# Wipe your KeepKey

import StepVideo from '@/components/StepVideo'

# Wipe your KeepKey

Wiping erases the wallet, PIN and settings from your KeepKey. Your coins stay on the blockchain. Your recovery phrase brings the wallet back on any KeepKey.

<StepVideo id="wipe-device" />

## Before you wipe

- **Have your recovery phrase in front of you.** After a wipe, it is the only way back to this wallet.
- **If you used a passphrase, have that too.** Without it, the restored wallet opens empty.
- **Keep both private.** KeepKey support never asks for them.

Not sure your backup is right? Run the [backup check](/docs/desktop/setup/verify-backup) first. It doesn't erase anything.

## Wipe from KeepKey Desktop

1. Connect your KeepKey and unlock it.
2. Open **Settings** and expand **Danger Zone**.
3. Choose **Wipe Device**, then **Confirm Wipe**.
4. Your KeepKey shows **WIPE DEVICE** and asks if you want to erase your private keys and settings. Press and hold the button on your KeepKey to confirm. If you let go too soon, it asks again.
5. Wait for the wipe to finish. KeepKey Desktop then shows setup, the same as for a new device.

**Check that it worked.** Settings closes whether the wipe succeeds or fails, so closing alone doesn't mean your KeepKey was wiped. A finished wipe takes you to setup, the same as a new device. If setup doesn't open, don't assume the wipe worked.

<img src="/img/vault/vault-settings-danger-zone.png" alt="Danger Zone in KeepKey Desktop settings, with Wipe Device and Reset App Data" style={{ width: '100%', borderRadius: '8px', margin: '16px 0' }} />

Forgot your PIN and can't unlock? Use **Forgot your PIN? Wipe device** on the PIN screen instead. See [Forgot KeepKey PIN](/docs/desktop/troubleshooting#forgot-keepkey-pin).

## After the wipe

Your KeepKey is empty and ready to use again. In [setup](/docs/desktop/setup) you can:

- **Recover Existing Wallet** with your recovery phrase. See [Restoring a wallet](/docs/desktop/recovery-phrase#restoring-a-wallet-from-your-phrase).
- **Create a new wallet** with a new recovery phrase.

## Wipe Device is not Reset App Data

**Reset App Data**, also in Danger Zone, only clears KeepKey Desktop's data on this computer. Your KeepKey keeps its wallet. To erase the wallet from the device, use **Wipe Device**.

## If a step doesn't finish

[Contact support](/docs/support) and tell us which step stopped and what KeepKey Desktop and your KeepKey showed. **Never send your recovery phrase, passphrase or PIN.** Support will never ask for them.