Features
VaultShield features, explained
What each VaultShield feature does, how to set it up, and the limits worth knowing before you rely on it.
See every featureIn depth
- HideDisguised app iconSwap VaultShield's Home Screen icon for a look-alike, like a Calculator or a Level. It still opens to your pattern, so a curious tap gets nowhere.4 steps to set upLearn more
- ProtectPattern and Face IDVaultShield opens with a pattern only you know. Face ID can be added as an extra step, but it never replaces the pattern, so a glance at your phone is never enough on its own.4 steps to set upLearn more
- Back up & recoverRecovery phraseForget your pattern and a 24-word recovery phrase gets you back into your vault. VaultShield shows it once and never stores it, so it stays in your hands, not ours.4 steps to set upLearn more
- ProtectAuto-lockSwitch apps, glance at Control Center or put your phone down, and VaultShield locks. Your vault key is wiped from memory, so nothing is left open behind your back.4 steps to set upLearn more
- ProtectNo accountVaultShield never asks for your email, a password or your name, and there's no VaultShield server holding your photos. Your vault lives on your iPhone and works offline.4 steps to set upLearn more
- HideIn-app cameraTake a photo inside VaultShield and it goes straight into your encrypted vault. It never shows up in Photos, so it never syncs, never appears in Recents and never needs deleting later.4 steps to set upLearn more
- HideClear out originalsImporting makes an encrypted copy and leaves the original in Photos. Right after, VaultShield offers to remove those originals in one step, so the only copy left is the one in your vault.4 steps to set upLearn more
- HideDocumentsPassports, leases, medical records: add any file to VaultShield and it's encrypted the same way as your photos. PDFs, images and text files open right inside the app.4 steps to set upLearn more
- Back up & recoverEncrypted iCloud backupTurn on the optional backup and your vault is copied to your own iCloud, already encrypted on your iPhone. Lose or replace your phone, and your recovery phrase brings it all back.4 steps to set upLearn more
- HideMultiple vaultsCreate separate vaults for separate parts of your life, each with its own pattern. VaultShield never shows a list of vaults: the pattern you draw opens the one it belongs to.4 steps to set upLearn more
- ProtectDuress patternSet a duress pattern for emergencies. If someone makes you open your vault, draw it instead: a decoy vault opens like normal, while your real vault is permanently erased.4 steps to set upLearn more
- BrowsePrivate browserVaultShield includes a private browser with tracker shields, Ghost Mode and encrypted bookmarks. It sits inside your vault, so it locks with everything else.4 steps to set upLearn more
Also in VaultShield
Everything else in your vault
Pattern unlock, Face ID on top
Your pattern is always required. Face ID can be added as an extra step.
Learn moreA camera that skips your camera roll
Photos you take in VaultShield go straight into the vault and never appear in Photos.
Learn moreClear out the originals
After importing, remove the originals from Photos in one step. iOS asks you to confirm first.
Learn moreDocuments too
Keep PDFs and other files in the vault, alongside your photos.
Learn moreVaultShare
Share a vault with someone you trust, and open vaults that others share with you.
Optional encrypted iCloud backup
Keep an encrypted copy in your iCloud. Restoring needs your recovery phrase.
Learn moreRecovery phrase
24 words, shown once. It gets you back in if you forget your pattern.
Learn moreAuto-lock
The vault locks again as soon as you leave the app.
Learn moreNo account
No sign-up, and no VaultShield server holding your photos. The vault works offline.
Learn more