How to Back Up Your Self-Custody Wallet

Why Backups Matter

Your self-custody wallet puts you in control of your Bitcoin - but that also means you’re responsible for keeping it safe. If your phone is lost, damaged, or reset, the only way to recover your funds is with your backup.

If you lose your backup, your Bitcoin is gone. Forever.

Your Backup Options

When you create a self-custody wallet, you’ll be asked to choose one of two backup options:

1. 

Automatic Backup to Google Drive

• Your wallet is backed up automatically to your Google Drive.

• You can choose to encrypt the backup with your own password for extra security.

• This makes recovery fast and easy if you change or lose your phone.
  
  

Important: If you choose encryption, make sure to remember your password - we can’t reset or recover it.

2. 

Manual 12-Word Seed Phrase

• You’ll be shown a 12-word backup phrase (also known as a seed phrase).

• Write it down carefully and store it in a safe place offline - never take a screenshot or save it to cloud storage.

Best Practices for Seed Phrases:

• Write it on paper, or in a seed storage device, and store it somewhere secure (fireproof safe, etc)

• Never share it with anyone

• Don’t store it digitally unless you know how to encrypt it properly

 What Not to Do

• ❌ Don’t screenshot your seed phrase

• ❌ Don’t save it in Google Docs, Notes, or email

• ❌ Don’t share it with anyone - not even us

 Our Recommendation

If you’re just getting started and want a simpler option, the Google Drive backup is a good choice.

If you prefer maximum privacy and control, go with the manual 12-word seed - just be sure to store it safely.

Changing Your Backup Method

You can always reset or change your backup method later from within the wallet settings.

 Coming Up Next

Now that your backup is secure, we’ll show you how to:

• Restore your wallet from Google Drive or seed phrase

• Send and receive Bitcoin with your self-custody wallet

• Keep your wallet secure over time