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Alby Wallet download extension wallet setup and recovery phrase security guide
Secure Your Bitcoin How to Set Up Alby Wallet and Protect Your Recovery Phrase
Immediately after installing the browser extension, your first action must be generating a new 12 or 24-word mnemonic seed. Never accept a pre-generated set of words from any source. This unique sequence is the absolute master key to your bitcoin and Lightning Network channels; whoever possesses it controls the funds irrevocably.
Write these words by hand on durable material like steel or titanium, using a pen that resists water and fire. Digital storage–screenshots, cloud notes, text files–creates a permanent vulnerability. The handwritten copy must remain offline, stored separately from your primary device, ideally in a secure location only you can access.
Verify the written sequence twice, checking each word's exact order and spelling against the BIP-39 standard list. A single transposition or mistake will render your backup useless. Once confirmed, the interface will permanently erase the plaintext display. From this point forward, you rely solely on your physical record.
Configure a strong, unique password for daily access to the extension. This password encrypts the seed locally on your device, providing a necessary layer of defense. It does not replace the seed; if you forget the password, you can uninstall and restore access using your physical word list, but the password protects against unauthorized access from your machine.
Treat any request for your secret words as a severe attack. Legitimate services will never ask for them. For Lightning payments, you will authorize transactions through the extension's interface, not by disclosing the underlying private keys. This separation is fundamental to the system's design.
FAQ:
I installed Alby and wrote down my 12 words, but I'm not sure if I stored them correctly. What's the safest way?
The safest method is to use a physical medium, disconnected from any internet-connected device. Write the words clearly with a pen on a durable material like metal or high-quality paper. Store this copy in a secure, private location such as a safe or a locked drawer. Never store a digital copy—no photos, cloud notes, text files, or emails. A second copy in a separate secure location (like a safety deposit box) guards against fire or flood damage to the primary backup.
What happens if I lose my recovery phrase? Can Alby support help me get my funds back?
No. Alby, or any non-custodial wallet provider, has no access to your recovery phrase. This phrase is the sole key to your bitcoin. If it's lost, the wallet cannot be restored on a new device and any funds controlled by that phrase are permanently inaccessible. There is no central authority, password reset, or customer service line to recover it. Your security is your complete responsibility.
Why does Alby use a 12-word phrase instead of just a password?
A password protects access to the wallet application on one device. The 12-word recovery phrase is the master key that generates all your Bitcoin addresses and private keys. It allows you to restore your entire wallet—including all transactions and funds—on any compatible wallet software if your original device is lost or broken. The phrase follows an industry standard (BIP39), converting complex cryptographic data into a human-readable format that's easier to manage than a string of random letters and numbers.
Is it safe to enter my Alby recovery phrase into another wallet app for recovery?
Yes, but you must be certain about the other app's integrity. Only use well-established, open-source wallet software with a strong reputation. Before entering the phrase, ensure you are in a private space, free from cameras or overlooking. The main risk is that a malicious wallet could steal the phrase. For this reason, it's recommended to first restore on a trusted app, then move funds to a new wallet with a newly generated phrase if you have any doubts about the software you used for recovery.