Basics

A Wander Connect Recovery File is a backup that a user can use to regain access to their Wander Connect wallet if the user loses access for some reason (forgot the password, lost their device, etc). A Recovery File is very similar to the key to your home. If you lose the keys to your house, you can't enter it. However, if you have a backup of the key stored with a family member or friend, you can use that key to get back into your home. Your Wander Connect Recovery File is basically that backup key stored with a family member or friend.

Wander Connect can download their Recovery File by selecting the"Download recovery file" option (see screenshot above) during wallet backup. This will automatically download and save the Recovery File on the users device. Like your house key, it is recommended that the Recovery File is stored somewhere safe on the user's device and not in a place that is easily accessible. The downloaded Recovery File will be in a .json format (see screenshot below).

For instructions on how to use the Recovery File to regain access to your Wander Connect wallet, please read the instructions here.

Advanced

Wander Connect uses Shamir Secret Sharing to split users' private keys in 2 shares, one stored in the users' device and one stored in our servers.  Wander Connect users have the option of downloading the key share file for the key that is stored on their device as a backup.

In order for users to use one of their private keys, they need to authenticate and prove they have the corresponding (device) share, without actually transferring it to our servers (so that users' private keys never reach our servers).

Once they do that, the server will send back its share, and the Wander Connect app running in the user's device will reconstruct the private key.

Wander Connect uses Privy's shamir secret sharing package, which has been audited and is actively maintained.

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