If you lose your key pair, you also lose access to your encrypted emails. You should therefore always create a backup copy of your key pairs.

This help article explains how to export an OpenPGP key from Enigmail for Thunderbird.

Exporting an OpenPGP key

1. Click the sandwich button (at the top right in the Thunderbird menu)
2. Click the ‘arrow’ to the right of the ‘Enigmail’ entry
3. Click Key Management

4. Right-click the key you would like to export
5. Click Export Keys to File

6. Choose the key you would like to export. For a complete backup, click Export Secret Keys
7. Confirm the save location by clicking Save

Your key has now been successfully exported.

Don’t forget an external backup

You should always backup your key pairs on a second medium such as a USB stick or a DVD and store it in a safe place.

Additional help articles

• How do I activate inbound encryption with my public PGP key?
• How do I encrypt emails using Enigmail in Thunderbird?
• How do I add a key to Enigmail?