Backup Methods
Rainbow supports two primary backup methods:Cloud Backup (Recommended)
- iOS: Automatic iCloud backup
- Android: Google Drive backup
- Encrypted: AES-256 encryption with user password
- Automatic: Backs up after wallet changes
- Multiple wallets: All wallets backed up together
Manual Backup
- Seed phrase: 12 or 24 word recovery phrase
- Private key: Per-account private key export
- Offline storage: User responsible for secure storage
- Universal: Works on any compatible wallet
Cloud Backup Architecture
Backup State Management
Rainbow uses a dedicated store for backup operations:Backup File Structure
Creating Cloud Backups
Enable Cloud Backup
First-time setup:
- Navigate to Settings > Backup
- Choose “Back Up to Cloud”
- iOS: Sign in to iCloud (if not already)
- Android: Sign in to Google account
Set Backup Password
Create a strong password:
- Minimum 8 characters recommended
- Used to encrypt backup data
- Required for restoration
- Store this password securely!
Verify Backup
Rainbow will:
- Encrypt wallet data with password
- Upload to cloud storage (iCloud/Google Drive)
- Verify upload succeeded
- Display confirmation
Backup Implementation
Restoring from Cloud Backup
Restoration Process
Choose Restore Option
On welcome screen:
- Tap “Restore from Backup”
- Select cloud backup method
- iOS: Sign in to iCloud
- Android: Sign in to Google account
Select Backup
Rainbow will:
- Fetch available backups from cloud
- Display backup list with timestamps
- Show most recent backup first
- Allow selection of specific backup
Enter Password
Provide backup password:
- Same password used when creating backup
- Used to decrypt wallet data
- Failed attempts shown as errors
Restoration Implementation
PIN-Protected Backups (Android)
Android backups can use PIN instead of password:Creating PIN Backup
PIN vs Password
- PIN (4 digits)
- Password
Advantages:
- Quick to enter
- Easy to remember
- Biometric fallback
- Less secure (10,000 combinations)
- Android only
- Requires device biometrics
We recommend using a strong password over PIN for maximum security, especially for wallets holding significant value.
Manual Backup (Seed Phrase)
Viewing Seed Phrase
Write Down Phrase
- Write all words in order
- Double-check spelling
- Store in secure location
- Never take photos or screenshots
Restoring from Seed Phrase
Enter Seed Phrase
- Type or paste all words
- Words must be in correct order
- Validate each word from BIP-39 wordlist
Backup Status Tracking
Rainbow tracks backup status per wallet:Backup Types
Cloud Backup Sync
Rainbow periodically syncs with cloud storage:Error Handling
Common backup errors and solutions:Cloud Backup Errors
Wrong Password/PIN
Wrong Password/PIN
Error: “Error decrypting data” or “Wrong PIN”Solutions:
- Verify password/PIN is correct
- Check for typos (case-sensitive)
- Try different backup file
- Use seed phrase as fallback
No Cloud Access
No Cloud Access
Error: “Cloud backup not available”Solutions:
- iOS: Enable iCloud Drive in Settings
- Android: Sign in to Google account
- Check network connection
- Verify cloud storage quota
Backup Not Found
Backup Not Found
Error: “No backups found”Solutions:
- Verify correct cloud account
- Check backup was created successfully
- Look for backup on different device
- Restore from seed phrase instead
Corrupted Backup
Corrupted Backup
Error: “Integrity check failed”Solutions:
- Try older backup file
- Restore from seed phrase
- Contact support if needed
- Create new wallet and transfer funds
Platform-Specific Details
iOS Cloud Backup
- Storage: iCloud Drive hidden folder
- Path:
rainbow.me/wallet-backups/ - Authentication: Automatic with iCloud login
- Sync: Automatic across all iCloud devices
Android Cloud Backup
- Storage: Google Drive app data folder
- Path: Hidden application storage
- Authentication: Google account sign-in required
- Sync: Manual sync triggers
- Logout:
logoutFromGoogleDrive()available
Best Practices
Multiple Backup Methods
Always maintain redundant backups:
- Cloud backup for convenience
- Seed phrase written down offline
- Consider metal seed phrase backup for long-term
Test Restoration
Verify backups work:
- Restore on test device or wallet
- Verify all accounts present
- Check you can access funds
- Do this BEFORE losing access
Secure Storage
Store backup materials safely:
- Seed phrase: Fireproof safe, safety deposit box
- Password: Password manager (not cloud notes!)
- Never in photos, screenshots, or cloud notes
Related Features
Wallet Overview
Understanding wallet types and management
Account Management
Creating and managing accounts
Hardware Wallets
Ledger hardware wallet integration