> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.bitcoincontrolcenter.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Back up, restore, or move

> Keep your data safe. Move to a new computer.

Your data lives only on your device. Hoseki cannot recover it.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Your coins are never at risk. A backup protects your history, settings, statements, and saved exchange keys.

## What's in the data folder

| File | What it holds |
| - | - |
| `sentinel.db` | Accounts, balances, history, settings, and statements. |
| `sentinel.db-wal`, `sentinel.db-shm` | Temporary database files. Copy them too. |
| `secrets/exchange-credentials.key` | The key that unlocks your saved exchange API keys. |

> [!WARNING]
>
> Copy the whole folder. Keep the database and the `secrets` key together. Without the key, saved exchange keys can't be read and each exchange must be reconnected.

## Desktop

1. Quit fully from the tray menu. Closing the window is not enough.
2. Copy the whole data folder somewhere safe.

**Mac**

`~/Library/Application Support/desktop/data`

In Finder, choose **Go** → **Go to Folder**, and paste the path.

**Windows**

`%APPDATA%\desktop\data`

Paste the path into File Explorer's address bar.

The folder is named `desktop` for historical reasons. It is Control Center's folder.

### Restore or move to a new computer

1. Install Control Center on the new computer. Open it once, then quit fully.
2. Replace its `data` folder with your copy.
3. Open the app. Enter the PIN from the old computer.

## StartOS

Use the normal StartOS backup. It saves everything, including the key.

## Umbrel

Stop the app in Umbrel. Then copy its data folder over SSH:

```bash theme={null}
~/umbrel/app-data/bitcoin-control-center/data
```

Start the app again when the copy finishes.

## After a restore

* Check your accounts and history.
* If an exchange shows **Reconnect**, reconnect it with a new key.
* Saved Electrum connections and settings come back with the data.

## Start fresh

To reset Control Center on desktop, quit fully. Rename the `data` folder, for example to `data-old`. Open the app. It starts as a new install.

## Lost your data?

Re-add your wallets. Wallet history is rebuilt from the blockchain. Exchange and manual history, statements, and settings are lost.


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