What a backup key is, and when it helps
WalletWallet holders·Updated
A second passkey for your Swaps Wallet, kept somewhere else. It helps if you lose your wallet key, not if someone else has it.
Your keys
- Wallet key. Signs Send, Convert, Pay and bank payouts. Settings › Passkeys marks it “Never delete”.
- Backup key. Saved as “Swaps backup key · …”. In Swaps it checks itself, reports a stolen key, moves your balance and approves a key on a new device, never an ordinary payment. On the network, whoever has it can move your whole balance, so guard it like your wallet key.
- Device key. Appears only after you get back in with your backup key. In Swaps it sends on Tempo only. On the network, whoever has it can move your whole balance, so guard it like your wallet key.
- Sign-in passkeys. “These sign you in to Swaps only. They can’t send from your wallet. Magic link keeps working.”
Swaps never gets a copy of any of them.
When it helps
“A backup helps if you lose this passkey. If someone else has it, a backup can’t stop them: move your money to a new address.”
- Lost: your backup key approves a key on another device, and you get back into your wallet.
- Stolen: whoever has your wallet key can remove your backup key, and may move the money first.
Money
- Add: nothing moves. Swaps pays the network fee, for up to three backup keys per wallet. You can delete it later.
- Confirm: one signature, no fee, nothing to undo.
- Delete: nothing moves. Swaps pays the network fee. It can’t be undone.
- Move your balance: the fee comes from your balance. The move can’t be undone.
Do you have to add one?
No. Your wallet’s home offers “Add a backup key” on every visit. “Not now” hides it until your next visit. Add money and Receive don’t wait for it.
From another Swaps account?
No. Your backup key works only in the Swaps account that owns the wallet. Sign in to that account on another device or browser.
Written by Swaps team. Updated 4 Nov 2026. Screens from Swaps. Names, amounts and times are examples.