The backup code unlocks your passkey-based end-to-end encryption on a new browser, or after clearing a browser, when your passkey isn't available. It is 32 characters shown as 8 groups of 4, for example XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX.

You're given one when a browser can't create a passkey during setup, and you can get one at any time from the account page: in the End-to-End Encryption section, click Show Advanced, then Get a backup code under Manage unlock methods.

Keep the file

When the code is shown, click Download. The file is saved to your Downloads folder with a name like truple-recovery-code-youremail@example.com-2026-10-13-1432.txt and contains your account's email address, the date the code was created, and the code. Move it somewhere safe, such as a password manager or a cloud drive you control. You can also Copy the code or Email it to yourself.

When you unlock a browser, Load backup code file reads the code from that file, so you never have to type it. Typing works too; dashes and spaces don't matter, and the letters O, I and L are read as 0 and 1.

Only the newest code works

Clicking Replace my backup code creates a new code and the previous one stops working immediately. The date in the file name tells you which file is the newest. If you load a file that was created for a different account, the page warns you before trying it.

Disabling the code

Under Manage unlock methods you can Disable the backup code once your account has a passkey, so the passkey becomes the only way in. You can't remove your last way to unlock.

Lost it?

If you still have a passkey or a browser that holds your keys, just replace the code as above. If you've lost every way to unlock, see resetting the passkey-based encryption.