Simple definition
A Monero wallet does not store your coins like a bank account. It uses your keys to scan the blockchain and find outputs that belong to you. Restore height tells it where to begin that scan.
Why restore height exists
Scanning from the beginning of the chain can take a long time. A safe restore height skips old blocks before your wallet existed while still including the blocks where your transactions happened.
Restore date vs block height
A restore date is easier for humans. A block height is easier for wallet software. The goal is the same: start before first incoming XMR.
Safety boundary
Restore height is public information. Seed phrases and private keys are not. Never give private wallet data to a website that says it needs it to calculate height.
Official sources to verify
Use official wallet and project documentation before installing software or changing sensitive wallet settings. External links below are for verification and further reading.
- Official Monero: restore from mnemonic seed
- Official Monero: change wallet restore height
- Cake Wallet docs: Monero
FAQ
Is restore height my seed phrase?
No. Restore height is public chain-position information.
Can I choose a date?
Often yes, depending on wallet UI. Choose before first incoming XMR.
Can restore height lose funds?
No, but a too-late height can hide history until rescan.
Why not always use height 0?
Height 0 is broad but can be slow.
Reviewed for wallet-safety clarity. This page is an independent educational guide and does not provide financial, legal, privacy, security, or recovery advice.