Recovery Phrases

Recover your vault if you forget your master password

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What is a Recovery Phrase?

A recovery phrase is a series of words (typically 20 words) that can be used to recover your vault if you forget your master password. It's generated using the BIP39 standard and acts as a backup key to your encrypted vault.

Important

If you lose both your master password and your recovery phrase, you will permanently lose access to your vault. We cannot recover your vault without one of these. Store your recovery phrase securely and never share it with anyone.

Setting Up a Recovery Phrase

During Vault Creation

  1. When creating a new vault, you'll be prompted to set up a recovery phrase
  2. Choose "Set Up Recovery Phrase"
  3. A 20-word recovery phrase will be generated
  4. Write down all 20 words in order
  5. You'll be asked to verify the phrase by entering some of the words
  6. Once verified, your recovery phrase is set up

After Vault Creation

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Navigate to "Recovery Phrase" or "Security"
  3. Select "Set Up Recovery Phrase"
  4. Enter your master password to confirm
  5. Follow the same steps as above to generate and verify your phrase

Storing Your Recovery Phrase

Best Practices:

  • Write it down: Physically write down the words on paper
  • Store securely: Keep it in a safe, secure location (safe, locked drawer, etc.)
  • Multiple copies: Consider storing copies in multiple secure locations
  • Never digital: Don't store your recovery phrase in plain text on your computer or in cloud storage
  • Never share: Never share your recovery phrase with anyone
  • Keep it secret: Treat your recovery phrase with the same security as your master password

Recovering Your Vault

If you forget your master password, you can use your recovery phrase to regain access:

Vault Recovery Steps

  1. Open Oculock
  2. When prompted for your master password, tap "Forgot Password?" or "Recover Vault"
  3. Select "Use Recovery Phrase"
  4. Enter your 20-word recovery phrase in order
  5. The app will verify the phrase
  6. Once verified, you'll be able to set a new master password
  7. After setting a new password, your vault will be unlocked

Viewing Your Recovery Phrase

You can view your recovery phrase at any time (for example, to make a backup copy):

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Navigate to "Recovery Phrase"
  3. Select "View Recovery Phrase"
  4. Enter your master password to confirm
  5. Your recovery phrase will be displayed
  6. Write it down or take a screenshot (store securely)

Changing Your Recovery Phrase

You can regenerate your recovery phrase if needed:

  1. Go to Settings > Recovery Phrase
  2. Select "Regenerate Recovery Phrase"
  3. Enter your master password
  4. A new recovery phrase will be generated
  5. Write down the new phrase and verify it
  6. Important: The old recovery phrase will no longer work after regeneration

Security Considerations

  • Backup Key: Your recovery phrase is a backup key - anyone with it can access your vault
  • Physical Security: Store it in a physically secure location
  • No Digital Storage: Don't store it in cloud storage, email, or on your computer
  • Verification: Always verify your recovery phrase is written correctly
  • Test Recovery: Consider testing the recovery process to ensure you can use your phrase

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