Algorand Secure Backup

Algorand Secure Backup

Algorand Secure Backup is the most secure way to backup and store your Algorand accounts offline. An Algorand Secure Backup comprises:
An encrypted file representing your accounts
A 12-word key

You will generate and store the file separately from your key, creating an additional layer of security beyond the traditional storage of your 25-word passphrase.

This feature is available on Pera Web and Pera Mobile.

This feature is ARC-35 compatible. This means you can export backups from other ARC-35 compatible wallets and import them to Pera, and vice versa. The backup format is universally recognized on the Algorand blockchain.

Why is Algorand Secure Backup more secure than other methods?

Algorand Secure Backup is the most secure way to backup your accounts and should be your primary backup method.

The traditional method of writing down your 25-word passphrase is not secure:
Most people store this in plain text on physical paper, on a hard drive or in the cloud
In all cases, an attacker only needs one opportunity to steal the account passphrase
All methods of storage have limitations - losing the physical record, damage to the hard drive or compromise of cloud-based data

Algorand Secure Backup requires you to have both the file and the key to access the backed-up accounts. As long as you do not store both the file and the key in the same place, you have significantly increased security as an attacker would have to breach both the file and the key separately to gain access to the accounts.

Create your first backup on Pera Mobile

Go to Settings
Under Account, select “Algorand Secure Backup”
Read the information and press Start
Enter your pin or use biometric authentication, if enabled
Select the accounts to include in your backup (recommend: all accounts)
Store your 12-word key. You can come back to view this 12-word key later but we recommend storing it securely now.
Confirm you have stored your key.
Copy or save your backup file securely.

Create your first backup on Pera Web

Go to Settings
Select “Algorand Secure Backup”
Read the information and click I understand, proceed
Enter your passcode
Select the accounts to include in your backup (recommend: all accounts)
Store your 12-word key. You can come back to view this 12-word key later but we recommend storing it securely now.
Confirm you have stored your key.
Copy or save your backup file securely.

How to store the 12-word key and backup file securely

Store your key and backup file in separate places. This is the crucial point, and what makes Algorand Secure Backup secure.

You can store your key on paper, on your hard drive in a document or file, in a cloud-based storage drive or a password manager. You can store your backup file in any of these ways too, as long as the two are different. We recommend:
Store your backup files in a cloud storage service like iCloud or Google Drive
Store your key in your preferred password manager

Creating another backup

After you have created your first backup, you can follow the same steps to create any further backups you need in future, for example after creating a new account. The 12-word key generated for your first backup will continue to be used to create future backups, unless you create a new key.

Creating a new 12-word key

You may wish to create a new key for your next backup, for example if you are concerned your current key is compromised. You can do so by:
Follow the above steps to create a new backup
When you reach the “Store your Key” step, click “Create New Key”
Click I understand, proceed
Store your new key

The new key will be used for all future backups. This does not impact previous backups. Previous backup files will remain encrypted by the old key.

Import a backup to Pera Mobile

Before you start, ensure the backup file is available for selection from your mobile device: either downloaded to the device directly, or accessible in your device’s cloud file storage. Alternatively, copy the backup file contents as plain text. Ensure you have your 12-word key ready.

Select the plus icon beside “Accounts”
Select “I already have an account”
If you prepared the backup file on your device, select your backup file. If you copied it as plain text, press “Paste Backup File”.
Enter your 12 word key
Choose the accounts to import

Import a backup to Pera Web

Select “Add Account”
Select “I already have an account”
Select your backup file
Enter your 12 word key
Choose the accounts to import

Which accounts can be backed up/imported?

The following accounts can be included in backups and re-imported:
Standard accounts

The following accounts cannot be included in backups or re-imported:
Ledger accounts
Accounts rekeyed to Ledger accounts
Rekeyed accounts in the “No Auth” state (the authorized address is not present in your wallet)
Watch accounts

The following accounts cannot currently be included in backups or re-imported, but we plan to add support soon:
Accounts rekeyed to Standard accounts
Standard Accounts with accounts rekeyed to them (Auth Accounts)

Updated on: 07/04/2023