How do I set up the Encrypted Vault?
Open Settings, then Encrypted Vault, pick a PIN, and save a backup file.
This needs an account. Sign in to the app first.
Steps
- Open Settings and tap Encrypted Vault.
- Choose a PIN of 4 to 8 digits and tap Continue.
- Type the same PIN again and tap Encrypt & Open.
- Write your PIN down and keep it somewhere safe. SOS does not save it, and nobody can reset it.
- Open the Security tab and tap Export Vault Backup.
- Choose a backup passphrase of at least 10 characters and type it twice.
- Save the backup file. Keep the passphrase somewhere else.
What the vault is
The vault is a private place for secure notes, passwords and personal info. It has Notes, Passwords and Personal tabs.
It is encrypted with AES-256 and saved on this device only. It is not sent to the SOS server. The Privacy Policy describes it as encrypted on your own device.
If you forget your PIN
Nobody can reset it, including us. Your PIN is not saved on this device or on our servers.
On the lock screen, tap Forgot your PIN?, then Erase this vault and start over. That deletes the vault on this device so you can set a new PIN.
If you made a backup file, restore it from the Security tab afterwards. Without a backup, the contents cannot be recovered.
Restore a backup
Open the Security tab and tap Import Vault. Choose the backup file, or paste its text.
Type the backup passphrase and tap Add to my vault. That is the passphrase you chose for the backup, not your vault PIN.
Phone and browser
In a browser the vault always uses a PIN. Face ID or fingerprint unlock and a no-lock mode are only in the phone app.
The vault stays on one device. On a new phone, or after you clear your browser data, restore it from your backup.
If you had a vault before
If an older vault is on this device, SOS asks you to choose a PIN first. The screen is called Encrypt Your Vault.