The short answer
Keep your old phone and its vault intact until your files are accessible on the new device. If you use Cloud Vault, confirm the backup is complete and that you know the Cloud Vault password. Then open and check the files on the new phone before erasing or trading in the old one.
Verify the new copy before removing the old one.01 / 04
Prepare your old phone for transfer
The easiest time to prepare a transfer is while you can still open the original vault. Do not uninstall the app or reset the phone as a first troubleshooting step. Either action can remove files that exist only on that device.
Open a few photos and videos now. If files are missing or inaccessible, address that issue before changing devices. A new installation cannot recreate a file that was never backed up or otherwise transferred.
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If you use Cloud Vault
Confirm that Cloud Vault is enabled and that the files you need have finished uploading. Merely having a premium subscription is not proof that a particular file is backed up.
Find your Cloud Vault password before moving. It is different from the app’s unlock code and cannot be recovered by our team. If the old phone still opens your files but you do not know the cloud password, preserve access to that device and consult the FAQ before making changes.
- Keep the old phone connected long enough for the required backup to finish.
- Install the official app on the new phone.
- Use Cloud Vault in the app with your account and Cloud Vault password.
- Check important photos and play important videos on the new device before retiring the old one.
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If your collection is stored only on the phone
Decide on a transfer or backup method before erasing anything. You can consider enabling Cloud Vault or using the app’s export and transfer features. The correct steps depend on your devices and the app version, so use the official tutorials and support guidance.
Be mindful of the destination of an export. Exported photos may be visible in the receiving photo library or in a computer folder. A temporary transfer copy needs its own privacy protection; it does not inherit the vault’s lock automatically.
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Check the result before you trade in
Browse the albums you care about on the new phone. Check older items as well as recent ones, and open videos rather than relying only on thumbnails. Confirm you can lock and reopen the app.
Only after you are satisfied with the new copy and your backup should you follow the phone manufacturer’s instructions for erasing the old device. Keep your Cloud Vault password safely recorded for the next time you need it.
Common questions
Can I move between iPhone and Android?
Private Photo Vault® supports both platforms, and optional premium Cloud Vault supports backup and sync between them. Feature availability can vary by platform and plan.
Should I delete the old app after installing the new one?
Wait until you have verified the files on the new device. Installing the app alone does not confirm a successful transfer.
Sources & further reading
Product guidance from Private Photo Vault®. Features can vary by platform, device and plan.
