Backup & Recovery
How Backups Work
- Each key backed up independently with its own Key Number (1, 2, ...) and recovery card containing a 25-word seed phrase.
- Recovery cards can be restored onto a blank Frostsnap device
- Not BIP39 compatible — uses the FROST Backup Format (see FROST Backup Format for technical details)
The Beauty of Threshold Multisig
You can lose some keys and still recover funds — you only need enough keys to meet the threshold.
Example (2-of-3): Your wallet has 3 keys total. You could lose one key AND its recovery card completely, and still access your bitcoin with the remaining two keys (whether on devices or restored from recovery cards).
Recovery Process
To establish a new phone coordinator and access your wallet:
You'll need a threshold number of keys. Each key can come from either:
- • An existing Frostsnap device that holds a key, OR
- • A recovery card restored onto a blank Frostsnap device
The Frostsnap app guides you through:
- 1. Open the app and select "Restore Wallet"
- 2. Add your first key — Connect an existing device, or restore a recovery card onto a blank device
- 3. Add more keys — Repeat until you reach your threshold
- 4. Finish — Your wallet is restored once the threshold is met
Important: Never enter your recovery card information on any website, phone, or computer. Recovery phrases should only be entered directly on your Frostsnap hardware device.
See /recovery for detailed step-by-step instructions.
Emergency Escape Hatch (No Vendor Lock-in)
Get the tool (Warning: You must use a secure machine)
If Frostsnap disappears or you don't have access to devices, you can:
- ❄ Combine two backups into an xpriv
- ❄ Import into Bitcoin Core or Sparrow wallet
- ❄ Future: May allow entering backups directly into the mobile app for emergency signing