Backup & Recovery
Your wallet can be recovered from a 24-word mnemonic or from an encrypted backup file. Treat both like cash — anyone with the phrase or backup + password controls your funds.
What to back up
| Method | What it restores | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mnemonic (24 words) | Full wallet on any device | Primary backup; disaster recovery |
| Encrypted backup file | Wallet file + local state | Same-machine restore, migration |
| Profile folder | One wallet profile’s data | Advanced / multi-wallet operators |
Mnemonic is required. File backup is optional but convenient for desktop users who use Export backup in Settings.
Mnemonic backup (recommended)
- Write down the 24 words shown at wallet creation (or from Settings → Security → reveal seed, when implemented).
- Store offline — paper or metal; never in cloud email or screenshots.
- Verify: restore on a test profile or second device before relying on it.
# CLI restore
nozy restore
# Enter mnemonic and new password when prompted
Desktop: export and restore
Export
- Unlock the wallet.
- Settings → Backup (or Security).
- Choose a path and export — creates an encrypted backup via
export_backup.
Restore
- Welcome screen → Restore from backup (or Settings).
- Select the backup file path (
restore_from_backup). - Unlock with the password used when the backup was created.
After restore you must unlock again before send or sync.
CLI and data paths
| OS | Wallet data | Config |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | %APPDATA%\nozy\nozy\data\ (per profile) | %APPDATA%\nozy\nozy\config\config.json |
| Linux / macOS | XDG data dir under nozy/nozy/data/ | ~/.config/nozy/config.json |
Multi-wallet profiles live under {data}/profiles/{id}/. Switching profiles in the desktop Welcome screen changes the active data directory.
Recovery checklist
- Install NozyWallet (CLI or desktop).
- Point Zebrad at a synced node (Zebra Node Setup).
- Restore mnemonic or backup file.
- Unlock with password.
- Sync to tip (
nozy sync --to-tipor desktop Sync). - Confirm balance and notes before sending.
What backup does not include
- Your Zebrad chain data (re-sync the node separately).
- lightwalletd compact DB (re-sync via LWD if you use compact cache).
- On-chain funds — recovery only restores keys; you still need chain sync to see balance.
See also: Backup Strategies, Backup tutorial.