Photo Vault: Secure Folder

Photo Vault Backup and Restore

Photo Vault: Secure Folder stores vault content locally on your iPhone. No account is required, and the app does not operate a cloud vault or upload your vault media to our servers. When you need a backup, export an encrypted ZIP file that you control.

How to create a backup

  1. Open Photo Vault: Secure Folder and unlock the main vault.
  2. Open Settings > Data Management > Export Backup.
  3. Enter the backup password when prompted and save the encrypted ZIP to a location you control, such as Files, iCloud Drive, a Mac, a PC, or an external drive.
  4. Before deleting originals from Photos or Files, restore a small test backup and confirm that representative photos, videos, and documents open correctly.

The backup file is separate from the app's local vault. Keeping it outside the app protects you if the iPhone is lost, reset, or replaced, but the backup password must be kept safe.

How to restore a backup

  1. Install Photo Vault: Secure Folder on the iPhone where you want to restore the vault.
  2. Open Settings > Data Management > Restore from Backup.
  3. Select the encrypted ZIP file from Files or another location you control.
  4. Enter the backup password and wait for the restore to finish.
  5. Open several restored photos, videos, PDFs, and documents before removing the old vault or its backup.

Restore is based on the encrypted ZIP you provide. The app team cannot recover a missing backup file or bypass its password.

What happens if I forget my PIN?

There is no remote PIN recovery. The vault is local and the app team cannot see your main PIN or unlock local vault content. Keep your PIN and backup password in a secure password manager or another safe location.

Uninstalling the app without a verified backup can permanently remove the only copy of the vault. Do not uninstall, reset, or replace the device until you have confirmed that your backup restores successfully.

Best backup practice