How recovery codes and message devices work
Here is the trade at the heart of private messaging: if we cannot read your messages, we cannot rescue them either. Nadeemi encrypts private messages, group chats and Circles on your device before they leave it. The keys stay on your devices, not on our servers. That is good news when someone asks us for your messages, and bad news the day you drop your only phone in the sea, unless you prepared.
You have two ways to bring your messages to a new device: approve it from a device you already use, or restore it with your recovery code. Set up at least one of them today.
Do this now (two minutes): Settings > Message backup > Create a recovery code. Write the code on paper, store it somewhere safe at home, and tap I saved it. It is shown only once, and we cannot show it to you again.
What is a recovery code?
A recovery code is a long secret that only you hold. Nadeemi uses it on your device to lock an encrypted backup of your messages. We store the locked backup but never see the code, so we cannot open the backup. On a new device, you type the code and your messages are unlocked there.
Treat it like the key to a safe: anyone with the code and your account could restore your messages, and without it, nobody (including us) can.
How do I turn on message backup?
- Open Settings > Message backup.
- Tap Create a recovery code and write the code down.
- Tap I saved it. You will see "Backup is on for this device."
- Nadeemi keeps the backup up to date; you can also tap Back up now.
How do I restore my messages on a new phone or computer?
If you still have another device: sign in on the new one. It shows a short code and waits for approval. On the device you already use, open Settings > My message devices, tap Approve and enter the code shown on the new device.
If you have no other device: sign in on the new device, choose Restore from a recovery code and type your code. Nadeemi tells you how many messages it restored.
What if I lost every device and my recovery code?
You can still use your account, but old encrypted messages cannot be recovered. In Settings > My message devices choose I lost all my other devices: reset my encryption identity and confirm with your password. You start fresh, and the people you talk to see that your safety number changed, so they know the change was real and not someone pretending to be you.
What is a safety number?
A safety number is a fingerprint of the encryption keys between you and one contact. Compare it with that person face to face or on a call; if it matches, nobody is in the middle. If you marked someone as verified and their safety number later changes, Nadeemi pauses that chat until you compare the new number.
Will I be told if a new device is added to my account?
Yes. You get a notice: "A new device was set up for your messages. If this was not you, change your password and remove it in Settings." Your contacts also see a short note when you add or remove a message device.
Is my password the same as my recovery code?
No. Your password signs you in, and "Forgot password?" can reset it by email. Your recovery code unlocks your message backup and cannot be reset by email, because we never have it. Keep them separate, and never send either to anyone. The Nadeemi team will never ask you for them.
FAQ
Can Nadeemi restore my messages if I lose my recovery code? No. The code never reaches our servers, so we cannot unlock your backup. Use device approval if you still have another device.
Where should I keep my recovery code? On paper somewhere safe at home, or in a password manager you trust. Not in a screenshot in a shared photo album.
Does resetting my password delete my messages? No, but a new password alone does not unlock encrypted messages on a new device. You need an approved device or your recovery code.
What happens when I reset my encryption identity? You start a new encrypted identity, old messages stay locked, and contacts see a new safety number.