Recovery Password

What is a recovery password?

A recovery password is a backup key that can unlock your encrypted data if you forget your main password.

It works the same way as your main password - it generates the same encryption key - but it’s separate. Think of it as a spare key to your house that you keep hidden outside.

How to set one up

1. Go to Settings → Security in the app
2. Find the Recovery Password section
3. Choose Generate Recovery Password (recommended) or Use Custom Password
4. Write it down and store it somewhere safe
5. Confirm you’ve saved it

Important: Once you click “Save”, you won’t be able to see the generated password again. Write it down before confirming.

Generated vs. Custom

Generated password (recommended): The app creates a strong, random recovery password for you. It’s 24 characters of random letters and numbers. Very secure, impossible to guess, but you MUST write it down.

Custom password: You can set your own recovery password. It must be at least 12 characters. Make it different from your main password and store it separately.

Where to store it

Store your recovery password somewhere:

• Safe (physically secure, not just written on a sticky note on your desk)
• Separate from your main password (if you lose both at the same time, you’re screwed)
• Accessible (if it’s locked in a safe deposit box 500 miles away, good luck)

Good options:

• Printed and stored in a home safe
• Stored in a physical notebook in a locked drawer
• Given to a trusted family member (sealed envelope, “open in case of emergency”)
• Written down and stored at a different location

Bad options:

• Saved in the same password manager as your main password (if you lose access to the password manager, you lose both)
• Stored digitally anywhere (if someone compromises your computer, they get both passwords)

How to use it to recover access

If you forget your main password:

1. Go to the login screen
2. Click “Use recovery password”
3. Enter your recovery password
4. You’ll be able to set a new main password

Your data will decrypt and you’re back in.

Removing a recovery password

You can remove your recovery password at any time from Settings → Security. Be absolutely sure you want to do this - once removed, if you forget your main password, there’s no way back in.

The hint field (optional)

When setting up a recovery password, you can add a hint. This is a reminder to yourself about where you stored the recovery password.

Example: “Home safe, top drawer” or “Blue notebook in office”

Don’t put the actual password in the hint. That defeats the entire purpose.