Troubleshooting: locked out, wrong code, or can't sign in

Most sign-in problems are temporary. If you entered too many wrong OTP codes, wait out the cooldown/lockout. If a wallet 2FA challenge failed, note it expires in 30 seconds — request a new one. If an OTP code expired, request a fresh one. If you are fully locked out, regain access via social recovery, a cloud backup restore, or device migration.

Why am I getting a cooldown after wrong codes?

If you submit too many wrong OTP attempts, Vaultr triggers a cooldown / lockout to block brute-force guessing. This is a protection, not a permanent block:

1. Stop entering codes — more wrong attempts can extend the cooldown.
2. Wait for the cooldown window to pass.
3. Request a new OTP code and enter it carefully.

Vaultr applies progressive cooldowns as more codes are requested, so the more rapidly codes are requested or mistyped, the longer you may need to wait. Slowing down is the fastest path back in.

My wallet 2FA challenge keeps failing — what’s wrong?

A wallet 2FA challenge expires in 30 seconds. If you are slightly too slow to respond, it will fail even with the right action. The fix is simple:

1. Request a new challenge.
2. Complete it promptly, within the 30-second window.

If you keep missing the window, have the device ready before you start so you can respond immediately.

My OTP code isn’t working — what should I do?

OTP codes expire. If your code no longer works, it has most likely timed out:

1. Request a new OTP code.
2. Use the latest code — older codes are no longer valid once a new one is issued or the code expires.
3. Enter it carefully to avoid triggering a cooldown from wrong attempts.

If you have already hit a cooldown from repeated wrong entries, wait it out before requesting another code.

I entered the wrong PIN on a hidden profile — did I break something?

No. A wrong PIN on a hidden profile reveals nothing by design. The hidden profile does not appear, and there is no error confirming it exists. You have not broken or exposed anything — simply enter the correct 6-digit PIN to access the hidden profile.

I’m fully locked out — how do I regain access?

If you cannot sign in at all, you have three recovery paths, none of which require a seed phrase:

1. Social recovery — your nominated guardians approve your recovery request (the default threshold is 2 of 3, and requests expire after 72 hours).
2. Cloud backup restore — if you enabled cloud backup, restore your encrypted vault; it is verified with a SHA-256 checksum and decrypted on your device.
3. Device migration — if you still have an old device, move your vault to a new one using a time-limited transfer token.

Choose the path that matches your situation: social recovery or a cloud backup restore if you have lost your device, and device migration if you still have your old device in hand.

FAQ

How long does an OTP cooldown last?

It depends on how many codes were requested — Vaultr uses progressive cooldowns (for example longer waits after many requests in 24 hours). Wait for the window to pass, then request a fresh code.

Why does my wallet 2FA keep expiring?

A wallet 2FA challenge expires in 30 seconds. Request a new one and complete it promptly within that window.

What if none of the quick fixes work and I’m locked out?

Regain access through social recovery, a cloud backup restore, or device migration — no seed phrase required.

Learn more about social recovery.