Recovery Phrases
Your Backup for Account Access
A recovery phrase is a human-readable backup that gives you access to your account on the Circular network. It consists of 12 randomly generated words, and it is the only way to restore access if you lose your device or private key.
This phrase is not a password. It is a secure representation of your private key and should be treated with the same level of protection.
What Is a Recovery Phrase?
When you create a new account, Circular provides a 12-word phrase made up of common words from a fixed list. These words are generated from your private key and can be used to recreate it later.
The recovery phrase is:
Unique to your account
Readable by humans, easy to write down and store offline
Powerful, with access to everything your account controls
Why it Matters
Unless requested, Circular does not store passwords, private keys, or recovery phrases. This gives you complete control over your account, but it also means:
If you lose your recovery phrase, no one can help you recover your account
If someone else gets your recovery phrase, they can access your account and everything in it
Your recovery phrase is your single point of control. It must be stored securely and privately.
Best Practices for Storing Your Recovery Phrase
Write it down and store it in a physical location only you can access
Do not take screenshots or store it in your email, phone, or cloud services
Avoid typing it into websites, apps, or messaging tools unless you are using a verified interface from your organization
Use secure vaults if your team manages phrases digitally
What You Can Recover
Using your recovery phrase, you can:
Regain access to your account and certificate history
Restore your account on a new device or secure environment
Sign new certificates and continue normal operations
Limitations and Security Notes
Sharing the phrase is equivalent to handing over your account
Never enter your recovery phrase on any unfamiliar platform or third-party website
Summary
Your recovery phrase is the only way to recover your account if something goes wrong. Think of it as a master key to your digital identity. Treat it with care, store it securely, and never share it.
If your organization uses a managed key system, contact your IT or compliance lead before taking action.
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