Overview
Backing up your wallet is critical to ensure you never lose access to your funds. SubWallet provides multiple secure methods to backup and restore your accounts.Backup Methods
SubWallet supports four different backup methods, each suited for different use cases:1. Seed Phrase (Mnemonic)
A seed phrase is a 12 or 24-word phrase that can restore all accounts created from it.Seed phrases can only be exported for accounts that were created or imported using a mnemonic. Hardware wallet accounts and watch-only accounts cannot export seed phrases.
- Navigate to Account Details for the account you want to backup
- Select Export Account
- Choose Export Seed Phrase
- Enter your SubWallet password
- Write down your seed phrase and store it securely
2. JSON File
JSON files are encrypted backups of your account that are password-protected. To export a JSON file:- Navigate to Account Details
- Select Export Account
- Choose Export JSON File
- Enter your SubWallet password
- The encrypted JSON file will be downloaded automatically
JSON files are encrypted with the password you provide. Make sure to remember this password, as you’ll need it when restoring.
3. Private Key
The private key is a hexadecimal string that provides direct access to a single account. To export your private key:- Navigate to Account Details
- Select Export Account
- Choose Export Private Key
- Enter your SubWallet password
- Copy your private key and store it securely
4. QR Code
QR codes can be used to import accounts on mobile devices or other wallet applications. To export via QR code:- Navigate to Account Details
- Select Export Account
- Choose Export QR Code
- Enter your SubWallet password
- Scan the QR code with your target device
Restore Methods
SubWallet allows you to restore accounts using any of the backup methods above.Restore from Seed Phrase
- Open SubWallet and click Import Account
- Select Import from Seed Phrase
- Enter your 12 or 24-word seed phrase
- Set an account name
- Create or enter your SubWallet password
- Click Import
Restore from JSON File
- Open SubWallet and click Import Account
- Select Restore from JSON
- Upload your JSON backup file
- Enter the password you used when creating the backup
- Enter your SubWallet password
- Click Restore
Restore from Private Key
- Open SubWallet and click Import Account
- Select Import from Private Key
- Paste your private key
- Set an account name
- Create or enter your SubWallet password
- Click Import
Restore via QR Code
- Open SubWallet and click Import Account
- Select Import by QR Code
- Allow camera access
- Scan your account QR code
- Set an account name and password
- Click Import
Master Password
SubWallet uses a master password system to encrypt and protect all your accounts.Your master password is used to unlock your wallet and approve transactions. It is stored locally and never leaves your device.
Changing Your Master Password
- Go to Settings > Security
- Select Change Password
- Enter your current password
- Enter and confirm your new password
- Click Confirm
Best Practices
- Multiple Backups: Create backups using multiple methods (seed phrase + JSON file)
- Physical Storage: Write seed phrases on paper and store in secure locations
- Never Share: Never share your seed phrase, private key, or password with anyone
- Verify Before Sending: Always double-check addresses before sending transactions
- Regular Backups: Create new backups after adding new accounts
- Secure Password: Use a strong, unique password for your wallet
- Test Recovery: Test your backup by restoring on a different device
Account Types & Backup Compatibility
| Account Type | Seed Phrase | JSON File | Private Key | QR Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mnemonic Account | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Imported Private Key | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hardware Wallet | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Watch-Only | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| QR Signer | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Hardware wallet and watch-only accounts cannot be backed up through SubWallet as the private keys are not stored in the extension.