> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vespr.xyz/vespr/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vespr.xyz/vespr/user-guide/the-basics/backup-your-recovery-phrase.md).

# Backup Your Recovery Phrase

What your VESPR recovery phrase is, why you must back it up, and how to write it down safely.

## What is a recovery phrase?

Your Secret Recovery Phrase (also called a seed phrase) is a list of words that is the master key to your wallet. VESPR creates a 12-word phrase for each new wallet; phrases from other wallets can have 12, 15, 18 or 24 words.

Your wallet's private keys are generated from the phrase, on your device. Your funds and transactions are recorded on the Cardano blockchain, not in the app, so the phrase is all you need to get your wallet back in VESPR or in another Cardano wallet.

* **Anyone who has your phrase controls your funds.** Never share it, type it into a website, or store it in a screenshot or cloud note.
* **VESPR staff will never ask for your recovery phrase**, not even in support. Anyone who asks for it is trying to steal your funds.
* **If you lose the phrase and lose access to your wallet, your funds are permanently lost.** VESPR stores the phrase encrypted on your device and can't recover it for you.

## Why back it up?

VESPR lets you create a wallet first and back it up afterwards, so you can get started quickly. Until you back it up, the home screen shows a **Back up your wallet** reminder.

Back up your phrase before you add funds. Your wallets only live on the phone or browser where you created or restored them:

* uninstalling VESPR deletes them from the device,
* moving to a new phone doesn't bring them with it, and
* a lost or broken phone takes them with it.

In each case, you get your wallet back by restoring it with its recovery phrase: see [Import an Existing Wallet](/vespr/user-guide/getting-started/import-an-existing-wallet.md).

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Moving to a new phone doesn't move your wallets.** VESPR encrypts them with a key that never leaves your phone's secure storage. Phone-to-phone transfers and iCloud or Google backups don't carry that key, so on the new phone your wallets can't be opened. Without the recovery phrase or the old phone, they're lost. Back up every wallet's phrase before you switch phones. See [New phone or reinstall](/vespr/user-guide/getting-started/import-an-existing-wallet.md#new-phone-or-reinstall).
{% endhint %}

Each recovery phrase restores one wallet. If you have several wallets in VESPR, back up each one's phrase. VESPR doesn't back up hardware wallets: keep your Ledger's or Keystone's own recovery phrase safe offline, following the device maker's instructions, and never type it into VESPR.

## Keep it safe

* Write the words down on paper, in order, and check the spelling.
* Keep the paper somewhere safe and private. Some people keep a second copy in another safe place.
* Never keep the phrase in a photo, a screenshot, an email or a cloud document.

Continue to [Backup RP: Part I](/vespr/user-guide/the-basics/backup-your-recovery-phrase/backup-rp-part-i.md) to begin the backup process.