touch ID, PIN, or Password. It is important that the PIN or password you use to unlock your device is different from your other passwords.
For extra security, you can create an additional backup by writing down your wallet's secret recovery phrase: How do I always have access to my wallet with my 12-word secret recovery phrase?
Exodus does not have access to your secret recovery phrase, passkey, and encrypted recovery phrase, so we cannot help you recover your wallet if you lose access to any part of your backup vault.
What do I need to enable before using the backup vault?
To use the backup vault, you need to have passkeys enabled and be signed into your iCloud or Google account.
The exact steps will vary depending on your device. See the iOS or Android guide for more information.
iOS
The exact steps can vary depending on your iOS version. The example below uses iOS 18.
Before you begin, make sure you have completed the following steps on your iOS device using the linked Apple guides:
Log in with the Apple ID you want to use with the backup vault: Sign in to your Apple Account.
Secure your device with a passcode: Set up a passcode.
Depending on your device, secure it with Face ID or Touch ID: Set up Face ID or Set up Touch ID.
Enable 2FA for your Apple account: Turn on two-factor authentication.
Once you've completed step 1, tap Settings.
Tap your Apple ID.
Tap iCloud.
Under Saved to iCloud, tap See All.
From here, make sure the following are enabled:
iCloud Drive
Passwords and Keychain
Exodus
Next, return to Settings, and tap General.
Tap AutoFill & Passwords.
a) Make sure AutoFIll Passwords and Passkeys is enabled, and b) under Autofill From, enable Passwords as the passkey manager you want to use with the backup vault.
While other passkey managers might work, we can't guarantee that the backup vault will work if a passkey manager other than Apple's Passwords is used. If you do not see Passwords as an option, install the Passwords app on your device.
You have enabled passkeys and iCloud, and can continue to use the backup vault.
Android
The steps can vary depending on your Android device. The example below uses a Google Pixel device with Android 14.
Open your Android device and go to the Settings app. Scroll down and tap Passwords, passkeys and autofill.
a) Make sure you have selected Google as the passkey manager you want to use with the backup vault. You can b) tap on the gear icon to change your preferred service.
While other passkey managers might work, we can't guarantee that the backup vault will work if a passkey manager other than Google has been selected.
In the same Passwords, passkeys, and autofill menu, a) check if you have added the Google account you want to use with the backup vault. If not, b) tap + Add account to add your Google Account.
To learn more, visit Google's guide: Add or remove an account on Android.
Finally, to use the backup vault, you need to set up a screen lock on your device. The screen lock is the password, PIN, Touch ID, Face ID, etc., that you use to unlock your device.
If you haven't already set a screen lock, visit Google's guide: Set screen lock on an Android device for information on how to do so.
iCloud backup upload failed
If your iOS device has issues syncing or uploading the backup file to your iCloud account, you'll see the error Backup Upload Failed.
The following steps may help identify the cause of the upload issues:
Tap Open Files. This will open your iCloud Drive in the Files app.
Watch for any prompts or errors that could indicate the cause of the upload issue.
Sometimes you will see a prompt or error asking you to take a specific action to solve the issue. For example, you might be promoted to sign in to your iCloud account in case your login has expired.
If you don't see any errors or prompts, go to the folder that stores your backup file. It is located in the folder Exodus (DO NOT DELETE). From that folder, open the subfolder Backups.
Confirm all the files are synced with your iCloud. Watch for any errors or prompts to take any actions.
Never delete your backup vault files!
If none of the above solves your issue, please email Exodus support at [email protected].
How do I restore from the backup vault with email or SMS?
If you used the backup vault before November 2024, you would have created the backup with your iCloud or Google account and a confirmation email or mobile phone number.
Creating a backup with a confirmation email or mobile phone number is no longer supported. However, you can still restore your wallet from the backup vault with your confirmation email or mobile phone number. Please note that there is a 7-day waiting period when restoring a wallet.
Since backing up wallets with a confirmation email or mobile phone number is no longer supported, it's important to create a new backup after restoring your wallet.
You can either go through the backup vault process again to create a new backup that uses passkeys, or you can back up your wallet by writing down your 12-word secret recovery phrase.
Before you begin, you need to ensure that your mobile device is signed into the iCloud or Google account you used to create the backup vault. To learn more, visit: What do I need to enable before using the backup vault?
You can only restore your wallet on another mobile device that uses the same operating system (iOS or Android) as the device you used to create the backup vault
After opening a newly installed Exodus Mobile app, a) tap I have a wallet.
Tap Backup Vault.
To continue, you will need to allow the required permissions so you can use the backup vault with your iCloud or Google account.
iOS
If you haven't enabled the required permissions, you will see the prompt below. To fix that, follow these steps: What do I need to enable before using the backup vault?
If everything is enabled then you will automatically skip to step 5.
Android
After tapping Allow Access, select the Google account you used for the backup vault. If you previously used the backup on your device, sometimes your device will remember which account you used and skip this step.
If you have more than one wallet backed up, select which backup you'd like to restore. If you only have one backup, you will automatically skip this step.
Depending on whether you created the backup vault with a confirmation email or confirmation mobile number, you will receive an email or SMS from Exodus containing a confirmation code. In the backup vault, a) enter this confirmation code, then b) tap Continue.
For security reasons, you must wait 7 days to access your wallet. You'll also receive an email or SMS confirming that a restore is in progress. Your wallet will have a countdown, and you'll receive an email or SMS and an in-app notification when the waiting period ends. Tap Done.
You are able to cancel the restore during the 7-day waiting period. To learn how, see: How do I cancel a restore in progress?
After the 7-day waiting period is over, you can return to Restore from Backup (steps 1-3 above), then tap Restore.
You will receive an email or SMS from Exodus containing a confirmation code. a) Enter the confirmation code, then b) tap Continue.
If you are sure you'd like to restore your backup, tap Continue and Restart.
Exodus Mobile will restart, and your wallet will be restored. Once complete, you'll receive a notification that the restore was successful. To return to your wallet, tap X.
After restoring your wallet, it is important to create a new backup, as the backup vault no longer supports confirmation emails and mobile phone numbers.
You can use one of the following methods to create a new backup:Back up your wallet by going through the backup vault process again to create a backup managed with a passkey: How do I store my 12-word secret recovery phrase in the backup vault?
Back up your wallet by writing down your 12-word secret recovery phrase: How do I always have access to my wallet with my 12-word secret recovery phrase?
How do I cancel a restore in progress?
If you used the backup vault before November 2024, when you restore the backup vault, you will receive a confirmation code via email or SMS.
After entering the confirmation code in Exodus, there's a 7-day waiting period before the wallet can be restored.
You can cancel the restore request anytime during the 7-day waiting period.
When a restore is attempted, you'll receive a confirmation email or SMS notifying you that a wallet restore is in progress. If you have Exodus on other devices, you'll also see a prompt in Exodus that a restore was attempted on another device.
If you receive an email or SMS about a restore in progress that you did not initiate, your wallet may be compromised. Please cancel the restore request immediately and contact Exodus Support at [email protected]. If you think it is compromised, change the passwords for all accounts associated with the backup vault, such as your email, phone provider, and iCloud or Google Drive accounts, and remotely sign out of all devices.
To cancel the wallet restore, open the confirmation email or SMS and tap cancel this restore request. This will cancel restoring your wallet from the backup vault.
If you cannot locate the email or SMS to cancel your restore, you can resend one by tapping Resend Email or Resend SMS:
