Your Recovery Phrase
If you only read one page in this entire help center, make it this one.
What is your recovery phrase?
Section titled “What is your recovery phrase?”When you create your GolemDrive account, you receive 12 random words. Something like:
apple mountain river blanket seven cloud garden pencil harbor window forest echo
This is your recovery phrase. It’s a human-readable backup of the keys that encrypt and decrypt your files.
Why it matters so much
Section titled “Why it matters so much”Here’s the situation: because GolemDrive encrypts your files on your device, and because we never see your encryption keys, we cannot reset them for you.
If you forget your password, your recovery phrase is the only way to regain access to your files. There is no “forgot password” email that can fix this. There is no support team that can look up your key. The recovery phrase is it.
This isn’t a limitation we chose — it’s a direct result of the privacy protection that makes GolemDrive work. The same design that prevents us from reading your files also prevents us from resetting your keys.
Where to keep it
Section titled “Where to keep it”Write it down on paper. Actual, physical paper. Then store that paper somewhere safe, like:
- A locked drawer or filing cabinet
- A home safe
- Wherever you keep important documents like your passport
Do not store your recovery phrase:
- In a note on your computer (if your computer is compromised, the phrase is too)
- In a screenshot on your phone
- In an email to yourself
- In a cloud-based notes app (that defeats the purpose of having a separate backup)
Some people write it down twice and keep the copies in two different safe places. That’s a smart move.
What happens if you lose it
Section titled “What happens if you lose it”Let’s be straightforward about this.
If you lose your recovery phrase AND forget your password, your files become permanently inaccessible. Not temporarily. Not “call support and we’ll sort it out.” Permanently. The encryption that protects your files from everyone else also protects them from us.
This is the honest trade-off of true privacy: nobody can access your files without your permission, but that includes us trying to help you.
Keep it secret
Section titled “Keep it secret”Your recovery phrase is essentially a master key to your account. Never share it with anyone. Anyone who has your 12 words can access your account and all your files.
GolemDrive will never ask you for your recovery phrase. If someone claiming to be from GolemDrive asks for it, they’re not from GolemDrive.
Can I see it again later?
Section titled “Can I see it again later?”Yes. If you’re logged into your account, you can view your recovery phrase anytime by going to Account Settings. But obviously, you can only do this while you still have access to your account — which is why writing it down right away is so important.
Quick summary
Section titled “Quick summary”| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Write it on paper | Store it digitally on your devices |
| Keep it somewhere safe and private | Share it with anyone |
| Make a second copy in a different location | Ignore it and hope for the best |
| Save it during signup — right then and there | Put it off for “later” |
Your recovery phrase is the safety net for everything in your GolemDrive account. Take the 30 seconds to write it down. Future you will be grateful.