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Alby wallet setup and recovery phrase security guide



Secure Your Bitcoin Keys A Practical Alby Wallet Setup and Recovery Phrase Guide

Immediately after installing the browser extension, disconnect from the internet. Generate your 24-word mnemonic seed in this offline state to prevent any remote interception during creation.

Initial Configuration Protocol

Treat the generated word list as critical material. These words reconstitute absolute spending authority over your bitcoin.


Write the sequence on archival-grade paper using a carbon-pen.
Never store a digital photograph, screenshot, or typed document of these words.
Verify the accuracy of each word and its order twice before proceeding.

Physical Storage Methods

Create multiple copies. Store each in a separate, secure location like a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box. Consider using a durable metal backup tool designed to withstand fire and water damage.


For enhanced secrecy, split the 24-word list. One method: create two 12-word lists, storing each half in different geographic locations. Never keep all words in a single place vulnerable to a single point of failure.

Operational Security Practices

This word collection is a master key. Input it only to restore access to your funds on a trusted device, never for routine transactions. The extension should function using a separate, daily PIN after the initial configuration.


Regularly test one backup copy to confirm it correctly restores access. Perform this test on an air-gapped machine or during a clean operating system installation.

Restoration Procedure

If you need to regain access, obtain a verified copy of the browser extension from the official repository. Install it on a clean system.


Select the "Restore" option within the interface.
Input your 24 words in the exact original sequence.
Allow the process to fully synchronize with the blockchain network.


Once restored, transfer all funds to a newly created, secure word list if you suspect the original was ever exposed or potentially observed.

Alby Wallet Setup and Recovery Phrase Security Guide

Immediately transcribe the 12 to 24 secret words onto durable, fire-resistant metal plates, never storing a digital copy like a screenshot or cloud note. This physical backup guarantees access to your Bitcoin and Lightning funds if your primary device fails or the application is reinstalled.


Validate the recorded mnemonic by restoring a small test transaction in a temporary, isolated instance of the software before depositing significant value. Isolate the master key from internet-connected devices entirely; consider a dedicated, offline computer for managing large holdings, as the seed alone authorizes total control over all linked assets and transaction history without further authentication.

FAQ:
I installed Alby and it gave me 12 words. What exactly are these for?

Those 12 words are your recovery phrase, sometimes called a seed phrase. This is the master key to your Bitcoin wallet. Alby itself does not store this phrase on its servers. Instead, the phrase generates all the private keys needed to access your funds on the Bitcoin network. If you delete the Alby extension or your computer breaks, you can use these 12 words in the exact same order in any compatible wallet (like BlueWallet or Sparrow) to fully restore your balance and transaction history. Whoever has these words has complete control over the funds, so they must be kept secret and safe.

What's the safest way to write down my Alby recovery phrase? I'm worried about someone finding it.

Avoid digital storage like photos, text files, or cloud notes. Write the phrase by hand on a durable material like metal or archival paper. Store it in a secure, private location, such as a safe. For greater security, consider splitting the phrase. You could divide it into two or three parts, storing each in a different secure location (e.g., home safe, safety deposit box). This way, finding one part doesn't compromise the wallet. Never share the full phrase with anyone, and verify that no cameras (including webcams and phones) are pointing at it while you write it down.

Can I change my Alby recovery phrase after setting up the wallet?

You cannot change the recovery phrase for an existing wallet. The phrase is mathematically tied to the specific keys and addresses already generated. To use a new phrase, you must create a completely new wallet within alby wallet extension not opening. This will generate a fresh set of 12 words. You would then need to send all your funds from the old wallet (backed by the old phrase) to the new wallet's receiving address. Only after confirming the funds are in the new wallet should you consider the old phrase inactive. Manage the old phrase with the same level of security until you are certain no funds remain associated with it.

I lost my computer. How do I get my Bitcoin back using just the 12-word phrase?

Get a new computer or device. Install the Alby browser extension again, or install a different compatible Bitcoin wallet. During the setup process, look for an option labeled "Restore wallet," "Import wallet," or "Use recovery phrase." Select that option. You will be prompted to enter your 12 words. Type them in the precise order you originally wrote them down, with a single space between each word. After entering the phrase, the wallet will synchronize with the Bitcoin network. Your complete balance and transaction history will appear, as the phrase allows the software to derive the same keys and find all associated funds on the blockchain.