Security & Backup
What is a private key?
Learn why the private key matters for sync, backup, and restore in Wageso.
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What the private key does
In Wageso, the private key is the secret key used when syncing your data. The app tells you to keep this key private and protected, and to make sure it is backed up somewhere safe.
That makes the private key more important than an ordinary setting. You may need it when moving to a new device, reinstalling Wageso, syncing data to this device, or restoring from a backup.
Where it appears in the app
Open Settings, then Data & Sync. This screen manages the private key and sync status in one place.
In Data & Sync, you can see:
- Sync status: Shows whether your data is being synced.
- Sync to this device: Used to bring synced data onto the current device.
- View private key: Opens the separate management screen where the key is hidden.
- iCloud Key Backup: Leads to the iCloud key backup flow if iCloud Drive is available.
- I've backed it up: Lets you mark that you have stored the key somewhere safe.
On the private key screen, the key appears as a hidden 24-part list numbered from 1 to 24. The bottom section includes Reveal private key and Copy private key.
Only reveal or copy the key when you are in a private place and ready to store it safely.
Why you should back it up
The private key is critical for keeping entries usable across devices and restoring them when needed. Before erasing an old device, uninstalling the app, or moving to a new device, make sure you can access the key.
Good secure backup options include:
- A password manager you trust.
- An encrypted note or vault only you can access.
- A written copy stored somewhere physically secure.
- The app's iCloud Key Backup, if iCloud Drive is available on your device.
Avoid these:
- Public or shared documents.
- Messaging apps and email drafts.
- Unprotected screenshots.
- Copies pasted into support forms or chats.
When to reveal or copy it
Reveal private key is for reading the 24-part key and moving it to a secure place. Do not open this screen in a crowded place, during screen sharing, or in a recorded call.
Copy private key is for moving the key quickly into secure storage. After copying:
- Paste it only into trusted and private storage.
- Avoid leaving copies in the clipboard or temporary notes.
- Once the backup is complete, mark I've backed it up in Data & Sync.
What does iCloud Key Backup mean?
iCloud Key Backup is the flow for backing up the private key through iCloud. If this feature is unavailable on your device, the screen asks you to make sure iCloud Drive is enabled.
iCloud backup is convenient, but do not treat it as your only safeguard. It is safer to also keep the key somewhere else that you control and can find later.
Next step
Back up your private key securely and mark it as backed up in Data & Sync. Then review the restore and sync guide so you know what to do when changing devices or reinstalling the app.