• Android
  • iOS
  • macOS
  • Windows

Backup Your Sync Key

Codebook uses a secure, randomly generated Sync Key for encrypting all of your data during sync. This 32-byte key is completely separate from your Codebook Master Password.

Why should I backup my Sync Key?

Your Sync Key is needed to encrypt and decrypt your data when syncing your devices. If a device is lost or destroyed, your Sync Key is needed to retrieve your data from your remote copy of your data (i.e. Google Drive or Dropbox).

Options to Backup Your Sync Key

There are 2 methods to backup your Sync Key: Print Backup Code or Write Down Word List.

  1. Print Backup Code: A QR code that contains your Sync Key is generated for you to print. It will be encrypted with your current master password. Remember to write down the Codebook Master Password of the device you are printing from in the space provided on the print out . This is convenient but should only be used if you are able to print through a hard wired connection or your printer is on a secure network. Be sure to save your printed Codebook Backup Code in a secure location. (Like a safe).
  2. Write Down Word List: A list of 20 words is generated. Carefully, write down these words in order. They are displayed 5 words per line. They need to be entered in the same order when trying to sync using a word list. These words do not contain any of your personal data. They are used to generate the same encryption key that is stored in your Sync Key.

DO NOT PHOTOGRAPH or screenshot the Word List! Saving a digital copy of your Word List is NOT secure! The Word List is a representation of the Sync Key used to secure your data during Sync, and unlike the printed backup code, it is not encrypted with your Master Password. If an attacker were to get access to your photo or screenshot (from a cloud service or photo stream) and access to you sync data on a cloud service, they could use your word list to decrypt your stored data. The Word List is only meant to be written down and stored in a safe place, offline.

On macOS

  1. Click on the Sync Menu > Backup Sync Key
  2. You must authenticate to access this feature: enter the Master Password for this device, or authenticate with Touch ID when prompted.
  3. Click on Print Backup Code
  4. Print the Codebook Backup QR Code that is displayed.
  5. Write down the Codebook Master Password of the device you are printing from in the space provided on the print out. Save this paper in a secure location.

On Windows

  1. Click on the Sync Menu > Backup Sync Key
  2. You must authenticate to access this feature: enter your Master Password for this device.
  3. Select Print Backup Code and click Next
  4. Print the Codebook Backup QR Code that is displayed.
  5. Write down the Codebook Master Password of the device you are printing from in the space provided on the print out. Save this paper in a secure location.

On iOS

  1. Tap More > Sync > Backup Sync Key
  2. You must authenticate to access this feature: enter your Master Password for this device, or authenticate with Touch ID or Face Id when prompted.
  3. Tap on Print Backup Code
  4. Print the Codebook Backup QR Code that is displayed.
  5. Write down the Codebook Master Password for this device on the same sheet as the QR Code. Save this paper in a secure location.

On Android

  1. Tap on Home > Sync
  2. Tap Backup Sync Key
  3. You must authenticate to access this feature: enter your Master Password for this device, or authenticate with Fingerprint Authentication when prompted.
  4. Tap Print Backup Code
  5. Tap Next
  6. Print the Codebook Backup QR Code that is displayed.
  7. Write down the Codebook Master Password for this device on the same sheet as the QR Code. Save this paper in a secure location.

On macOS

  1. Click on the Sync Menu > Backup Sync Key
  2. You must authenticate to access this feature. Enter your Master Password (or Touch ID, if setup for this device).
  3. Click on Write Down Word List. Your Sync Key Word List will be displayed.
  4. Write down the 4 rows of 5 words (20 in total) and store it in a secure place, like a safe.
  5. Click on Done to close the window.

On Windows

  1. Click on the Sync Menu > Backup Sync Key
  2. You must authenticate to access this feature. Enter your Master Password.
  3. Click on OK
  4. Click on Write Down Word List. Click on Next. Your Sync Key Word List will be displayed.
  5. Write down the 4 rows of 5 words (20 in total) and store it in a secure place, like a safe.
  6. Click on Done to close the window.

On iOS

  1. Tap More > Sync > Backup Sync Key
  2. You must authenticate to access this feature. Enter your Master Password (or Touch ID or Face ID, if setup for this device).
  3. Click on Write Down Word List. Your Sync Key Word List will be displayed.
  4. Write down the 4 rows of 5 words (20 in total) and store it in a secure place, like a safe.
  5. Click on Done to close the window.

On Android

  1. Tap Home > Sync
  2. Tap Backup Sync Key
  3. You must authenticate to access this feature. Enter your Master Password. Tap Submit
  4. Tap Write down Backup Word List
  5. Tap Next. Your Sync Key Word List will be displayed.
  6. Write down the 4 rows of 5 words (20 in total) and store it in a secure place, like a safe.
  7. Tap Done to close the window.