---
id: backups.how-do-i-set-a-backup-passphrase
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-set-a-backup-passphrase
category: "Backups & restore points"
subcategory: "Encryption and passphrases"
question: "How do I set a passphrase for a cloud backup?"
alt_questions:
  - "Set passphrase… button"
  - "create backup password Storage Studio"
  - "first cloud backup asks for passphrase"
  - "Set a backup passphrase before its first cloud backup"
  - "How long does the backup passphrase need to be?"
short_answer: "You're asked the first time you pick a cloud destination, or click Set passphrase… on the card. Use at least 8 characters, type it twice, tick the confirmation box and click Save — then store it safely."
tags: ["passphrase", "setup", "cloud"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-happens-if-i-lose-my-backup-passphrase", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/are-my-cloud-backups-encrypted"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How do I set a passphrase for a cloud backup?

Storage Studio asks for one the first time you choose a cloud destination; you can also click **Set passphrase…** on the set's card. Type it twice, tick the confirmation box, and click **Save**.

The rules are simple:
- At least **8 characters** — longer is better; a short sentence works well.
- Both entries must match (**Show passphrase** lets you check).
- You must tick *"I understand: if I lose this passphrase, these cloud backups cannot be recovered."*

Until it's set, the card says *"Set a backup passphrase for … before its first cloud backup."* Write the passphrase down somewhere safe, away from the Mac.