> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cakewallet.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cakewallet.com/faq/restore-and-backup.md).

# Restore & backup

## My restored wallet shows 0 or is missing transactions

For privacy-preserving cryptocurrencies like Monero, Zcash, and Zano, this is almost always a **restore height** issue, or a wallet that is still syncing — not lost funds. When you restore one of these cryptocurrency wallets, Cake Wallet only scans the blockchain from the restore height (a date or block number) forward. If that height is set *after* your funds first arrived, those older transactions and their balance won't appear.

To fix it:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Let the wallet finish syncing

Wait until the sync area at the top of the home screen is empty — no status text and no dot. That empty space is how you know syncing has finished. If it still says "XXXX blocks remaining", let it finish before troubleshooting.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Rescan from an earlier date

Tap the gear icon at the top right of the home screen, then `App settings` → `Connections` → `Rescan`, and set a date about a week *before* your wallet's first transaction. See [Rescan your wallet](https://docs.cakewallet.com/features/managing-your-wallet/rescan) for full steps.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

If you are still in the process of restoring and can choose the restore height, always pick a date shortly before your first deposit. For the full walkthrough, see [Restore from seed or keys](https://docs.cakewallet.com/get-started/setup/restore-existing-wallet/seed-or-keys).

{% hint style="info" %}
Setting the restore height earlier never puts your funds at risk — it just means the wallet scans a bit more of the blockchain. Setting it too late is the single most common reason a restored wallet looks empty.
{% endhint %}

## I lost my seed phrase or my phone — can I recover my wallet?

Cake Wallet is **non-custodial**: only you ever hold your keys. Cake cannot access, freeze, reverse, or recover your wallet or funds for you. What you can recover depends entirely on what you still have:

* **You still have your seed phrase** (or your private keys, or an encrypted backup file): you can restore your wallet on any device. See [Restore from seed or keys](https://docs.cakewallet.com/get-started/setup/restore-existing-wallet/seed-or-keys).
* **You lost your phone but still have your seed:** install Cake Wallet on a new device and restore from your seed.
* **You lost your seed phrase and have no backup file:** unfortunately there is no way for anyone — including Cake — to recover the funds. This is a fundamental property of self-custody, not a limitation of the app.

{% hint style="warning" %}
No one from Cake Wallet will ever ask for your seed phrase, and there is no master key or account reset. Anyone who asks for your seed is trying to steal your funds.
{% endhint %}

## How do I back up my wallet?

You have two complementary backups, and the first one is the most important:

1. **Your seed phrase (primary backup).** Written down and stored offline, your seed can restore your wallet even if you lose your device, forget your PIN, or uninstall the app. To view it, see [Find your seed phrase](https://docs.cakewallet.com/tutorials/find-seed-phrase).
2. **An encrypted backup file.** Cake Wallet can export an encrypted file containing all of your wallets and settings, protected by a password you choose. See [Create a backup](https://docs.cakewallet.com/features/managing-your-wallet/create-backup).

{% hint style="warning" %}
Store your seed phrase offline — for example, written on paper. Avoid screenshots, cloud notes, and photos. Anyone who has your seed can spend your funds.
{% endhint %}

## Restoring or syncing is taking a long time

A slow restore or sync is normal in some cases — especially for Monero — and usually does not mean anything is wrong. The two biggest factors are:

* **Restore height:** the earlier your restore height, the more of the blockchain the wallet has to scan, so an early height means a longer scan.
* **Node and network:** a slow, overloaded, or distant node — or an unstable internet connection — will slow syncing down.

Things that help:

* Keep the app open and in the foreground while it scans; syncing pauses when the app is fully closed.
* Switch to a node with a green (working) status indicator, or connect over stable WiFi. See [Resolving connection issues](https://docs.cakewallet.com/faq/connection-issues).
* For Monero specifically, you can follow [this guide on syncing faster](https://guides.monero.com/docs/tutorials/sync-faster/).

If the wallet has finished syncing (no sync status text and no dot at the top of the screen) but you are still missing transactions, [rescan](https://docs.cakewallet.com/features/managing-your-wallet/rescan) from a date shortly before your first transaction.


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