Are photos and videos encrypted on my phone?
Yes. Files stored in the app use AES encryption. Local storage works without an account and is offline by default. You do not need Cloud Vault to encrypt your local vault files.
Learn about AES encryption →Can someone who knows my phone code open my vault?
Your vault can use a different passcode from your phone. Choose a separate code to keep access to your phone from also granting access to your private collection. On supported Apple devices, you can require Face ID and your vault PIN together.
Understand separate vault access →What happens before files upload to Cloud Vault?
Files are already encrypted locally. Optional premium Cloud Vault adds another layer of AES-256 encryption on your device before uploading them. Your Cloud Vault password supplies the secret used to create the encryption key. Cloud Vault uses Argon2id for password hashing.
How Cloud Vault works →Can your team view my backed-up photos or videos?
No. Your Cloud Vault password is never sent to our servers, and our team cannot decrypt or view your backed-up photos and videos. This is what zero-knowledge encryption means for your Cloud Vault content.
Read about zero-knowledge backup →Can you recover a forgotten Cloud Vault password?
No. Your Cloud Vault password is never recoverable by our team. Your app passcode and its recovery email cannot recover it either. Save a long, random, unique password somewhere safe before relying on your backup.
Cloud Vault password FAQ →What does the decoy vault do?
A decoy password opens an alternate vault instead of your main collection. For example, you can show someone everyday photos in that alternate collection without opening your main private photos. It changes the collection shown; it is not a guarantee that another vault’s existence cannot be discovered.
See decoy vault examples →How can I manage unwanted access attempts?
Break-in Report helps you review attempted access. Timeout locks login attempts after a configured number of tries. Location Based Lock blocks access in specific geographic regions you select. Available options depend on your platform and app version.
Break-in Report →How do I manage backups and copies outside the vault?
Copies left in Photos, messages or other apps need to be managed separately. Local encryption is not a backup: enable Cloud Vault and confirm uploads have completed before relying on it. Keep your passwords safe and confirm your files are backed up before deleting the app or switching phones.
Check your backup →Who provides this security information?
This page describes our product using details supplied by the Private Photo Vault® team. It is product documentation, not an independent security audit. The date above records the latest content update.
Ask our support team →
