Loss of Device Recovery

If you lose the device (phone, laptop, or hardware key) that holds your Inheribase Passkey, do not panic. Your encrypted data remains completely safe on the Arweave network, and your account cannot be accessed by anyone finding the device without your biometric unlock.

To regain access to your vault, you must use the Recovery Codes generated during your initial onboarding. Because Inheribase utilizes a strict zero-knowledge architecture, our operational team cannot reset your account, bypass the Passkey, or recover your files for you.

Follow this exact UI flow to recover your vault.

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Step 1: Locate Your Recovery Codes

When you first created your Inheribase vault, the dashboard forced a prompt to save a set of emergency, one-time-use Recovery Codes.

1. Retrieve the physical paper, secure note, or password manager where you safely stored these codes.
2. A valid Recovery Code typically looks like a sequence of letters and numbers (e.g., ABCD-1234-EFGH-5678).
3. Note: Each code can only be used exactly once.

Step 2: Initiate Recovery in the UI

On your new or backup device, begin the recovery process:

1. Navigate to the login page at app.inheribase.com/login.
2. Enter your registered email address.
3. The system will attempt to ask your device for a Passkey. When the browser prompt appears, click Cancel or Try another way.
4. In the Inheribase UI, click the link that says Use a Recovery Code (located below the main Passkey button).

Step 3: Authenticate the Backup

1. Enter one of your unused, 16-character Recovery Codes into the secure input field.
2. Click Verify and Recover.
3. If the code is mathematically valid, your identity is verified on-chain via your smart account infrastructure.
4. The dashboard will instantly unlock and route you to your Vault.

Step 4: Register Your New Device (CRITICAL)

You are now logged in, but you currently have no active Passkey tied to this new, current device. You must bind this new phone or computer immediately to ensure future access.

1. Navigate to Settings \u2192 Security in the dashboard.
2. Click Register New Passkey.
3. Follow the browser prompt to scan your biometrics (Face ID, Touch ID, or Windows Hello) on your current device.
4. Once successfully registered, label it clearly (e.g., "New iPhone Pro").

Step 5: Revoke the Lost Device

Your old, lost device is technically still authorized as a valid signer, even though it is locked behind your biometrics. For absolute institutional security, you must revoke it.

1. Remain in Settings \u2192 Security.
2. Locate your old device in the Active Passkeys list.
3. Click the Revoke button next to the lost device.
4. Confirm the revocation. This permanently mathematically severs the lost device from your smart account. It can never be used to log in again.

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What if I Lost My Recovery Codes Too?

If you lose both your Passkey device and your Recovery Codes, Inheribase cannot unlock your account for security reasons.

However, your data is not entirely irrecoverable if you previously designated Guardians and Heirs:

1. You can intentionally let your Dead Man's Switch timer expire (or if you configured a Guardian Claim trigger, have them initiate it).
2. The Guardians will be notified to approve the release request.
3. Once the threshold is met, your decrypted vault will be securely delivered to your established Heirs.
4. You can then coordinate with your Heirs to retrieve your vital files.