Get started with Vaultessa

Step by step

1. Read the introduction

   The first time you open Vaultessa, four short screens explain how it keeps your files. Tick the three boxes and tap Start using Vaultessa.

2. Draw your first pattern

   Connect at least 8 dots on the grid. Because there are no folders yet, Vaultessa starts a new one and asks you to draw the same pattern two more times. Leave no more than 10 seconds between drawings, or it says Too slow — start again. If a drawing doesn't match, you start again from the first one.

   Pick something easy for you to draw but hard to guess: avoid straight lines, letters and simple shapes, and don't draw where someone can watch.

3. Name the folder

   Type a name and tap Create. Only you see it; the name is encrypted too. You can rename the folder later by tapping its name at the top.

4. Write down the recovery code

   Vaultessa shows a 32-character code once. It's the only way into this folder if you forget the pattern, and you need it to restore a backup.

   Write it on paper or save it in a password manager, and keep it away from the phone. Then tap I've written it down. There's a Skip button, but if you skip, a forgotten pattern means this folder is lost.

5. Add files

   Tap + ADD FILES and pick photos, videos, music, recordings or documents. Your Gallery and Google Photos are listed in the picker's side menu. Vaultessa saves an encrypted copy inside the folder.

   The original stays where it was. To hide it, delete it from your gallery or Files app yourself, and also empty the gallery's “Recently deleted” or trash.

6. Lock and open again

   Vaultessa locks as soon as you leave the app or the screen turns off, and after 10–60 seconds without touching the screen (choose the time in Menu › Settings › Screen lock). To open the folder again, draw its pattern on the start screen.