> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nullark.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Back up and restore a recovery note

Save a recovery note, restore its private balance, and act safely if someone else sees it.

A **Recovery note** is the `nullark1_...` text created for a deposit. Treat it like a password: anyone who gets it may be able to withdraw the matching private balance.

> **Warning:**
> A Nullark recovery note can unlock its private balance. Anyone who gets it may be able to withdraw. Keep it offline, never paste it into another site, and never send it to support.

## Find the controls

In **Deposit**, use **Save recovery note** for one deposit or **Save recovery notes** for a queue. Choose **Copy** or **Download .txt**.

In **Withdraw**, find **Private balance**. Paste the note into the `nullark1_...` field or choose **Import .txt**, then select **Restore**.

## Save it safely

### Save the final note

Set the deposit amount and **Private note template** first. If you change either one, save the new recovery note.

### Open the saved copy

Make sure the copied text or downloaded file contains readable text.

### Move it somewhere safe

Keep an encrypted copy outside the browser profile you use for transactions. Avoid screenshots, chat, email, clipboard history, source control, and ordinary cloud notes.

### Do not edit it

You may label the file beside it, but never change the text inside the note.

![Saved recovery note controls for copying or downloading again](/assets/screenshots/post-deposit-backup-controls.webp)

_After confirmation, the saved note can be copied or downloaded again while this session stays open._

## Restore it

1. Open the same network where the deposit was made.
2. Under **Private balance**, paste the untouched note or choose **Import .txt**.
3. Select **Restore**.
4. Wait until the app shows an `ETH available` amount or a clear error.

## Common results

| What you see | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| `ETH available` | Note is ready to use in this console |
| `No private balance found` | Check the network and try the untouched saved note again |
| Import or restore error | Stop editing or retrying; return to the original saved copy |
| Wrong network shown | Open the network where the note was created |

## If someone else saw the note

1. Stop copying or uploading it.
2. Open Nullark from a trusted device on the correct network.
3. Restore the note.
4. If the balance is available, withdraw once to a new wallet address you control.
5. Wait for **Withdrawal complete** and **Confirmed**.

There is no button that cancels an exposed unused note. Support should never ask you to send the note or a wallet signature.

Building a recovery flow? See [Recovery data](/developers/recovery-format.md).