# Add, organize and share files on iPhone or iPad

> Work inside an unlocked vault and choose between sharing a readable file and copying the encrypted vault.

Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/files-ios
Product: PhantomVault
Platforms: iOS
Updated: 2026-11-02
Availability: Preview-build instructions.
Tested app version: Not recorded
Tested build: Not recorded
Tested OS version: Not recorded

Source: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/files-ios.md
Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/files-ios/
Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/files-ios/
Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt
Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt

## Add files and folders

1. Unlock the destination vault.
2. Open the folder where you want the files.
3. Tap the **File actions** plus button and choose **Add Files**.
4. Select files in the Files picker and allow the import to finish.

Files are copied into the vault. Originals remain in their source locations. To create a folder, use **File actions → New Folder**, enter a name and tap **Save**.

Tap a folder to enter it. Use **All Files** or the parent-folder control to go back. **Find in this folder** searches the current folder's displayed contents; it is not a search across all vaults.

## Rename or delete an item

Touch and hold an item to open its menu. Choose **Rename**, enter the new name and tap **Save**. Choose **Delete** to remove the item from this vault copy, then confirm. Deletion cannot be undone inside the app. If you need to retain an item, keep it in a separate vault or deliberately export a readable copy before deleting it. Older snapshots of the same vault may be rejected by its freshness checks.

## Export a readable file

Tap a file, or touch and hold it and choose **Export Copy**. Confirm **Export an unencrypted copy?** using **Export Copy**, then choose an app or destination in the share sheet.

The recipient receives readable file content. The file inside the vault stays encrypted at rest. PhantomVault clears its own temporary export after the sharing flow, locking or cleanup; a copy saved by the destination app remains under that app's control.

## Export the complete encrypted vault

Choose **File actions → Export Encrypted Vault**, then save or share it through the system sheet. This creates a separate encrypted carrier copy, useful for backup or transfer. Opening that copy still needs the vault's credentials and any additional required key.

## Send files from another app

1. In the source app, select files and open **Share**.
2. Choose **Add to PhantomVault**. If it is not shown, look in the share sheet's additional actions.
3. Open PhantomVault and unlock the destination vault.
4. Find the waiting batch in the shared-files inbox and tap **Add**.
5. Check the result before discarding anything from the source app.

Share up to **32 files totaling 1 GB per batch**. For larger files, unlock the destination vault and use **File actions → Add Files** inside PhantomVault.

The inbox encrypts pending files and their names. A failed or partly imported batch stays available for review; the app does not automatically retry a partly successful batch. **Discard Shared Files** removes the inbox copy and leaves source files unchanged.

If a save remains pending after an operation, follow [Files locations and reconnecting](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/files-locations-ios.md). Tap **Lock** when finished.