Updated · Technical content and source links reviewed.
Armory wallet recovery depends on the backup available: a wallet file, paper root key or enough valid backup fragments. An encrypted file’s passphrase and a paper backup’s SecurePrint code serve different purposes.
Inventory your backups
- Preserve original
.walletfiles and any digital backups. - Keep paper root-key backups intact, including all printed fields.
- Record which fragmented backups belong together and the required threshold.
- Preserve any SecurePrint codes separately and securely.
- Note known addresses, the expected Wallet ID and any multisignature setup.
Use the Armory tutorials to identify the corresponding restore procedure. Do not assume an Armory paper backup is a BIP39 word phrase.
Digital wallet backups
Restore a copy using compatible Armory software. An encrypted wallet normally needs its passphrase to spend or export private keys. A watching-only copy can show activity but cannot sign alone. Opening a file successfully therefore does not prove that spending access has been recovered.
Paper and fragmented backups
A complete usable root-key backup can provide a recovery route when the digital-wallet password is forgotten. SecurePrint-protected material also needs the correct code. Fragmented recovery needs the required pieces for that backup scheme; extra computing power is not a substitute for missing threshold material.
Verify the restored Wallet ID and known addresses. If separately imported keys or Lockbox multisignature funds were used, check their specific backup and signing requirements rather than assuming one root backup covers everything.
Forgotten passphrase
Armory’s troubleshooting guidance recommends checking paper or unencrypted backup options first. With only an encrypted file, recovery depends on whether the password search can be constrained. A strong random passphrase may be impractical to recover.
Synchronization is different from key recovery
Armory’s online operation depends on a compatible Bitcoin Core setup and blockchain data. Database rebuilds or rescans may resolve indexing issues, but they do not reconstruct missing private keys. Preserve the wallet before troubleshooting software versions or data directories.
In an offline-signing setup, the online watching-only wallet prepares a transaction, the offline wallet signs it, and the signed transaction is broadcast online. Keep those roles distinct.
Damaged backups and migration
Use copies for file repair or character reconstruction. Avoid modifying a damaged paper original or writing new data to a drive with a deleted wallet. Recovery is case-specific and cannot be guaranteed.
If exporting keys is necessary, treat the resulting file as a complete spending secret. Verify the destination and account for fees before moving funds, then create a tested backup of the new wallet.
Request a recovery assessment
Start with your wallet type, backup filenames and a description of the problem. Do not send passwords, seed phrases or private keys in your first message. Contact Wallet Recovery Service. Our fee is 20% of funds recovered; no recovery, no fee.