1. Quick Start Guide
How to Set Up Privacy Vault
- Download and open the Privacy Vault app on your iPhone/iPad.
- On first launch, tap GET STARTED and set a 6-digit main PIN (enter twice to confirm).
- Optionally set a Decoy PIN (or tap Skip). Entering the decoy PIN opens a separate, empty vault – useful for privacy (Pro feature).
- Enable Face ID / Touch ID in Settings > Security > Biometrics for quick unlock.
- From the gallery, tap the + button to import photos/videos from your device. All files are encrypted locally with AES-256.
How to Use Core Features
- Import media: In the vault gallery, tap + > choose photos/videos from your library > confirm. Files are copied into the vault and encrypted.
- Export media: Open a photo/video > use the share button to save to your device gallery; or use Select mode to multi-select and export in batch (Pro).
- Albums: Tap the album icon in the top left to switch or create albums. Creating multiple albums requires Pro.
- Intruder Capture (Pro): In Settings > VIP Features, enable Intruder Capture. After 1 wrong PIN attempt, the app takes a photo with the front camera. View entries in Intrusion Logs.
- Decoy Vault (Pro): Set a Decoy PIN in Settings. When someone enters the decoy PIN at unlock, they see an empty vault instead of your real one.
- Backup & Restore: Settings > Data Management > Export Backup (ZIP) to create an encrypted backup; use Restore from Backup to restore from a ZIP file (password required).
2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I forgot my main PIN. How can I recover it?
A: We cannot recover your PIN – all data is stored and encrypted locally on your device. If you forget your main PIN:
- You will not be able to access your vault. Uninstalling and reinstalling the app will permanently delete all vault data.
- We strongly recommend writing down your PIN and keeping it in a secure place.
Q: My data disappeared after updating the app or my device. What should I do?
A: Privacy Vault keeps all data only on your device. Data loss can happen if:
- You uninstalled the app without exporting or backing up first.
- Your device was reset or restored without a backup that included the app data.
We recommend using Export Backup (ZIP) in Settings before any major update or restore, and keeping that backup in a safe place.
Q: Does Privacy Vault sync my data to the cloud?
A: No. Privacy Vault is 100% local – we do not sync, backup, or upload your data to any server. Everything stays on your iPhone or iPad.
Q: How do I activate the Pro version?
A: When a Pro feature is locked (e.g. Decoy Vault, Intruder Capture), tap it to open the paywall. Choose Buy Lifetime Pro ($4.99) and complete the purchase in the App Store. You can also tap Restore Purchases if you already bought Pro on another device or after reinstall. Pro includes: unlimited storage, unlimited albums, Decoy Vault, AES-256 encryption, and batch management.
Q: Can I get a refund for the Pro version?
A: Refunds are handled by the Apple App Store. Please submit a refund request through your Apple ID account (typically within the period allowed by Apple’s policy).
3. Troubleshooting
App Crashes When Opening
- Close other apps and restart Privacy Vault.
- Update iOS to the latest version.
- If the problem continues, reinstall the app (export or back up your data first if you can still access the vault).
Cannot Import Photos or Videos
- Grant full access to your photo library: Settings > Privacy & Security > Photos > Privacy Vault > All Photos (or Limited with the albums you need).
- Ensure files are in supported formats (e.g. JPG, PNG, HEIC, MP4, MOV) and not corrupted.
Intruder Capture Not Working
- Confirm Privacy Vault has camera permission: Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera > Privacy Vault > On.
- In the app, go to Settings > VIP Features > Intruder Capture and turn it on (Pro required).
- The photo is taken after 1 wrong PIN attempt on the unlock screen.