Short answerNo-account vaults like VaultBolt, Vaultaire, Obscura and Encamera work without any sign-up. They encrypt on your device, back up to your own iCloud or an encrypted file, and use a recovery phrase instead of an email reset, so the developer never has a way into your vault.
What an account exposes
- Your identity, linked to a vault. A breach of the vendor's user database reveals who uses a private photo app.
- A reset path. If support can reset your password by email, anyone who gets into your email can too.
- A legal target. Data the company holds about you can be requested.
How no-account vaults work instead
- Keys come from your unlock, not from a server.
- Backups are encrypted first and go to your own iCloud or an encrypted file you keep.
- Recovery uses a phrase. VaultBolt shows 12 words once at setup and checks that you wrote them down.
- Purchases go through Apple. Your Apple Account owns the purchase; the vault developer never sees your name.
The trade-off
With no account, there is no "forgot password" email. If you lose both your unlock and your recovery phrase, nobody can help, which is exactly what makes the design safe. Write the phrase down and keep it away from your phone.
Vaults that need no account
From their App Store listings: VaultBolt, Vaultaire, Obscura, Encamera and HiddenVault (which says it does not collect personal data). Secret Photo Album and PV use an email for sync or recovery. See the full comparison.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recover a vault without an account?
With a recovery phrase or recovery key that only you hold. VaultBolt gives each vault a 12-word phrase.
How do purchases work without an account?
In-app purchases are tied to your Apple Account by Apple. The vault developer never needs your name or email.
