The short answer
Private Photo Vault® lets you lock and store photos and videos on your phone without creating an account, offline by default. Optional premium Cloud Vault adds online backup and sync. You choose whether to add that service; local storage and a cloud backup are different things.
An offline vault keeps storage local. A recovery plan protects against losing the phone.01 / 04
What offline storage means
For local vault use, you do not need to create an account or keep an internet connection. Your private collection is stored on the device, and the local files use AES encryption.
This suits someone who wants a separate space for personal photos without setting up cloud storage first. You can choose a PIN, alphanumeric password or pattern and organize private files into albums. A different code from your phone’s code is useful when someone else already knows how to unlock your phone.
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Set up your local vault
Make sure you understand the import process before moving a large collection. Start with a few files and check them in the app. That gives you a chance to confirm the lock and organization you want.
- Install the official app for your iPhone or Android device.
- Set a vault lock that you will keep private.
- Import a small group of photos or videos and confirm they open.
- Organize the collection, then review any copies remaining outside the vault.
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Which features need an internet connection?
Cloud Vault requires an account and internet access for backup and sync. Downloading the app, store purchases and accessing online help also involve online services. “Offline by default” describes local vault use; it is not a claim that every service associated with the app works without a network.
WiFi Transfer is another distinct workflow: it lets you upload or download files between a computer’s browser and the app. It should not be confused with logging in to Cloud Vault on a website. Private Photo Vault® has no browser-based photo viewer.
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Decide how you would recover the files
If the only copy is on your phone, losing the phone can mean losing the file. The same concern applies to uninstalling the app or resetting the device. Local privacy does not automatically create a second copy somewhere else.
If you choose Cloud Vault later, let the backup complete and save its password somewhere safe. Our team cannot recover that password. If you prefer to stay local, plan an export or backup workflow and understand where those copies will live and how they are protected.
Common questions
Do I have to sign up to store private photos?
No account is required for the on-device vault. Optional premium Cloud Vault does require an account for backup and sync.
Is an offline vault automatically backed up?
No. A file stored locally is not automatically a Cloud Vault backup. Enable and verify your chosen backup method before relying on recovery.
Sources & further reading
Product guidance from Private Photo Vault®. Features can vary by platform, device and plan.
