Remy Froissart, CNRS

img width: 750px; iframe.movie width: 750px; height: 450px; 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 add-on, disconnect from the internet before generating your new 12-word secret.

Initial Configuration Protocol

During creation, the interface will display twelve words in a strict sequence. This is your master key. Never input these words on any website or within any software other than the extension itself for restoration purposes. Consider the first and last three words as particularly critical markers for accurate transcription.

Physical Recording Methods

Utilize a pen and durable, non-corrosive material like stainless steel. Avoid paper, text files, or cloud notes. Etch the characters onto a metal backup plate designed for this function. Store this plate separately from any device, ideally in a locked container or a secure location only you can access.

Verification & Redundancy

Perform a verification check: write the sequence twice on separate mediums and compare for absolute consistency. Create a second physical copy stored in a different geographic spot, like a safety deposit box. This mitigates risk from localized physical damage.

Treat knowledge of this phrase as equivalent to possessing all contained bitcoin. No legitimate support entity will ever request it.

Restoration Process

If reinstalling the browser tool, select the “restore” option. Input your words in the exact original order, with a single space between each. Double-check for typos, especially with similar-looking words (e.g., “word” vs “world”). The system will not proceed if the sequence is invalid.

Post-Recovery Actions

Once access is regained, generate a new 12-word set if you suspect the old one was ever exposed, even momentarily. Transfer all funds from the old keys to the new ones immediately. Update all your physical backups accordingly.

Regularly test your backup by performing a restoration on an air-gapped computer to confirm its validity. Do not let years pass without verifying you can reconstruct access.

Alby Wallet Setup and Recovery Phrase Security Guide

Immediately after generation, transcribe your 12 or 24 secret words onto durable, non-digital media like a steel plate, storing it separately from any device.

Never photograph these codes or store them in cloud notes, email, or password managers; digital copies are vulnerable to remote extraction by malware.

A single, verified offline backup location provides far greater protection than multiple risky digital copies.

Validate your backup by performing a complete restoration on a spare or factory-reset device before funding your main vault; this confirms you can regain access using only your physical record.

Treat this private key as the absolute master key to your funds: its confidentiality is non-negotiable, and sharing it negates all other protective measures.

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

Those 12 words are your recovery phrase, also called a seed phrase. This is the single most important piece of information for your wallet. It is a human-readable representation of the private keys that control your bitcoin. Anyone who has these 12 words has complete control over the funds in that wallet. Alby itself does not store this phrase; it only generates it and asks you to save it. If you delete the Alby extension or your computer breaks, you can use these 12 words in the exact order to restore full access to your wallet and funds on any compatible device.

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

Physical, offline storage is most secure. Write the phrase on paper with a pen and keep it in a safe place, like a lockbox. Do not store it digitally: no screenshots, text files, or emails, as these are vulnerable to hackers or malware. For higher security, consider a metal backup solution, which protects against fire or water damage. Store it separately from your computer. Never share the phrase with anyone. Alby support will never ask for it.

Can I change my recovery phrase after setting up Alby?

No, you cannot change the recovery phrase for an existing wallet. The phrase is mathematically tied to the wallet's addresses and keys. If you feel your phrase has been compromised or you just want a new one, you must create a brand new alby wallet edge extension wallet. This will generate a new 12-word phrase. You would then need to transfer all your funds from the old wallet (using its old phrase) to the new wallet's address. After confirming the transfer, the old wallet and its phrase can be abandoned.

I lost my computer. How do I get my bitcoin back using just the recovery phrase?

Install the Alby extension on a new computer or browser. During setup, look for an option like “Restore wallet” or “I already have a wallet.” Select it. You will be prompted to enter your 12-word recovery phrase. Type the words carefully in the correct order. After submitting, Alby will rebuild your wallet from the phrase. Once the process finishes, you should see your previous balance and transaction history. The funds are on the bitcoin network, not the device; the phrase simply restores your access to them.