Everything you need to know about the backup vault in Exodus Mobile.
Backing up the 12-word secret recovery phrase with the backup vault is no longer supported for new customers. New customers can back up their Exodus wallet by writing down the 12-word secret recovery phrase.
Customers who already have a backup in the Exodus backup vault can still restore their wallet with the backup vault.
If you are currently using the backup vault, make sure you also back up your wallet by writing down your 12-word secret recovery.
In this article:
What is the backup vault?
When your wallet is backed up in the backup vault in Exodus Mobile, an encrypted version of your 12-word secret recovery phrase is stored in your iCloud or Google Drive account.
Creating a new backup in the backup vault is no longer supported. However, customers who already use the backup vault to store the secret recovery phrase can still access the backup and restore their wallet.
To restore your wallet from the backup vault, you must have access to your iCloud or Google Drive and your confirmation email address or mobile phone number that you created the backup vault with.
If you ever change or lose your mobile phone number for any reason, you won't be able to restore your wallet with the backup vault.
If you are currently using the backup vault, make sure you also back up your wallet by writing down your 12-word secret recovery.
How does the backup vault work?
Your 12-word secret recovery phrase in the backup vault is not saved as a digital copy in the cloud. Instead, your wallet's secret recovery phrase is encrypted, and an encrypted version of your secret recovery phrase is stored as a file in your iCloud or Google Drive account.
Because your secret recovery phrase is encrypted, it is impossible to restore a wallet or access a secret recovery phrase with the iCloud or Google Drive file alone.
You'll only be able to unlock the encrypted file and access your secret recovery phrase with the correct key.
When you want to restore a wallet, you'll send a request to Exodus to unlock your encrypted secret recovery phrase.
Depending on whether you created the backup vault with a confirmation email or confirmation mobile phone number, an email or SMS will be sent to you with a confirmation code, also known as a one-time password (OTP). Once you confirm the request to restore your wallet by entering the code into your backup vault, you'll need to wait 7 days.
After the 7-day waiting period is over, you'll receive a second email or SMS with another confirmation code to verify you want to restore your wallet.
Once you confirm by entering the second code, your backup vault will access the decryption key, unlock your encrypted secret recovery phrase, and restore your wallet. This is all done by code and without human intervention. Exodus staff can't access your backup vault.
This is why it's important to ensure you retain access to your confirmation email address, your confirmation mobile phone number, and your iCloud or Google Drive accounts. If you lose access to your backup vault, Exodus will not be able to restore it
What do I need to know when using the backup vault?
Write down your 12-word secret recovery phrase: If you have stored your secret recovery phrase in the backup vault, ensure you also have backed up your wallet by writing down your secret recovery phrase. To learn more, jump to: Do I still need to write down my 12-word secret recovery phrase?
Never lose access to your cloud storage, confirmation email address, or confirmation mobile phone number: To restore your wallet with the backup vault, you must have access to both your cloud storage account (iCloud or Google Drive) and the confirmation email or confirmation mobile phone number you used to create the backup vault.
Exodus can't help you recover your wallet if you lose access to your iCloud account, Google Drive account, confirmation email address, or confirmation mobile phone number.
If you selected a confirmation mobile phone number, your backup codes will only be sent to the original mobile phone number you created the backup vault with: If you ever change or lose your mobile phone number for any reason, you won't be able to restore your wallet with the backup vault. Because of that, it is also recommended to write down your 12-word secret recovery.
Never delete your backup files: When you saved your secret recovery phrase in the backup vault, it was encrypted and stored in your iCloud or Google Drive account. You must never delete the file from your cloud storage because if you delete it, you won't be able to restore your wallet. For more information, jump to: Where is the backup stored?
You have to wait 7-days before restoring a wallet: For security reasons, there is a 7-day waiting period when restoring a wallet from your backup vault. For instructions, jump to: How do I restore a wallet from my backup vault?
Currently, the backup vault is only available in Exodus Mobile: Restoring a wallet with the backup vault is not available on Desktop or Web3 Wallet.
How do I store my 12-word secret recovery phrase in the backup vault?
Backing up the 12-word secret recovery phrase with the backup vault is no longer supported for new customers. New customers can back up their Exodus wallet by writing down the 12-word secret recovery phrase.
Customers who already have a backup in the Exodus backup vault can still restore their wallet with the backup vault.
If you are currently using the backup vault, make sure you also back up your wallet by writing down your 12-word secret recovery.
How do I restore a wallet from my backup vault?
Exodus Mobile on iOS
After opening a newly installed Exodus Mobile app, a) tap I have a wallet.
Tap Backup Vault.
To restore a wallet from the backup vault, Exodus will need access to your iCloud account. If Exodus does not have access to your iCloud account, you will see the following prompt. To allow access, follow these steps: How do I log in to iCloud and grant Exodus access? If Exodus already has access, skip to the next step.
The iCloud account you use to restore a wallet must be the same iCloud account you used to create the backup vault.
If you have more than one wallet backed up, select which backup you'd like to restore and tap Restore. You can skip this step if you have only one wallet backed up.
Depending on if you created the backup vault with a confirmation email or confirmation mobile phone 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.
You'll have 15 minutes to enter your confirmation code before it expires. Make sure you don't share the code with anyone.
If you didn't receive a confirmation code, update to the latest version of Exodus Mobile, then try again.
Mobile phone number confirmation
Email confirmation
For security reasons, there is a 7-day waiting period before you can access your wallet. You will also receive an email or SMS confirming that a restore is in progress. There will be a countdown in your wallet, and you'll receive an email or SMS and an in-app notification when the 7-day waiting period has ended.
After the 7-day waiting period is over, you can return to Restore from Backup (steps 1-3 above) and tap Restore.
You'll receive a second email or SMS from Exodus containing another confirmation code. In the backup vault, a) enter this confirmation code, then b) tap Continue.
You'll have 15 minutes to enter your confirmation code before it expires. Make sure you don't share the code with anyone.
If you didn't receive a confirmation code, update to the latest version of Exodus Mobile, then try again.
Mobile phone number confirmation
Email confirmation
You'll be taken to the Restore from Backup screen in Exodus Mobile. If you are sure you'd like to restore, 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.
Exodus Mobile on Android
After opening a newly installed Exodus Mobile app, a) tap I have a wallet.
Tap Backup Vault.
To restore a wallet from the backup vault, Exodus will need access to your Google Drive account. If Exodus does not have access to your Google Drive account, you will see the following prompt. Tap Allow Access, then select the Google account you want to use with the backup vault and follow the instructions on the screen. If Exodus already has access, you can skip to the next step.
The Google account you use to restore a wallet must be the same Google account you used to create the backup vault.
When Google prompts you to select what the Exodus backup vault can access, a) make sure you check all 3 boxes, then b) tap Continue.
If you have more than one wallet backed up, select which backup you'd like to restore and tap Restore. You can skip this step if you have only one wallet backed up.
Depending on if 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.
You'll have 15 minutes to enter your confirmation code before it expires. Make sure you don't share the code with anyone.
If you didn't receive a confirmation code, update to the latest version of Exodus Mobile, then try again.
Mobile number confirmation
Email confirmation
For security reasons, there is a 7-day waiting period before you can access your wallet. You'll also receive an email or SMS confirming that a restore is in progress. There will be a countdown in your wallet, and you'll receive an email or SMS and an in-app notification when the 7-day waiting period has ended.
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. In the backup vault, a) enter this confirmation code, then b) tap Continue.
You'll have 15 minutes to enter your confirmation code before it expires. Make sure you don't share the code with anyone.
If you didn't receive a confirmation code, update to the latest version of Exodus Mobile, then try again.
You'll be taken to the Restore from Backup screen in Exodus Mobile. 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.
How do I cancel a restore request?
If you receive an email or SMS notifying you that a wallet restore is in progress, you'll have 7 days to cancel it.
If you'd like to cancel the wallet restore for any reason, open the confirmation email or SMS and tap cancel this restore request. This will cancel restoring your wallet from the backup vault.
If you believe that your backup vault email address, mobile number, or your iCloud or Google Drive accounts may have been compromised, get in touch with Exodus Support by sending an email to [email protected]. If your backup vault is compromised, it is recommended to change the passwords for your email account, phone provider account, and iCloud or Google Drive account and remotely sign out of all devices.
How do I keep my backup vault safe?
To keep your backup vault safe, you'll need to make sure that you always have access to both the confirmation email or confirmation mobile number, and iCloud or Google Drive accounts you used to create your backup vault.
Anyone with access to your confirmation email address or confirmation mobile number in conjunction with your iCloud or Google Drive account can restore your wallet and access your funds.
Protect both your email account, phone provider account, and iCloud or Google Drive account with strong and unique passwords. The passwords you use should be different for each account. Do not use the same password for all of your accounts.
The best passwords are random and at least 16 characters long. They contain a random mix of lower and upper case letters, numbers, and symbols (like "@" and "#"). To learn how to create a strong password, please visit: The importance of a good password.
For further protection, use 2-factor authentication (2FA) for your email and iCloud or Google Drive accounts. Ensure to secure your mobile phone with a pin or touch ID. If possible, avoid SMS and email-based 2FA. Instead, use an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator or Authy.
Backup vault FAQs
Do I still need to write down my 12-word secret recovery phrase?
If you stored your 12-word secret recovery phrase in the backup vault, make sure that you also back up your wallet by writing down your 12-word secret recovery phrase.
For instructions on how to back up your mobile wallet with the secret recovery phrase, visit: How do I always have access to my wallet with my 12-word secret recovery phrase?
If you back up your wallet with your secret recovery phrase, you can restore it on any platform: Exodus Mobile, Desktop, and Web3 Wallet.
Additionally, the Exodus secret recovery phrase is generated from the BIP39 standard. The BIP39 standard is a common standard for secret recovery phrases.
This means that if you back up your wallet with your secret recovery phrase, you can always access your funds on any wallet that supports the BIP39 standard.
For more information on secret recovery phrases, visit: Everything you need to know about your 12-word secret recovery phrase.
For tips on how to keep your secret recovery phrase, visit: How do I keep my 12-word secret recovery phrase safe?
Where is the backup stored?
The backup vault consists of 2 parts: a file containing the encrypted secret recovery phrase, and the decryption key that is used to unlock this file.
The file containing your encrypted secret recovery phrase is stored directly in your iCloud or Google Drive account. Exodus does not have access to this file. You must never delete the file from your cloud storage, because if you delete it, you won't be able to restore your wallet.
With iCloud on iOS, the default location for this file is in a folder named Exodus (do not delete)/Backups. Never delete the file or folder from your cloud storage. If you delete the file or folder, you won't be able to restore your wallet.
With Google Drive on Android, the file is hidden, and accessing it isn't possible.
Exodus only stores the decryption key and not your encrypted secret recovery phrase. This decryption key is used to decrypt your secret recovery phrase when you send a request to restore your wallet.
Currently, it is not possible to request that the decryption key be deleted.
Exodus does not have access to your encrypted secret recovery phrase and can never access or restore your wallet. This is because your encrypted secret recovery phrase is only stored in your personal iCloud or Google Drive account.
Does Exodus have access to my 12-word secret recovery phrase?
No, Exodus doesn't have access to your 12-word secret recovery phrase if you store it in the backup vault.
Because the secret recovery phrase is encrypted and stored in your iCloud or Google Drive account, only you can access your backup vault.
This is why Exodus will not be able to recover your wallet if you lose access to your iCloud or Google Drive account or your confirmation email or mobile number.
Why is it important that the 12-word secret recovery phrase is encrypted?
When you store it in the cloud, your 12-word secret recovery phrase is encrypted. This makes it impossible to restore a wallet with only the file stored in the cloud.
The file containing your encrypted secret recovery phrase is stored directly in your iCloud or Google Drive account. Exodus does not have access to this file. For more information, jump to: Where is the backup stored?
To restore a wallet from the backup vault, you need access to both the confirmation email or confirmation mobile number and the iCloud or Google Drive account used to create your backup vault.
In addition, there is a 7-day waiting period when restoring the wallet from the backup vault. During the 7 days, the request can be canceled at any time. After 7 days, to restore the wallet, you would again need access to both the confirmation email or confirmation mobile number and iCloud or Google Drive accounts used to create the backup vault.
This makes it more difficult for a potential attacker to restore a wallet from your backup vault.
You should never store your 12-word secret recovery phrase as an unencrypted digital copy such as a text document, screenshot, etc. If a potential attacker gets access to your secret recovery phrase, they will immediately be able to restore your wallet and access the funds in it.
What is a confirmation code, and how does it work?
When you saved your 12-word secret recovery phrase in the backup vault, you were prompted to enter your email address or mobile phone number to generate a confirmation code. This code is a one-time password (OTP) that verifies you can access the email address or mobile phone number you've registered.
To restore your wallet from the backup vault, you must have access to your iCloud or Google Drive, as well as your confirmation email address or confirmation mobile phone number so you can receive a confirmation code.
Exodus can't help you recover your wallet if you lose access to your iCloud account, Google Drive account, confirmation email address, or confirmation mobile phone number.
Why does Exodus ask for permission to access iCloud or Google Drive?
When you restore a wallet from the backup vault, Exodus will need access to iCloud or Google Drive, so Exodus can use the encrypted secret recovery phrase stored on iCloud or Google Drive to restore your wallet.
Without access to iCloud or Google Drive, Exodus will not be able to access the encrypted file.
To learn more about how the backup vault works, jump to: How does the backup vault work?
Which email address will the backup vault confirmation emails be sent from?
All backup vault emails will come from [email protected].
This includes any confirmation codes you'll receive when you restore a wallet with the backup vault. You can reply to the email to contact Exodus Support.
How do I log in to iCloud and grant Exodus access?
In some cases, to grant Exodus access to iCloud, you may need to log in to your iCloud account.
First, make sure you are logged in to your iCloud account. Tap Settings.
Next, to log in with your Apple ID, tap Sign into your iPhone. If you are already logged in, skip to step 5.
Enter your Apple ID and password.
Next, enter your iPhone passcode.
When you are logged in, in the Settings menu, tap on your account where it says Apple ID, iCloud, Media & Purchases.
Next, tap iCloud.
You'll need to have a) iCloud Drive and b) iCloud Backup set to on. Under Apps Using iCloud, c) tap Show All.
Finally, next to Exodus, switch the toggle on. You can now open your Exodus wallet to continue to restore a wallet from the backup vault.
