# Vaultine

> Encrypt and hide your photos, files, and documents with AES-256 on-device encryption. No account needed. One vault on iPhone, Mac, Android, and Windows.

Vaultine is a secure folder, photo vault and file encryption app for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Files are encrypted on the device with AES-256-GCM and opened in a built-in viewer, so nothing is decrypted to disk. Unlock is by a 5x5 pattern or a six-digit PIN, with a 12-word recovery phrase; there is no account or email sign-up. The free tier covers one vault of up to 10 files. Vaultine Pro adds unlimited storage, multiple vaults, the Decoy Vault (a second code opening a harmless vault) and Duress Vault (a third code that opens an empty vault, wipes the real ones, and then becomes the main vault so nothing suggests the others existed), custom recovery phrases, and encrypted Dropbox backups.

## Pages
- [Vaultine](https://vaultine.app): Encrypt and hide your photos, files, and documents with AES-256 on-device encryption. No account needed. One vault on iPhone, Mac, Android, and Windows.
- [FAQ](https://vaultine.app/faq): Common questions about Vaultine.
- [Contact](https://vaultine.app/contact)
- [Privacy policy](https://vaultine.app/privacy-policy)
- [Terms of service](https://vaultine.app/terms-of-service)

## Guides and articles
- [How Vaultine's Recovery Phrase Works](https://vaultine.app/blog/how-recovery-phrase-works): There's no 'forgot password' link in a zero-knowledge vault. Here's what the 12-word recovery phrase does, and why losing it means losing your files.
- [What Is Zero-Knowledge Encryption? A Plain-English Guide](https://vaultine.app/blog/zero-knowledge-encryption-explained): Plenty of apps say your data is encrypted. Fewer say who holds the key. Here's what zero-knowledge actually means, and how to spot a fake claim.
- [Lifetime vs. Subscription: The Real Cost of a Vault App](https://vaultine.app/blog/lifetime-vs-subscription-real-cost): A $4.99/month vault app sounds cheaper than a one-time purchase. It usually isn't, past year one. Here's the real math.
- [AES-256 Explained Simply: What Encryption Actually Does](https://vaultine.app/blog/aes-256-explained-simply): AES-256 gets printed on every page like a badge. Here's what it actually does to a file, and how to spot real encryption vs. a locked folder.
- [Why a Vault App Without an Account Is Actually Safer](https://vaultine.app/blog/vault-app-without-an-account): Signing up for a vault app hands over an email and password that can leak. Here's why Vaultine has no account at all, and what that protects.
- [The Encrypted Vault for All Your Devices](https://vaultine.app/blog/encrypted-vault-for-all-your-devices): Most vault apps trap files on one phone. Here's why a real cross-platform encrypted vault, on iPhone, Mac, Android and Windows, protects files that move.
- [What Happens to Your Data When Your Laptop Gets Stolen](https://vaultine.app/blog/laptop-stolen-what-happens-to-your-data): A stolen laptop isn't just lost hardware. Here's what a thief can actually reach, why a login password isn't enough, and how to make your files unreadable.
- [Best File Encryption Apps for Mac in 2026 (Compared)](https://vaultine.app/blog/best-file-encryption-apps-mac): A practical comparison of the tools people actually use to encrypt files on Mac — sending a file, protecting a folder, or locking your whole drive — and which fits which job.
- [Best Encrypted Vault for Mac in 2026 (Compared)](https://vaultine.app/blog/best-encrypted-vault-mac): A practical comparison of the vault apps Mac users actually reach for — what each one encrypts, what happens if you're forced to unlock it, and which to pick for how you use your Mac.
- [How to Protect Your Photos at a Border Crossing](https://vaultine.app/blog/protect-photos-border-crossing): Border agents in many countries can ask you to unlock your phone. Here's a calm, practical plan to protect your private photos before you travel.
- [Photo Vault vs. Hiding Photos: The Real Difference](https://vaultine.app/blog/photo-vault-vs-hiding-photos): Most "photo vault" apps just hide your photos in a locked folder. That isn't encryption. Here's how to tell the difference, and why it matters.
- [Decoy Vault vs. Duress Vault: How It Actually Works](https://vaultine.app/blog/decoy-vs-duress-vault): A decoy vault and a duress vault sound like the same feature. They're opposites. Here's what each one does and when it protects you.
- [Is Dropbox Encryption Enough for Sensitive Files?](https://vaultine.app/blog/is-dropbox-encryption-enough): Dropbox does encrypt your files — but it holds the keys. See what Dropbox encryption really protects, what it misses, and how to close the gap.
- [Password Managers vs. Secure Vaults: What’s the Difference?](https://vaultine.app/blog/password-managers-vs-secure-vaults): Understand the key differences between a password manager and an encrypted file vault, and why you need both for complete digital security.
- [Why the 'Hidden' Folder Isn't Really Hidden](https://vaultine.app/blog/why-hidden-folder-isnt-hidden): Relying on OS-level hidden folders is a privacy disaster waiting to happen. Learn why hiding files isn't the same as encrypting them.
- [5 Types of Files You Should Never Keep Unencrypted on Your Laptop](https://vaultine.app/blog/5-files-never-keep-unencrypted): From tax returns to passport scans, learn which files you must encrypt immediately to protect yourself from identity theft and privacy breaches.
- [Offline-First Security: Why Your Vault Shouldn't Depend on the Internet](https://vaultine.app/blog/offline-first-security): Explore the benefits of offline-first security and why true privacy means being able to access your encrypted files without an internet connection.
- [Why Your Photos Aren't Safe in the Cloud (And How to Fix It)](https://vaultine.app/blog/why-photos-arent-safe-cloud): Discover the hidden privacy risks of storing personal photos on standard cloud services and how an offline-first encrypted vault can protect you.
- [The Best Secure Folder Alternative for Windows and Mac](https://vaultine.app/blog/best-secure-folder-windows-mac): Looking for a secure folder solution that works on both Windows and Mac? Discover why a cross-platform zero-knowledge vault is your best option.
- [How to Encrypt Files Before Uploading to Dropbox](https://vaultine.app/blog/encrypt-files-before-dropbox): Protect your privacy by encrypting your files locally before syncing them to Dropbox. Learn how zero-knowledge encryption keeps your data safe.
- [How to Securely Store Sensitive Files on Windows and Mac](https://vaultine.app/blog/how-to-securely-store-files-windows-mac): Learn how to protect your sensitive documents and photos across Windows and macOS using zero-knowledge encryption and secure vault solutions.

## Comparisons
- [Vaultine vs. VeraCrypt](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-veracrypt): VeraCrypt is free, open source, and about as technically respected as encryption software gets. It's also a desktop-only, mount-a-virtual-disk tool with no mobile app and no recovery if you forget the password. Vaultine is the version of this idea built for a phone, a viewer, and a code you can be forced to give up.
- [Vaultine vs. Cryptomator](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-cryptomator): Cryptomator is open source, genuinely zero-knowledge, and covers more cloud providers than we do. It was built to encrypt a cloud folder, not to protect you from someone standing over you asking for the password — that gap is where Vaultine's Decoy Vault and Duress Vault live.
- [Vaultine vs. Encamera](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-encamera): Both apps genuinely encrypt on the device and neither needs an account, so the decision is elsewhere: Vaultine also runs on Windows and Android, adds a Decoy and a Duress code, and costs $39.99 once against a cheapest permanent tier of $49.99.
- [Vaultine vs. Vaulty](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-vaulty): Vaulty has a decoy PIN and disguises itself as a Notes or Passwords app. Vaultine adds a duress code that wipes, names its cipher, runs on four platforms, and costs $39.99 once instead of weekly.
- [Vaultine vs. HiddenVault](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-hiddenvault): HiddenVault makes the same no-access promise Vaultine does, which is rare and worth crediting. The differences are the named cipher, the one-time price, and running on Windows and Mac as well as iPhone.
- [Vaultine vs. GalleryVault](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-galleryvault): GalleryVault is feature-rich — icon disguise, fake passwords, break-in alerts, pattern lock. Vaultine's differences are the named cipher, no ads on any tier, and running on Windows and Mac as well as phones.
- [Vaultine vs. Gallery - Private Photo Vault](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-gallery-private-photo-vault): Gallery states that it encrypts your images and videos. Its pricing is weekly with a three-day trial, which adds up quickly. Vaultine charges $39.99 once, has no ads, and runs on four platforms.
- [Vaultine vs. SPV - Secret Photo Vault](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-spv-secret-photo-vault): SPV puts a PIN in front of your photos, contacts, passwords and browser. Vaultine encrypts each file on the device, rejects codes it does not recognise, and runs on Windows and Mac as well as phones.
- [Vaultine vs. Secret Photo Vault](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-secret-photo-vault): Secret Photo Vault organises photos into locked categories with decoy users. Vaultine encrypts each file with AES-256-GCM on the device, has no ads, and covers Windows and Mac as well as phones.
- [Vaultine vs. Safe Lock](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-safe-lock): Safe Lock is well-reviewed and offers plenty of unlock methods plus break-in reports. Vaultine's difference is what happens to the file itself, and that it runs on Windows and Mac as well as phones.
- [Vaultine vs. PV - Secret Photo Album](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-pv-secret-photo-album): PV has a fake password, Face ID and paid cloud storage tiers. Vaultine encrypts each file on the device, needs no account, has no ads, and covers Windows and Mac as well as phones.
- [Vaultine vs. Folder Lock](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-folder-lock): Folder Lock is the rare vault app that does not stop at the phone, and it encrypts. The differences are account-free operation, a duress code, and what its own reviewers report about ads and losing files.
- [Vaultine vs. Secret Photo Album](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-secret-photo-album): Secret Photo Album is a phone vault with a fake PIN, break-in alerts and its own cloud. Vaultine encrypts per file on the device, holds no keys, and covers Windows and Mac as well.
- [Vaultine vs. Samsung Secure Folder](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-samsung-secure-folder): Secure Folder is genuine hardware-backed encryption, and it is excellent — as long as you stay on a Samsung Galaxy. Vaultine gives up the hardware container to be portable across Windows, macOS, iOS and Android with no account.
- [Vaultine vs. Privault](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-privault): Privault is a passcode-protected folder with a second passcode for a second folder. Vaultine encrypts each file on the device, rejects codes it does not recognise, and runs on four platforms.
- [Vaultine vs. Private Photo Vault](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-private-photo-vault): Private Photo Vault is a phone app with a decoy password and cloud backup. Vaultine covers Windows and Mac as well, needs no account, and adds a duress code that wipes rather than hides.
- [Vaultine vs. Keepsafe](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-keepsafe): Keepsafe is account-based and cloud-backed. Vaultine encrypts on your device, needs no account, and runs on Windows and Mac as well as phones.
- [Vaultine vs. Hide it Pro](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-hide-it-pro): Hide it Pro is a long-standing app for hiding photos and videos, with cloud backup and a subscription. Vaultine encrypts each file on the device, needs no account, and runs on four platforms.
- [Vaultine vs. Calculator Vault Apps](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-calculator-vault-apps): A calculator disguise hides that a vault exists. It does not make the files unreadable. Vaultine encrypts each file on the device, shows no ads, and covers Windows and Mac as well as phones.
- [Vaultine vs. Apple Hidden Album](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-apple-hidden-album): The Hidden album is free, built in, and fine for keeping photos out of casual view. It hides rather than encrypts, it lives in your iCloud Photos library, and it is the first place anyone looks.
- [Vaultine vs. Vaultaire](https://vaultine.app/compare/vaultine-vs-vaultaire): Both encrypt properly with AES-256-GCM and neither needs an account. They differ on two things: Vaultine runs on Windows and Mac as well as phones, and it rejects codes it does not recognise instead of opening a new vault for every input.

## Who it's for
- [Vaultine for Whistleblowers](https://vaultine.app/for/whistleblowers): An encrypted vault with no account behind it, a Decoy Vault for a device check, and an encrypted backup so the record survives even if the device does not.
- [Vaultine for Therapists](https://vaultine.app/for/therapists): A separate encrypted vault per client for notes, intake forms and assessments, with a viewer that writes nothing to disk and a lock that closes when you switch windows.
- [Vaultine for Small Business Owners](https://vaultine.app/for/small-business): Separate encrypted vaults for payroll, staff records and tax documents on the machine you actually run the business from, with no account and no server holding your files.
- [Vaultine for Shared Devices](https://vaultine.app/for/shared-devices): Keep personal documents and photos in their own encrypted vault on a computer or phone other people use, with a separate lock and a viewer that writes nothing to disk.
- [Vaultine for Photographers](https://vaultine.app/for/photographers): Separate encrypted vaults per client, whole shoots imported as folders, and a built-in viewer that never writes a decrypted copy to disk.
- [Vaultine for Personal Safety](https://vaultine.app/for/personal-safety): An encrypted vault for documents and evidence, with an optional copy that survives if the device does not, and a clear account of what a vault app cannot do.
- [Vaultine for Freelancers](https://vaultine.app/for/freelancers): A separate encrypted vault for each client's material, imported as whole folders, on a device with no account and no server holding your files or your key.
- [Vaultine for Activists](https://vaultine.app/for/activists): A private, encrypted vault for protest photos, contacts and planning details, with a Duress Vault that wipes the real files if you're forced to unlock under pressure.
- [Vaultine for Travelers](https://vaultine.app/for/travelers): A private, encrypted vault for passport scans, travel documents and photos — encrypted on the device, with an optional encrypted backup in case a phone is lost or confiscated.
- [Vaultine for Lawyers](https://vaultine.app/for/lawyers): Separate encrypted vaults per client or case, imported as whole folders, on a device with no account and no server holding your files or your key.
- [Vaultine for Journalists](https://vaultine.app/for/journalists): A private, encrypted vault for source material and contact lists, with a Duress Vault that wipes the real files if you're forced to unlock under pressure.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is Vaultine?

Vaultine is the ultimate secure folder and file encryption application built exclusively for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android. It allows you to secure, hide, and encrypt your files, photos, and documents using military-grade AES-256-GCM encryption.

### Is Vaultine free to use?

Vaultine is free to download. The free tier includes AES-256 encryption and the secure viewer, with one vault holding up to 10 files. Vaultine Pro unlocks unlimited storage, multiple vaults, the Decoy Vault and Duress Vault, custom recovery phrases, and encrypted Dropbox sync.

### How do I upgrade to Vaultine Pro?

You can upgrade to Vaultine Pro from within the app through your platform's app store (App Store, Google Play, or Microsoft Store). We offer monthly, yearly, or a one-time lifetime license.

### Does Vaultine work on mobile devices?

Yes. Vaultine is built for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android to provide deep integration, maximum performance, and native security on all supported platforms.

### Is Vaultine suitable for business or enterprise use?

While Vaultine uses military-grade encryption suitable for protecting sensitive business documents, it is currently designed primarily for individual users. We do not offer centralized enterprise administration features.

### Do I need to create an account?

No account, no email, no sign-up. Vaultine runs on a zero-knowledge architecture: all encryption happens locally and your keys never leave your device. On first install the app does register your device once (basic device and app info plus a random install ID and push token) — but that involves no account and nothing that identifies you personally.

### Does Vaultine have ads or collect my data?

The contents of your vaults never leave your device except through the Dropbox account you connect yourself, and we can't see or decrypt them. Vaultine contains no third-party analytics SDKs or data-harvesting trackers, and we never sell your data. When you first install the app it registers your device once — this sends basic device and app details (make, model, screen size, OS and app version, language and country), a random install ID, and a push token for notifications. That check-in carries no account, no email, and nothing that identifies you personally.

### How is my data encrypted?

Vaultine actively encrypts every single file you import using advanced split and randomized AES-256-GCM encryption techniques. All encryption is performed locally on your device, ensuring complete protection.

### How fast is the encryption process?

Vaultine uses hardware-accelerated AES-256-GCM encryption, which means most files are encrypted and decrypted almost instantly, taking full advantage of modern processors.

### Is my data secure if my device is stolen?

Yes. Because your files are actively encrypted and your unique access credentials are required for decryption, your data remains completely indecipherable to anyone even if your hard drive is compromised or stolen.

### Will my antivirus flag Vaultine's encrypted files?

No, Vaultine's encrypted file chunks are saved in a standard, secure format. However, because they are encrypted, they cannot be scanned by antivirus software while they remain locked in the vault.

### What lock methods are available?

You can secure your vault using either a Tactical 5x5 Pattern (a highly secure visual grid that eliminates shoulder-surfing risks) or a classic 6-digit numeric Secure PIN.

## Optional
- [Sitemap](https://vaultine.app/sitemap.xml)