What the phrase does
The recovery phrase is a second, independent way to derive your vault key. It's generated on your device from a cryptographically secure random source and shown to you exactly once. Veilbox doesn't keep a copy, and it's never sent anywhere.
If you forget your pattern, or move to a new iPhone and restore from an encrypted backup, you enter the words and set a new pattern. Your files stay as they are; only the way you unlock them changes.
Storing it well
- Write it on paper. Screenshots end up in your camera roll and your cloud photo library, which is exactly where you don't want them.
- Keep it somewhere physically separate from your phone, like a drawer at home, a safe, or with a trusted person.
- Don't type it into a notes app, an email, or a password manager you share with anyone.
What happens if you lose both
If you lose both your pattern and your phrase, the vault can't be opened. That isn't a policy we chose; it's how real encryption works. A service that can recover your files without either secret also holds a way in for itself, and potentially for anyone who compromises it.
Think of the phrase like the spare key to a safe. You'll probably never use it, but you'll be very glad it exists if you need it.
Questions about Recovery Phrase
Can I see my phrase again later?
You can re-display it from Settings after unlocking with your pattern. We recommend checking that your written copy matches.
Is every vault's phrase different?
Yes. Each vault, including hidden ones, has its own independent phrase.
Can I use the phrase instead of a pattern every day?
You can, but it's slower to type and easier to shoulder-surf. Most people keep it as a backup only.
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