Replace your recovery code or keys
Choose the smaller step that fits. Settings > Advanced actions > Replace recovery code or keys.
Replace your recovery code
When: you think someone else has seen your recovery code.
- Your current code stops working the moment the new one is stored.
- The new code is shown once. Write it down, and replace it everywhere the old one was kept.
- Nothing changes for your contacts. If the replacement fails, your existing code still works.
Replace your keys
When: your phone was taken or unlocked by someone else.
- Gives your account a new identity key. Contacts, groups, and your schedule stay exactly as they are; nobody is removed and nothing needs setting up again.
- Each contact confirms the new key once. They see a note beside your name and tap to accept. Check with them another way first if you can.
- Alerts already sent to you will not open. They were sealed for your old key, and nothing can unseal them afterwards. New alerts arrive normally.
- You get a new recovery code, shown once. The old one stops working.
- It does not reach a phone someone already has. Whoever holds the old phone keeps what is on it.
- To confirm, type the code shown on screen. There is no undo.
If the process did not finish, the app shows "Finish replacing your keys" under Settings. Complete it so your recovery code does not still open the old key.