> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cakewallet.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cakewallet.com/get-started/setup/restore-existing-wallet/backup-file.md).

# Backup file

How to restore all of your Cake Wallet wallets and settings from an encrypted backup file and its password on a fresh install with no existing wallets.

A Cake Wallet backup file restores all of your wallets and settings in one step. You'll need the backup file itself and the backup password you saved when [creating the backup](https://docs.cakewallet.com/features/managing-your-wallet/create-backup).

{% hint style="warning" %}
Backups can only be restored on a fresh install with no existing wallets. And ALWAYS save the mnemonic seeds for all of your wallets as well — they are your ultimate backup.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Reinstall the app

On a fresh install, tap `Restore Existing Wallet` on the welcome screen, then choose `Backup file`.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Enter the password and select the file

Enter your backup password, tap `Select backup file`, and choose the backup file from your device. Then tap `Import`.

All of your wallets and settings will be restored.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Troubleshooting a backup restore

### I don't see the `Backup file` option

`Backup file` is only offered when you start from `Restore Existing Wallet` on the welcome screen of a fresh install. If you open the restore options from the wallet list of an app that already has wallets, it isn't shown — that's why a backup needs a fresh install.

### Messages you might see

* **`Please select backup file and enter backup password.`** — You tapped `Import` before both choosing a file and entering the password. Do both, then tap `Import` again.
* **`This is not a valid backup file, please make sure you have selected the correct one`** — The file you picked isn't a Cake Wallet backup. Cake Wallet backups are `.zip` files whose names start with `cake_wallet_backup_` followed by the date and time they were made. Select that `.zip` file itself, and don't unzip or modify it.
* **A `Warning` saying `This backup was created in …, but you are restoring it in …`** — The backup was made in a different app (for example Monero.com) than the one you're restoring into. Double-check it's the right file: tap `OK` to continue anyway, or `Cancel` to stop.
* **An `Error` mentioning `FailedDecryption`** — The backup password is wrong. Use the backup password shown on the `Backup` page when the backup was made (or the one you set with `Change password`) — not your PIN. Enter it exactly, then tap `Import` again. Very old backups show `message authentication code (MAC)` instead for the same problem.
* **An `Error` mentioning `checksum mismatch`, `BadChecksum`, `BadDataLength`, `missing data.bin` or `empty file`** — The backup file is damaged or incomplete, for example from an interrupted download or copy. Get a fresh copy of the original file from where you stored it and try again.

{% hint style="info" %}
Some of these errors also show technical details underneath the message. Look for the key words above to tell which problem you have.
{% endhint %}

If you can't get the backup file to restore, you can still restore each wallet from its recovery phrase — see [Restore from recovery phrase or keys](https://docs.cakewallet.com/get-started/setup/restore-existing-wallet/recovery-phrase-or-keys).


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