> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://zerotick-trade.gitbook.io/documentation.v1.2/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://zerotick-trade.gitbook.io/documentation.v1.2/user-guides/recovery-kit.md).

# Recovery kit

Your recovery kit is the downloadable backup of your wallet keys. This guide shows you how to download it, which format to choose, and how to store it so only you can ever use it.

{% hint style="danger" %}
Treat your recovery kit like a seed phrase. Anyone who opens the file can move your funds. Store it offline, never share it, and never paste its contents anywhere online. ZeroTick does not keep a copy and can never recover this file or your keys for you.
{% endhint %}

#### What your recovery kit contains

The recovery kit is a single file that holds everything needed to restore your wallets outside ZeroTick:

* Your EVM private key and address. One key controls all your EVM wallets, which share the same address: Ethereum, BSC, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, and Monad.
* Your Solana private key and address.
* Step-by-step instructions for importing each key into an outside wallet.
* A checksum, so you can tell the file has not been altered.

{% hint style="info" %}
Your EVM and Solana wallets also come back automatically when you sign in to ZeroTick again, so the recovery kit is your independent, self-custody copy. It is your failsafe: with it, you can restore your wallets in an outside app such as MetaMask or Phantom even when you cannot reach ZeroTick. For how ZeroTick keeps your wallets safe overall, see [Security & Backup](https://zerotick-trade.gitbook.io/documentation.v1.1/getting-started/security-and-backup).
{% endhint %}

#### Choose the right format

You choose one of three formats during the download. Pick the one that matches where you plan to store the file.

| Format        | File    | What it is                                                                                                   | Best for                                                                            |
| ------------- | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Document**  | `.html` | A branded, human readable page you can open in any browser or print. Your keys are visible in it.            | Printing for cold storage, or saving to an offline drive kept in a safe.            |
| **JSON**      | `.json` | A structured data file for tools and imports. Your keys are visible in it.                                   | Importing your wallet into an external wallet app.                                  |
| **Encrypted** | `.enc`  | The same data locked with a password you set, at least 8 characters. It is unreadable without that password. | Storing where a file might be seen by others, such as a USB drive or cloud storage. |

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you choose **Encrypted**, your encryption password is the only way to open the file. ZeroTick cannot reset or recover it. If you forget it, the file is useless and you have to download a new kit.
{% endhint %}

#### Download your recovery kit

You can download your recovery kit any time from your security settings. You are also offered it once during onboarding, at the **Secure Your Wallets** step, after you accept the Terms.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Open the recovery kit**

Open your account security settings and find the **Recovery Kit** card in the **Security** section. Press **Download**. If you have downloaded it before, the button reads **Download Again** and the card shows a **Downloaded** badge.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Confirm it is you**

ZeroTick re-checks your identity before it unlocks your keys. For most wallets this is automatic, so you press **Continue**. If you created your wallet with a password, a **Wallet Password** field appears instead. Enter your password, then press **Continue**.

![The recovery kit identity confirmation step with the Continue button](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroTick-Trade/Public-Assets/4570ce221f6c61ac05c3753d943015d55ef637fc/docs/guides/wallet-and-funds/recovery-kit/02-confirm-identity.png)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Choose a format**

Pick **Document**, **JSON**, or **Encrypted**, using the format table above to decide. If you pick **Encrypted**, set an encryption password of at least 8 characters and confirm it.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Download and save**

Press **Download Backup**. The file saves as `zerotick-recovery-kit-<date>` with a `.html`, `.json`, or `.enc` extension. Move it straight to a secure, offline location.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="success" %}
You see "Backup Downloaded" and a reminder to store your kit securely. The file is now in your downloads. Move it out of your Downloads folder and into safe storage.
{% endhint %}

#### Store your recovery kit safely

Where and how you keep the file is what actually protects your funds.

* Keep it offline. A printout in a safe or lockbox, or a file on a USB drive kept unplugged, is safer than anything online.
* Never share it, and never send the **Document** or **JSON** version by email, chat, or a cloud note. Anyone who reads it controls your funds.
* If you want a copy online, use the **Encrypted** format with a strong, unique password.
* If you ever think someone has seen your **Document** or **JSON** file, move your funds to a new wallet and download a fresh kit.

#### When you need your recovery kit

You need the kit when you want to restore or move your wallets outside ZeroTick, for example importing them into MetaMask or Phantom. Open the outside wallet, choose its import option, and paste the matching key from your kit. The kit lists the exact steps for each chain.

If you only lose your device or switch browsers, you can sign back in to ZeroTick and your EVM and Solana wallets return on their own. The recovery kit is there for full self-custody and as your backup of last resort.

<details>

<summary>I forgot my encryption password</summary>

An **Encrypted** (`.enc`) kit cannot be opened without the password you set, and ZeroTick cannot recover it. Download a new kit from your Security settings and either set a password you will remember or choose a different format.

</details>

<details>

<summary>I already downloaded my kit</summary>

The card shows a **Downloaded** badge and the button reads **Download Again**. Downloading again is safe. It creates a fresh file with your current keys, which you can use to replace an older copy.

</details>

<details>

<summary>I skipped it during onboarding</summary>

Nothing is lost. Open your Security settings and press **Download** on the **Recovery Kit** card whenever you are ready.

</details>

<details>

<summary>I signed up with Google or another social login</summary>

Your wallets are secured by that sign-in, so they return when you log in again. You do not have to download a kit, but you can still download one as an independent, self-custody copy. If you do, store it as carefully as any other recovery kit.

</details>

For the full terms that apply to using ZeroTick, read the [Risk & Legal Disclaimer](https://zerotick-trade.gitbook.io/documentation.v1.1/risk-and-legal-disclaimer).

#### Related guides

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Deposit</strong></td><td>Add funds to your ZeroTick wallet with a chain, address, and QR code.</td><td><a href="https://zerotick-trade.gitbook.io/documentation.v1.1/user-guides/deposit">https://zerotick-trade.gitbook.io/documentation.v1.1/user-guides/deposit</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Two-factor authentication</strong></td><td>Set up 2FA and backup codes to protect sensitive actions.</td><td><a href="https://zerotick-trade.gitbook.io/documentation.v1.1/user-guides/two-factor-authentication">https://zerotick-trade.gitbook.io/documentation.v1.1/user-guides/two-factor-authentication</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Security settings</strong></td><td>Spending caps, instant-buy amount, and withdrawal confirmations.</td><td><a href="https://zerotick-trade.gitbook.io/documentation.v1.1/user-guides/security-settings">https://zerotick-trade.gitbook.io/documentation.v1.1/user-guides/security-settings</a></td></tr></tbody></table>