MetaMask is generally a secure crypto wallet. However, you may lose access to funds if your device is lost or damaged and your wallet hasn’t been properly backed up or synchronized. Also, since Metamask is a hot wallet, security is paramount. Metamask added the backup and sync feature to prevent account loss, allowing you to back up your Metamask wallet data and sync accounts across multiple devices. Below, we explain how backup & sync work, how to back up data, how to opt out, and related security best practices.

How Backup and Sync Work

Metamask’s “Backup and Sync” feature links account names, settings, memos, and contacts across multiple devices for wallets with the same Secret Recovery Phrase. Although optional, the feature is crucial for convenience, as it allows you to access and restore accounts on new devices without manual import.

When enabled, changes made on one device (e.g., adding, renaming, or editing accounts) are reflected on other devices sharing the same SRP. Additionally, if you have multiple accounts on one device and a new device has fewer, MetaMask will automatically sync and add the missing accounts when you unlock or restart the wallet.

According to Metamask, synchronized data is encrypted locally before being sent to remote storage. MetaMask also claims it lacks visibility into which user is syncing which addresses or which devices are involved. Conversely, Metamask’s Backup and Sync feature doesn’t affect imported accounts using private keys, JSON files, or hardware wallets. Using this feature to connect accounts with different Secret Recovery Phrases (SRP) is also impossible.

How to Back Up Your Metamask Wallet Data

Below is a step-by-step guide to backup your Metamask wallet data:

Step 1: Open your Metamask app or browser extension.

Step 2: Tap the Settings icon, represented by a gear icon.

Step 3: Browse the list to find “Backup and sync“. Tap on it to proceed.

Step 4: Turn on the Backup and sync toggle. You can also select the items to be added to the sync (e.g., accounts, contacts, etc).

Once enabled, Metamask will begin syncing account names, contacts, and other metadata across all devices with accounts derived from the same SRP. Once synced, Metamask attempts to auto‐detect many tokens owned in the linked account. But sometimes, tokens you have previously added manually or custom tokens may not display automatically. You may need to re‐add them or check the “Display Token” options to ensure they are visible in your wallet.

How to Opt Out of Metamask Wallet Backup

The Backup and Sync option on Metamask is optional. This means you can turn off the feature whenever you want to, thereby removing other devices’ access to your account without importing private keys. It is also important to note that, as part of Metamask wallet security measures, the Backup and sync feature is enabled by default for new users. So, to disable Backup and Sync, you must follow the steps below:

Step 1: Locate the Settings tab in your Metamask app/extension.

Step 2: Click on the “Backup and sync“ option.

Step 3: Turn off the toggle switch to remove the Metamask wallet backup.

Bottom Line

Backing up your MetaMask wallet data is one of the best practices to ensure convenient access to your account on multiple devices. Because MetaMask functions as a hot wallet, there is always risk, including online exposure, device theft, and accidental deletion. The Backup and Sync feature helps to mitigate this issue by synchronizing contacts, account names, settings, and more. However, whether you opt for “Backup and sync” or not, ensure you store your private keys securely, as backups do not include SRP.

FAQs

1. Do I need to enable this on every device or just one?

You only need to enable backup & sync on one device that uses your SRP. Once enabled, the device’s account, contacts, and other data will sync to other devices using the same SRP when those devices have sync enabled, are reloaded, or unlocked.

2. What is a way to secure your MetaMask wallet?

There are different ways to secure your MetaMask wallet, including securely storing private keys offline, enabling device passkeys (such as locks or biometrics), minimizing exposure of your wallet on shared devices, and others.

3. Will I lose everything if I reset my MetaMask wallet?

No, a Wallet reset will not delete your funds. You can restore all accounts using your SRP and manually re-add imported accounts. Also, you may need to re-enable the display of custom tokens or networks.

4. Is my data deleted if I opt out?

If you opt out of backup and sync, the remote data for all accounts, contacts, etc., will be deleted. However, the local data on your device remains unchanged and can be synced again if you turn the feature back on.

5. What happens if I delete a contact on one device?

The deleted contact will be removed from your wallet on that device, and the deletion will be reflected on other devices at the next sync.