> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.universalmint.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Passkeys and recovery

> How passkeys protect your account, and how to get back in if you lose your device.

Every Universal Mint account uses a passkey. It's your second factor on every sign-in, and it signs the requests and approvals you make.

## What a passkey is

A passkey is a credential stored on your device and unlocked with Touch ID, Face ID, Windows Hello, or a hardware security key. It never leaves your device, and it can't be phished the way a password can.

## Your recovery phrase

When you sign up, you save a 12 or 24 word recovery phrase. It's the backup for your passkey.

* Store it offline, somewhere only you can reach.
* Don't save it in email, chat, or a screenshot.
* Never share it. Universal Mint staff will never ask for it.

If your account doesn't have a recovery phrase yet, the app asks you to create one before you can continue.

## Recover your account

If you lose the device with your passkey:

**1. Start recovery**

On the sign-in page, enter your email and password, then select **Lost your device? Recover with your recovery phrase**.

**2. Enter your phrase**

Enter each word of your recovery phrase and select **Recover account**.

**3. Register a new passkey**

Select **Register passkey** and approve the prompt on your current device. Your old passkeys are retired as the new one is registered.

**4. Save your new recovery phrase**

Recovery gives you a new phrase. Save it, select **I have saved it: continue**, then **Confirm and open the console**.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Your previous recovery phrase stops working after recovery. Store the new one right away.

## Add or replace keys

You can register a passkey on each device you use, and replace your recovery phrase at any time. See [Signing keys](/account/signing-keys).

> [!NOTE]
>
> Lost both your passkey and your recovery phrase? Contact [support@universalmint.io](mailto:support@universalmint.io) from the email address on your account.


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