Private Key Security
How to backup and protect your recovery phrase — the single most important step in self-custody crypto security
Why your recovery phrase is everything
In a self-custody wallet, your recovery phrase is the only proof of ownership. Whoever holds the phrase controls the wallet. iCloser cannot reset it for you if it is lost.
As soon as the wallet creation flow shows your recovery phrase, write every word in the exact order on paper. Do not type it or screenshot it.
Double-check that each word is spelled correctly and in the right position. A single wrong word can prevent wallet recovery.
Place it in a secure location such as a safe, lockbox, or other physical storage that only you can access. Consider a duplicate in a second secure location.
Where you must never store your phrase
Never send your recovery phrase in any messaging app — not WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, or iMessage.
Screenshots can sync to cloud storage, be accessed by other apps, or leak in a backup. Never screenshot the phrase.
Notes on Google Drive, iCloud, Notion, or any cloud-connected service are accessible if your account is compromised.
Email is not encrypted end-to-end in most cases. Never email your recovery phrase to yourself or others.
Common attacks and how to avoid them
No legitimate support agent, team member, or service will ever ask for your recovery phrase or private key. Treat every such request as an attack.
Download iCloser only from the official App Store link. Fake wallet apps may display a phrase that the attacker already knows.
Never share your screen with anyone while the recovery phrase is visible. This is one of the most common methods used to steal funds.