Understanding the importance of your recovery words
When setting up your cryptocurrency wallet, you're provided with a set of 24 recovery words. These words serve as a backup of your wallet's master seed, allowing you to restore access to your funds if your hardware wallet is lost or damaged.
Why you should write down your recovery words
While the BitBox02 hardware wallet automatically creates a backup on a microSD card, it's highly recommended to also write down your 24 recovery words. This handwritten backup provides an additional layer of security, ensuring that you can recover your wallet even if the microSD card is unavailable.
How to securely record your recovery words
- Prepare a secure environment: Ensure you're in a private setting where no one can observe or record your actions.
- Use the BitBoxApp: Navigate to "Manage device" and select "Show recovery words." Follow the on-screen instructions to display your recovery words on the BitBox02 device.
- Record the words carefully: Write down each word in the exact order presented. Double-check the spelling and sequence to avoid errors.
Safety precautions
- Never digitize your recovery words: Avoid taking photos, making digital copies, or storing them on electronic devices to prevent unauthorized access.
- Store securely: Keep the written recovery words in a safe place, such as a locked drawer, safe, or safety deposit box. Remember, anyone with access to these words can control your funds.
Restoring your wallet using recovery words
In the event of device loss or failure, you can restore your wallet using the 24 recovery words:
- Initialize a new or reset BitBox02: Ensure the device is uninitialized.
- Use the BitBoxApp: Choose "Restore from recovery words" during the setup process.
- Enter your recovery words: Input the 24 words directly on the BitBox02 device as prompted.
Conclusion
Writing down your 24 recovery words is a crucial step in securing your cryptocurrency assets. This backup ensures that, regardless of unforeseen circumstances, you retain access to your funds.No, writing down your 24 recovery words is optional.