# Private Key Management

> Source: https://www.archr.bot/docs/private-key-management
> Section: Wallet
> Last updated: 2026-07-27

Your private keys are the sole proof of wallet ownership. ARCHR encrypts them at rest and provides tools to export and back them up — but ultimately, **you are responsible for keeping your keys safe**.

---

## How ARCHR Stores Your Keys

- All private keys are encrypted with **AES-256** before being written to the database
- Keys are **never stored in plain text** and **never logged** anywhere
- Each wallet has its own independent encrypted key — multi-wallet means multiple keys to back up
- The same AES-256 encryption protects your AI agent API keys (if configured)

## Exporting a Private Key

**Path:** Wallet → Manage Wallets → select a wallet → Private Key

1. ARCHR displays the key behind a **spoiler blur** — tap to reveal
2. Use the **Copy Private Key** button to get a copyable message
3. The copyable message **auto-deletes after 30 seconds**
4. You can also manually delete the key message at any time with the Delete & Return buttons

Each wallet has its own key. If you have multiple wallets, **export and back up each one separately**.

## Importing a Wallet

When you import an existing wallet, you paste your **base58 private key** (the standard format used by Phantom, Solflare, and most Solana wallets).

- Your message containing the private key is **immediately deleted** from the chat for security
- The key is encrypted with AES-256 before storage
- Duplicate wallet addresses are detected and rejected

## Best Practices

- **Back up every wallet's key separately** — each wallet has a unique private key
- Store keys in an **encrypted password manager** (1Password, Bitwarden, etc.)
- Create backups in **multiple secure locations** (not just one device)
- **Never share your private key** with anyone, including anyone claiming to be ARCHR support
- **Never enter your key** on websites, forms, or DMs — ARCHR will only ever ask for it inside the import flow
- Consider transferring large holdings to a **hardware wallet** for long-term storage
- Verify your backups periodically to make sure they are still accessible

## What Happens If You Lose Your Key

ARCHR cannot recover your private key. If you lose access to the key and the bot, **the funds in that wallet are permanently inaccessible**. This is a fundamental property of non-custodial wallets on Solana.