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

# Disaster Recovery

> Learn how to recover access if Aeon becomes unreachable

In the unlikely event that Aeon becomes unreachable, you can recover your private key material using the configured backup system. This guide explains the complete disaster recovery process.

<Warning>
  This is an emergency procedure. Only use these steps if Aeon's infrastructure
  is completely unavailable and you cannot access your funds through normal
  means.
</Warning>

## When to Use Disaster Recovery

Use this process only when:

* Aeon's web application is completely inaccessible
* Aeon's infrastructure has been down for an extended period
* You need immediate access to funds and cannot wait for service restoration
* Normal support channels are unresponsive

<Note>
  Before starting disaster recovery, try contacting Aeon support at
  **[support@aeon.so](mailto:support@aeon.so)** to confirm the service status.
</Note>

## Prerequisites

Before beginning recovery, ensure you have:

* The latest `backup-share.json` file from your configured backup email
* Seed phrases from all designated backup users
* Access to a computer with internet connection
* The Aeon recovery tool (downloaded during the process)

## Recovery Process

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download Backup File">
    Download the latest `backup-share.json` file from your configured backup
    email. This file contains encrypted backup shares needed for recovery.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download Recovery Tool">
    Download the recovery tool for your operating system: <br />
    **Mac Users:**

    * Mac X64 (Intel Chips):
      [Download](https://file.notion.so/f/f/baa2f596-ab6a-4ac6-9ed4-729f8d9b4dc9/e510e192-6e97-4566-92c3-e529fc506c16/aeon-recovery.zip?table=block\&id=1c1922d8-44b4-8041-9848-fc6e8b53b7e3\&spaceId=baa2f596-ab6a-4ac6-9ed4-729f8d9b4dc9\&expirationTimestamp=1748836800000\&signature=wweVHJHSu12uFXnqHKp0LsgH9XkL5WDF1RcEeqHyWJc\&downloadName=aeon-recovery-x64.zip)
    * Mac ARM64 (M1, M2, etc.):
      [Download](https://file.notion.so/f/f/baa2f596-ab6a-4ac6-9ed4-729f8d9b4dc9/8e367a0e-be51-4248-9e11-0672c460b041/aeon-recovery.zip?table=block\&id=1c1922d8-44b4-807a-97a3-f6baf825b2a0\&spaceId=baa2f596-ab6a-4ac6-9ed4-729f8d9b4dc9\&expirationTimestamp=1748836800000\&signature=FNpgNC8l2XS_-MDfZ__MaJ1iaD3d_bW66w6OCOwg1M4\&downloadName=aeon-recovery-arm64.zip)

    **Other Operating Systems:** <br />
    Contact the Aeon team if you need the tool for Windows or Linux.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Prepare Recovery Environment">
    1. Extract the recovery tool to a secure directory 2. Open terminal/command
       prompt 3. Navigate to the recovery tool directory 4. Ensure you have the
       backup file and seed phrases ready
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run Recovery Tool">
    Execute the recovery command: `bash ./aeon-recovery recover `
  </Step>

  <Step title="Provide Required Information">
    The tool will prompt you for: - **Backup File**: Enter the path to
    `backup-share.json` or paste its content directly - **Seed Phrases**: Enter
    seed phrases of all backup users (order doesn't matter)

    <Warning>
      Seed phrases will be visible in the console during this process. Ensure
      you're in a secure environment.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Recovery">
    The tool will: 1. Process the backup shares and seed phrases 2. Reconstruct
    the private key material 3. Sign a dummy message to verify the recovered
    keys match your public keys 4. Save the recovered key material to
    `output.json`
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Using Recovered Keys

### Important Limitations

<Warning>
  Aeon uses a non-standard derivation path `[44, 2366, 0, 0, 0]`. Recovered
  private keys may not work with standard wallets like MetaMask or hardware
  wallets.
</Warning>

### Transfer Options

Aeon provides custom tools for using recovered keys:

1. **Custom Transfer Tool**: Use Aeon's transfer utility to move funds to standard wallets
2. **Recovery Wallet**: Import keys into Aeon's recovery wallet interface
3. **Manual Integration**: Work with Aeon support to integrate with your preferred wallet

### Security Considerations

* **Immediate Transfer**: Move funds to a new, secure wallet as soon as possible
* **Key Rotation**: Generate new keys for future use
* **Secure Cleanup**: Securely delete recovery files after successful transfer

## Recovery Verification

### Verification Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check Key Material">
    Verify that the `output.json` file contains valid private key data
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test Signing">
    The recovery tool automatically tests signing capability during recovery
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Addresses">
    Confirm that derived addresses match your known wallet addresses
  </Step>

  <Step title="Small Test Transfer">
    If possible, test with a small amount before transferring large sums
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Post-Recovery Actions

After successful recovery:

### Immediate Actions

1. **Secure Transfer**: Move funds to a new, secure wallet
2. **Document Process**: Record what worked and any issues encountered
3. **Contact Aeon**: Inform Aeon support about the recovery for future improvements

### Long-term Actions

1. **Review Security**: Assess what led to the need for disaster recovery
2. **Update Procedures**: Improve backup and recovery documentation
3. **Test Regularly**: Periodically verify backup materials are accessible

## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Missing Backup File" icon="file-xmark">
    **Solution**: Check all backup user emails for the latest backup file.
    Contact backup users if needed.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Incorrect Seed Phrase" icon="key">
    **Solution**: Verify seed phrases with backup users. Ensure correct word
    order and spelling.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tool Won't Run" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    **Solution**: Check file permissions. On Mac/Linux, run `chmod +x
            aeon-recovery` first.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Invalid Output" icon="circle-xmark">
    **Solution**: Verify all inputs are correct. Contact Aeon support if the
    issue persists.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Getting Help

If you encounter issues during recovery:

1. **Document the Error**: Save any error messages or logs
2. **Contact Support**: Email [support@aeon.so](mailto:support@aeon.so) with detailed information
3. **Provide Context**: Include your workspace ID and recovery attempt details
4. **Be Patient**: Emergency recovery may take time to resolve

## Prevention

### Avoiding Disaster Recovery

* **Regular Backups**: Ensure backup emails are current and accessible
* **Test Procedures**: Periodically verify you can access backup materials
* **Multiple Contacts**: Have backup users in different locations/organizations
* **Documentation**: Keep recovery procedures documented and updated

<Note>
  The best disaster recovery is prevention. Regularly verify your backup system
  and keep emergency procedures documented and tested.
</Note>

## Support

For assistance with disaster recovery:

* **Emergency Email**: [support@aeon.so](mailto:support@aeon.so)
* **Include Information**: Workspace ID, error messages, recovery attempt details
* **Be Specific**: Describe exactly what step failed and any error messages received