> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.anchorage.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Encrypted backups

> Enable encrypted backups of your Porto account data and recovery keys.

Porto automatically backs up your account data and security keys in encrypted form. These backups allow you to recover your account and wallets if you lose your device or need to access your account from a new device.

## How backups work

**Automatic backups:**

* Porto automatically backs up your account data (vaults, wallet information, settings) after important changes
* Your encryption keys are also backed up securely
* Backups are encrypted end-to-end — Porto cannot decrypt them without your authentication

**Your role:**

* You don't need to manually trigger backups for account data
* You can optionally export recovery codes or keys for additional security

## Backup encryption

All backups are encrypted using:

* Your personal encryption key, derived from your Porto password
* Your device's secure enclave (Face ID or Touch ID authentication data)
* Industry-standard encryption protocols (AES-256)

This means:

* Only you and authorized devices can decrypt your backups
* Porto servers store encrypted backups but cannot access the data
* Your backups are useless without your authentication credentials

## Enable or verify backups

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open settings">
    From the home screen, tap the **Settings** icon.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to security">
    Navigate to **Security** or **Account security**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check backup status">
    Look for a **Backups** or **Recovery** section. You should see that automatic backups are enabled.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable biometric authentication">
    If not already enabled, set up Face ID or Touch ID. This allows encrypted backups to use your biometric data as part of the encryption scheme.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What gets backed up

| Data                | Backed up | Notes                                                  |
| :------------------ | :-------- | :----------------------------------------------------- |
| Account credentials | ✔         | Email and authentication state                         |
| Vault configuration | ✔         | Vault names, policies, users                           |
| Wallet information  | ✔         | Wallet types, addresses, balance history               |
| Keys and seeds      | ✔         | Encrypted private keys and recovery seeds              |
| Settings            | ✔         | Preferences, notification settings, device preferences |
| Transaction history | ✔         | Activity log and past approvals                        |
| Biometric data      | ✗         | Stored only on your device, not backed up              |

## Recovery from backup

If you restore your account on a new device:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign in">
    Enter your email and password on the new device.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restore from backup">
    Porto will detect your account has a backup and offer to restore it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify your identity">
    Complete identity verification (email code, security questions, or other methods your organization requires).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restore your data">
    Your vaults, wallets, and settings will be restored to the new device.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up biometric authentication">
    Enable Face ID or Touch ID on the new device for secure transaction approval.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Manual backup and export

For additional security, you can export your recovery codes or encryption keys:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open settings">
    From the home screen, tap **Settings**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select security">
    Go to the **Security** section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find export or backup options">
    Look for **Export recovery codes**, **Download keys**, or **Backup data**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authenticate">
    Complete biometric authentication or enter your password to authorize the export.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the file">
    Download and save the backup file (usually a PDF or encrypted text file) to a secure location.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Store securely">
    Keep the file in a secure place separate from your device — a safe, encrypted cloud storage, or printed and locked away.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Recovery codes and exported keys are sensitive — treat them like passwords. Anyone with these codes can potentially access your account. Store them securely and do not share them.
</Warning>

## Backup verification

To confirm your backups are current:

1. **Check backup status** — Go to **Settings** > **Security** and look for the backup timestamp
2. **Force a backup** — Sometimes making a change to your account (like updating a setting) triggers a backup update
3. **Test restoration** — On a test device, sign in and check that your vaults restore correctly

## Cloud backup location

Your encrypted backups are stored on Porto's secure servers. These servers:

* Use industry-standard encryption and security practices
* Are regularly audited for compliance
* Are distributed for redundancy and disaster recovery

For detailed information on Porto's security infrastructure, see [Key management](/knowledge-base/porto/security/key-management).

## Troubleshooting

**Backups not enabled:**

* Ensure you've signed in at least once on your current device
* Check that you have biometric authentication or a strong password set
* Go to **Settings** > **Security** and manually enable backups if available

**Can't restore from backup:**

* Confirm you're using the same email address as your original account
* Ensure you know your password (password resets are required before restoration)
* Contact your organization's administrator if restoration continues to fail

**Suspicious backup activity:**

* Check your backup timestamps to see if backups are occurring at expected times
* Review the devices associated with your account in **Settings** > **Devices**
* If you suspect unauthorized access, change your password immediately