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Wallet Recovery ​

Learn how to recover your Mixin Messenger account and assets in different situations.

Recovery Methods Overview ​

Mixin Messenger provides multiple recovery methods:

Recovery MethodRequirementsApplicable Scenarios
Mnemonic Phrase Recovery12-word mnemonic phraseDevice change, lost phone
Social RecoveryRecovery contacts assistanceLost mnemonic phrase
PIN ResetMnemonic phraseForgot PIN code

Mnemonic Phrase Recovery ​

When to Use ​

  • Getting a new phone
  • Phone lost or damaged
  • Reinstalling the app
  • Using on multiple devices
  • Recovering old account

Recovery Steps ​

  1. Install Mixin Messenger

    • Download and install app on new device
    • Ensure it's the official version

  2. Choose Recover Account

    • Open app
    • Click "Recover with Mnemonic Phrase"

  3. Enter Mnemonic Phrase

    • Enter all 12 words in order
    • Pay attention to word spelling
    • Separate words with spaces

  4. Verify Mnemonic Phrase

    • System will verify mnemonic phrase validity
    • Will prompt to re-enter if incorrect

  5. Set New PIN Code

    • Create 6-digit PIN code
    • Confirm PIN code

  6. Recovery Complete

    • Account and assets recovered
    • Chat history not recovered (end-to-end encryption)
    • Contact list recovered

Notes ​

✅ Mnemonic phrase recovery can:

  • Recover all assets
  • Recover contact list
  • Recover wallet addresses
  • Reset PIN code

❌ Mnemonic phrase recovery cannot:

  • Recover chat history (due to end-to-end encryption)
  • Recover group chat records
  • Recover deleted asset transactions

Social Recovery ​

What is Social Recovery ​

Social recovery is Mixin's unique feature, allowing you to recover your account through trusted friends even if you lose your mnemonic phrase.

Set Up Social Recovery ​

Step 1: Choose Recovery Contacts

  1. Go to "Settings" → "Security" → "Social Recovery"
  2. Select 3-5 trusted Mixin contacts
  3. At least 3 people needed

Step 2: Distribute Key Shards

  1. System splits recovery key into multiple fragments
  2. Each contact gets an encrypted fragment
  3. Majority of fragments needed to recover (e.g., 3/5)

Step 3: Notify Contacts

  1. Selected contacts receive notification
  2. They need to accept being recovery contacts
  3. Fragments automatically securely stored

Recommendations for Choosing Recovery Contacts ​

✅ Should Choose:

  • Long-term trusted friends or family
  • Active Mixin users
  • People in different regions (distribute risk)
  • Reliable and responsible people

❌ Should Not Choose:

  • Strangers or newly met people
  • All members of same household
  • People who might lose contact
  • People with financial disputes

Using Social Recovery ​

Scenario: Lost Mnemonic Phrase

  1. Initiate Recovery Request

    • Choose "Social Recovery" on login page
    • Enter your Mixin ID or phone number

  2. Contact Recovery Contacts

    • System notifies your recovery contacts
    • Contact them through other means (phone, in-person)
    • Request their authorization

  3. Wait for Authorization

    • Recovery contacts confirm in Mixin
    • Need to reach minimum authorization count (e.g., 3)
    • Usually completed within 24 hours

  4. Recover Account

    • After collecting enough authorizations
    • System automatically recovers account access
    • Set new PIN code
    • Generate new mnemonic phrase

Social Recovery Security ​

Multiple Protections:

  • Single contact cannot recover account
  • Requires majority agreement
  • Has time delay protection
  • Original account holder receives notifications

Prevent Attacks:

  • You can refuse recovery request anytime
  • Can change recovery contacts
  • Can cancel recovery setup

PIN Code Reset ​

Forgot PIN Code What to Do ​

  1. Re-import Using Mnemonic Phrase

    • Recover account using mnemonic phrase
    • Set new PIN code
    • Assets not affected

  2. Social Recovery

    • If social recovery is set up
    • Can reset through recovery contacts
    • Set new PIN after recovery

Change PIN Code ​

To change PIN code when not forgotten:

  1. Go to "Settings" → "Security"
  2. Select "Change PIN Code"
  3. Enter current PIN code
  4. Set new PIN code
  5. Confirm new PIN code

Multi-Device Use ​

Login on New Device ​

  1. Install App

    • Download official Mixin Messenger

  2. Import Using Mnemonic Phrase

    • Enter 12-word mnemonic phrase
    • Set PIN code (can be different)

  3. Sync Account

    • Assets automatically synced
    • Contacts automatically synced
    • Can use on multiple devices simultaneously

Device Management ​

View Logged-in Devices:

  1. Settings → Security → Session Management
  2. View all logged-in devices
  3. Can remotely log out devices

Security Recommendations:

  • Regularly check logged-in devices
  • Log out unused devices
  • Use independent PIN for each device

Chat History ​

Why Chat History Cannot Be Recovered ​

Mixin uses end-to-end encryption:

  • Messages only stored locally on devices
  • Server does not save message content
  • Mnemonic phrase does not include chat keys
  • Protects your privacy

Backup Chat History ​

To keep chat history:

  1. Local Backup

    • Settings → Chat → Backup
    • Create local backup file
    • Save backup file securely

  2. Export Important Conversations

    • Long press message to export
    • Save as text or screenshot
    • For important information archival

Emergency Response ​

Phone Stolen ​

Take immediate action:

  1. Login on Other Device

    • Login on new device using mnemonic phrase
    • Change PIN code

  2. Transfer Assets (if necessary)

    • Create new account
    • Transfer assets to new account

  3. Notify Contacts

    • Tell about potential security risks
    • Change social recovery contacts

Mnemonic Phrase Leaked ​

If mnemonic phrase might be leaked:

  1. Immediately Create New Wallet

    • Create brand new account
    • Generate new mnemonic phrase

  2. Transfer All Assets

    • Transfer assets to new account as soon as possible
    • Prioritize large amounts

  3. Notify Contacts

    • Inform of new Mixin ID
    • Update contact information

Preventive Measures ​

Mnemonic Phrase Management ​

Best Practices:

  1. Physical Backup

    • Write by hand on paper
    • Engrave on metal plate
    • Fireproof and waterproof storage

  2. Multiple Location Backups

    • At least 2-3 copies
    • Store in different locations
    • Consider bank safe deposit box

  3. Regular Checks

    • Verify backups are still readable
    • Ensure storage is secure
    • Test recovery process

Social Recovery Setup ​

  1. Set Up Early

    • Set up promptly after creating account
    • Choose reliable contacts

  2. Regular Updates

    • Update when contacts change
    • Check at least once a year

  3. Maintain Contact

    • Stay in touch with recovery contacts
    • Ensure they're still using Mixin

Common Questions ​

How long does mnemonic phrase recovery take? ​

Usually completed in a few minutes:

  • Enter mnemonic phrase: 1-2 minutes
  • System verification: A few seconds
  • Account recovery: Instant
  • Asset sync: 1-5 minutes

How many devices can I use? ​

No limit:

  • Can log in on multiple devices simultaneously
  • All devices sync assets
  • Chat history separate for each

How long does social recovery take? ​

Depends on recovery contacts' response speed:

  • Fastest: A few hours
  • Usually: 1-2 days
  • Longest: May take a week

Will assets be less after recovery? ​

No:

  • Assets stored on blockchain
  • Recovery just gains access
  • Quantity exactly the same

Do I need to recover account when changing phone number? ​

No:

  • Phone number only for optional features
  • Account tied to mnemonic phrase
  • Can change phone number in settings

Test Recovery ​

Recommend Regular Testing ​

  1. Preparation

    • Ensure mnemonic phrase backup is complete
    • Record current asset quantities

  2. Test Recovery

    • Recover on backup device
    • Verify assets are complete
    • Confirm familiar with recovery process

  3. Best Time

    • Before getting new phone
    • After depositing large amounts
    • At least once a year