What is a health check and why does It matter?

A plain-language guide to one of the most important habits in vault ownership.

If you've spent any time in the Casa app or help center, you've probably seen the phrase "health check" mentioned more than once. Before you're asked to perform one, here's what it actually is and why it matters.

What is a health check?

A health check is a quick test that confirms each key in your vault is present, accessible, and correctly backed up. Health checks in the Casa app allow you to verify the health of a key without actually having to send any funds from your keyset. Nothing moves. Nothing changes. It simply confirms that everything is working and ready when you need it.

Think of it like giving your security setup a test run without actually making any transactions.

Why does it matter?

Your vault is only as strong as its weakest key. A hardware device with outdated firmware, a mobile key that didn't back up to the cloud correctly, or security question answers you've forgotten, none of these are visible problems until you actually need to sign a transaction. By then, it may be urgent.

Running a health check regularly means you catch problems early, when there's no pressure and plenty of time to resolve them.

When should you run a health check?

• Before depositing funds for the first time: confirm everything is set up correctly before committing funds
• Before sending a large transaction: especially one that is time-sensitive
• Before rotating a key: the workbook spec requires all remaining keys to be verified healthy before key rotation begins
• After getting a new phone: confirm your mobile key restored successfully to the new device
• At least every 6 months: the Casa app will remind you when it's time for a check-up

How long does it take?

• Mobile key: 1–2 minutes
• Recovery key (security questions): 1–2 minutes
• Hardware key: 3–5 minutes, depending on your device

How to run a health check

1. Open the Casa app and tap your vault
2. Tap the "Healthy" indicator below your vault name, or tap the key icon in the top-right corner
3. Tap each key individually to run its health check and follow the prompts

Performing a health check for your hardware key prompts you to apply a signature with your hardware device, so you will need access to your hardware device to complete the health check. For device-specific instructions, see the Health Checks section of the Hardware Devices guide.

What does a healthy result mean?

All clear. The key is present on its device, accessible, and the backup is intact. You're good to go.

What does a failed health check mean?

It depends on which key failed:

Mobile key failure: Usually means the cloud backup wasn't found. Check that you're signed into the correct Apple ID (iPhone) or Google account (Android) in your phone's system settings. See: Troubleshooting Mobile Key Issues

Hardware key failure: Usually a connectivity or firmware issue. See the troubleshooting article for your specific device in the Hardware Devices section.

Recovery key failure (security questions): Your answers didn't match. Try again carefully. Capitalization is not required to match, but spelling, spaces, and symbols must be exact.

A failed health check does not mean your funds are lost: It means something needs attention. Contact an Advisor at help@team.casa if you cannot resolve a failed health check after reviewing the relevant troubleshooting article.

Want to perform your first health check now? See: Health Checks in the Casa App

Setting up your vault for the first time? See: Getting Started with the 3-Key Vault