Open an existing vault
- In the Vaults library, choose Open Vault from Files.
- Select the complete native vault file or movie carrier from its Files location.
- Choose the vault in the library and enter its password, or use Use Security Key for a registered-key vault.
- Wait for its file list to appear.
The selected document remains its home. The app keeps a private working copy for file operations and saves encrypted changes back to the selected document.
Save and lock
Successful file changes are saved back to the Files document. Tap Lock when finished; locking also checkpoints the vault and attempts its final save. Backgrounding the app closes open vaults too.
A provider accepting a save does not mean another device has finished downloading it. Before switching devices, lock the vault and allow the Files provider and any required iCloud Keychain state to sync. Do not edit the same vault on two devices at once.
Changes waiting to save
Changes waiting to save means the latest changes remain on this device. Keep the app and its local data intact.
- Check the device's connection and the Files provider's availability.
- Make the destination available locally if its provider offers that option.
- Return to the library or open vault and choose Try Saving Again.
- Confirm the waiting-to-save message clears.
If another device changed the external copy, PhantomVault does not silently overwrite it or merge both versions. Use Export Encrypted Vault to preserve the local version separately before investigating the conflict.
Reconnect a moved or unavailable document
- In the library, find the vault and choose Reconnect Files Location.
- Select the same vault at its current Files location.
- Unlock it when asked so PhantomVault can verify its identity.
Reconnection does not turn a different vault into the original. If the external file has changed and local edits are pending, preserve an encrypted copy rather than replacing either version.
Move an older local vault into Files
If a vault shows Move to Files, choose it, pick a destination folder and let the save finish. Choose Another Folder is available for eligible location changes. These actions retain the private working copy and do not overwrite a same-named destination file.
Files in On My iPhone/iPad → PhantomVault are associated with the app. Before deleting the app, make an encrypted copy in a separate location and verify it opens.