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Set up secure backup & key storage

Turn on the encrypted backup of your message keys so you never lose access to your conversations when you change or add a device.

Security note: Secure backup is stored on the server in a form only you can unlock, using your recovery key. Letro still can't read your messages — the backup is encrypted with a key the server never has.

Why this matters

Your messages are encrypted with keys held on your devices. Without a backup, losing your device means losing access to your encrypted history. Secure backup (sometimes shown as key storage) safely stores those keys so a new or reinstalled device can recover your past messages. Setting it up also creates your recovery key — your safety net if you're ever signed out everywhere.

Letro usually prompts you to do this right after your first sign-in. If you skipped it, you can turn it on any time from settings using the steps below.

On Web & Desktop

  1. When the Set up secure backup prompt appears after sign-in, select it. To start it manually later, go to Settings → Security & Privacy → Encryption.
  2. Choose how you'll protect your backup — a recovery key (a generated key you save), or a security phrase you can remember, if offered.
  3. If you chose a recovery key, Letro generates it now — save it somewhere safe before continuing (see Your recovery key).
  4. Confirm the key or phrase when prompted, to prove you've stored it.
  5. Letro turns on secure backup and confirms with a success message. Your message keys are now backed up.

On iOS

  1. Tap the Set up secure backup prompt, or go to Settings → Security & Privacy → Encryption.
  2. Choose a recovery key or security phrase.
  3. Save the recovery key somewhere safe, then confirm it.
  4. Letro enables secure backup and confirms.

On Android

  1. Tap the Set up secure backup prompt, or go to Settings → Security & Privacy → Encryption.
  2. Choose a recovery key or security phrase.
  3. Save the recovery key somewhere safe, then confirm it.
  4. Letro enables secure backup and confirms.

Good to know

  • Do this on a device you've already verified. Setting up backup from a verified device makes sure the keys being backed up are complete. See Verify your own devices.
  • Your recovery key is the master key to the backup. Store it carefully and don't share it — anyone with it plus access to your account could restore your encrypted history. See Your recovery key.
  • Security phrase vs recovery key. A phrase is easier to remember; a recovery key is stronger and can't be guessed. If you set a phrase, Letro can still give you a recovery key as a backup — keep it.
  • If backup is off or out of sync, Letro shows a reminder. To fix it, see "Key storage is out of sync".

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