Free
Recovery phrase
Silo has no account, so there is no “forgot password” email. The recovery phrase is the replacement: a short list of ordinary words, shown to you once, that can rebuild the key to your vault.
What it does
The phrase does three jobs:
- It gets you back in if you forget your PIN or passphrase. You type the words, choose a new PIN, and everything is still there.
- It proves you hold the key when you turn on backup.
- It brings your vault to a new phone once restore arrives with launch.
For a fuller explanation of what the words are and where to keep them, read what a recovery phrase is.
How it works, step by step
- During setup, you choose a length. Pick 12, 6 or 2 words. The app labels 12 as the strongest, and shows a clear warning if you pick 2.
- Silo shows your words once. Copying is switched off while they are on screen, so they don’t end up in a clipboard.
- You write them down in order. Paper, or a password manager you trust.
- Silo asks you to pick some of the words back. You can’t finish setup until you do, which checks that you wrote them down correctly.
If you forget your PIN later, choose the recovery option on the lock screen, type the words in order, and set a new PIN. Your files are untouched.
Making a new phrase
While the vault is unlocked, open Settings and choose New recovery phrase. Silo asks for your current PIN, shows a new set of words once, and asks you to check them. The old phrase stops working when you finish. Use this if you lost your paper, or if anyone may have seen your words.
Why the length matters
Every word adds randomness. Twelve words is a very large space to guess in. Two words is a small one: a powerful computer can work through it, which is why the app says so plainly. Choose 2 only if what you keep here is not very sensitive. Backup, when it arrives, needs a phrase of at least 6 words, because a copy in the cloud can be attacked at leisure.
Why nobody can reset it
The phrase is the key in word form. Silo never has a copy, and neither does anyone else. That is what makes the vault private, and it is also why losing everything means losing the vault.
Questions
How many words can I choose?
12, 6 or 2 words from a standard list of 2,048 English words. 12 is recommended and labeled Strongest. Two words carry a warning in the app because they can be cracked, and backup needs 6 or more.
Can I see my phrase again?
No. It is shown only once, and copying is switched off while it is on screen. If you need a fresh one, make a new phrase in Settings while the vault is unlocked.
What happens to the old phrase when I make a new one?
It stops working at once. Do this straight away if you think someone has seen your words.
What if I lose both my PIN and my phrase?
The vault stays closed for good. Silo has no account, so there is nobody who can reset it.
Is the recovery phrase free?
Yes. Every plan includes it.