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Backing up your channels is essential to prevent loss of funds if your device fails or the app needs to be reinstalled.
Without a current channel backup, you risk losing funds locked in open Lightning channels. Always create a new backup after opening or closing a channel.

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What a Channel Backup Contains

A channel backup is an encrypted file that records the current state of your open Lightning channels. It includes the information your node needs to initiate a force-close of each channel and recover the on-chain funds if your node data is lost. Channel backups do not replace your mnemonic phrase. You need both to fully recover your wallet:
  • Mnemonic phrase — recovers your on-chain Bitcoin and wallet keys
  • Channel backup — recovers funds locked in Lightning channels

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Creating a Channel Backup

1

Open Settings

Click the button in the upper right corner of the app to open the drop-down menu, then select Settings.
2

Click Backup Wallet

In the Settings panel, click on Backup Wallet.
3

Choose a Destination

Select a secure location to save the backup file. Choose somewhere you can access later — ideally an external drive or encrypted cloud storage.
4

Enter Your Node Password

Input your node password. The backup file is encrypted with this password.
5

Create the Backup

Click Create Backup. The encrypted backup file is saved to your chosen destination.

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When to Create a New Backup

Create a fresh backup after any of the following events:
  • Opening a new channel
  • Closing a channel
  • After restoring from a previous backup
  • On a regular schedule (e.g., weekly)
Each backup reflects the channel state at the time it was created. An outdated backup may not include your newest channels.

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Restoring from a Backup

If you need to restore your wallet on a new device:
  1. Reinstall the KaleidoSwap Desktop App
  2. Choose Restore Wallet during the setup flow
  3. Enter your 12-word mnemonic phrase to recover your keys
  4. Once the wallet is set up, use the backup file to restore your channel state
  5. Decrypt the backup using the node password you set when creating it
  6. Allow the node to sync and initiate force-closes on any channels listed in the backup
Force-closing channels from a backup has a timelock before funds are returned on-chain. This is a standard Lightning Network safety mechanism.