How to Back Up Your Wallet

My Wallet

Backing up your wallet means saving your seed phrase offline, so you can restore your funds if you lose or replace your device.

How to Back Up Your Wallet

Quick answer

Write down your seed phrase when you create a wallet in My Wallet, check it, and keep it offline where only you can reach it. You can view it again in Settings → Security → Back Up. My Wallet is non-custodial, so it does not keep a copy. If you lose it, My Wallet can't restore access for you.

Why a backup matters

  • Phones get lost, broken, or reset.
  • Logging out of a wallet doesn't delete your assets, but you need the seed phrase to log back in.
  • Without the phrase, access to the wallet cannot be restored.

Before you start

  • Find a private moment, with no one looking at your screen.
  • Turn off screen sharing and screen recording.
  • Have paper and a pen ready, or encrypted offline storage.

Back up when you create a wallet

  1. Choose Create Wallet and set a password.
  2. Read the security note and tap Show words.
  3. Write the words down in order.
  4. Confirm 3 of the words when asked, then tap Done.

Back up an existing wallet

  1. Open Settings from the wallet icon.
  2. Go to Security → Back Up.
  3. View your seed phrase and write it down.
  4. Check every word and its number before closing the screen.

Where to keep it

  • Paper in a secure place: a good option if protected from fire, water, and loss.
  • Encrypted offline digital storage: a strong option.
  • Password manager: convenient, but needs extra care.
  • Photo or screenshot on your wallet device: unsafe.

See the full comparison in the Help Center.

Check your backup

  • Re-read the backup from time to time to make sure it is legible.
  • Make sure the word order is correct.
  • Update your storage plan if you move home or change devices.

Multiple wallets

  • Each wallet you create has its own seed phrase.
  • Back up every one of them, and label which backup belongs to which wallet.
  • If you import from a Ledger device, your recovery phrase stays with the Ledger and should only be used to recover the Ledger.

Mistakes to avoid

  1. Saving the phrase in cloud photos or notes.
  2. Sending it to yourself in a messenger.
  3. Typing it into any website or "backup checker".
  4. Sharing it with anyone who says they are support.

Start with a secure wallet

Download My Wallet to explore crypto with self-custody—you hold the keys.

About My Wallet

FAQ

Does My Wallet back up my seed phrase for me?

No. My Wallet is non-custodial and doesn't store a copy of your seed phrase and can't restore access if you lose it. Only you have access to your backup unless you share it.

Is a screenshot a good backup?

No. A screenshot on the device that runs your wallet is unsafe. Write the words down or use encrypted offline storage.

What if I forget my password?

Your password only unlocks the app on that device. With your seed phrase, you can log out and import the wallet again. See What if I forgot my password?.

Can I back up my private key instead?

You can view a TON Private Key in Back Up, but the seed phrase is the main backup for all your accounts.

Helpful guides