# Open PhantomVault through PhantomCal

> Set up the optional calendar opening screen, return to your vaults and change the opening secret.

Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/phantomcal-opening
Product: PhantomVault
Platforms: macOS and 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/phantomcal-opening.md
Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/phantomcal-opening/
Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/phantomcal-opening/
Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt
Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt

## What the opening mode changes

PhantomCal opening mode displays a working calendar before the private PhantomVault interface. You choose a separate calendar PIN of at least six digits or a passphrase of at least 12 characters. Use a non-date secret accepted by the setup form, because ordinary valid dates navigate the calendar.

The opening secret is local to this device and app installation. Configure it separately on each device; the secrets can differ. Copying a vault does not copy its calendar opening setup.

The opening secret reveals the interface. App Access or App Lock and each vault's own unlock method still apply. Calendar events belong to your device's configured calendar accounts; they are not files inside a vault.

## Set up on Mac

1. From the private interface, open **Settings → Calendar Opening**.
2. Under **Secret type**, choose PIN or passphrase.
3. Enter **Secret** and **Confirm secret**.
4. Choose **Enable PhantomCal** and read the return instructions.
5. Choose **Return to Calendar** when ready.

While enabled, the running app uses the PhantomCal Dock icon. The installed app name remains PhantomVault.

## Set up on iPhone or iPad

1. Open **Settings → PhantomCal**.
2. Choose **Turn On PhantomCal**.
3. Choose and confirm the separate calendar credential, then finish setup.
4. Read **How to return to PhantomVault**. On iPhone, the optional setup tips explain how to move the app into the Dock; that changes placement, not the installed app name.
5. Use **Lock & Return** to close open vaults and return to the calendar.

iOS changes the Home Screen icon through its system icon-change flow. The calendar icon stays during private access. The installed name, system permission prompts and App Store identity remain PhantomVault. If the icon update fails, use **Retry Icon Update** in these settings.

## Return to your vaults

On Mac, choose **Go to Date…** in the calendar sidebar, enter your calendar opening secret in the date field, and choose **Go to Date** or press Return.

On iPhone or iPad, tap the calendar-and-clock **Go to Date** control at the top, enter the calendar credential under **Enter a date**, and tap **Go**.

The private interface appears after successful authentication. Entering an ordinary valid date navigates to that date instead. Leaving or hiding the app clears pending secret entry and conceals the private interface.

## Change or disable the mode

Return to the private settings first. On Mac, enter **Current secret**, then use **Change Secret** with the new confirmed secret, or **Disable PhantomCal**. On iOS, choose **Change Calendar Credential** or **Turn Off PhantomCal** and provide the existing credential.

Keep this secret safe. Resetting app access or tutorial progress does not reset it. No bypass or forgotten-calendar-secret recovery is offered by the current interface.

## Return safely after using files

On iPhone and iPad, **Lock & Return** closes vaults. On Mac, **Return to Calendar** follows **Lock Open Vaults with the App**; you may also use **Lock & Eject** yourself before returning.

For the calendar's ordinary controls, read [calendar accounts and events](https://phantomsecure.app/help/shared/calendar-events.md). For repeatable walkthroughs, read [Help & Tutorials](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/tutorials-help.md).