# PhantomVault and PhantomCal documentation > Official task reference from Little Guy Dev, LLC. Updated: 2026-11-02 Scope: Preview-build instructions. Standalone PhantomCal is in preparation. PhantomVault's optional PhantomCal opening mode is a separate feature, not the standalone product. Tested app versions, build numbers and OS versions: Not recorded in these source guides. Start with the task and platform. Follow visible controls; the user completes authentication in the app. Agent portal: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/ Human help: https://phantomsecure.app/help/ Machine-readable guide index: https://phantomsecure.app/help/guide-index.json Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## PhantomVault - [Protect access to the app](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/app-access.md): Configure app locking without confusing it with the credentials that decrypt your vaults. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/app-access | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/app-access/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/app-access/ - [Back up and transfer a vault](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/backup-transfer.md): Preserve the complete encrypted file, keep its required keys and use one device at a time. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/backup-transfer | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/backup-transfer/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/backup-transfer/ - [Create a vault on iPhone or iPad](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/create-vault-ios.md): Choose a Files folder, password or security key, and an optional video carrier. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/create-vault-ios | Platforms: iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/create-vault-ios/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/create-vault-ios/ - [Create a vault on Mac](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/create-vault-mac.md): Make a native vault, choose its unlock method and save it in a folder you control. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/create-vault-mac | Platforms: macOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/create-vault-mac/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/create-vault-mac/ - [Add, organize and share files on iPhone or iPad](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/files-ios.md): Work inside an unlocked vault and choose between sharing a readable file and copying the encrypted vault. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/files-ios | Platforms: iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/files-ios/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/files-ios/ - [Open and reconnect vaults in Files](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/files-locations-ios.md): Keep your vault linked to its chosen document and resolve saves that are waiting on this device. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/files-locations-ios | Platforms: iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/files-locations-ios/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/files-locations-ios/ - [Get started with PhantomVault](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/get-started.md): Choose the right guide for your Mac, iPhone or iPad, and understand how the calendar opening mode fits in. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/get-started | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/get-started/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/get-started/ - [Use a movie as a vault cover](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/movie-covers.md): Understand the playable carrier, preserve your original movie and choose the right save option. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/movie-covers | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/movie-covers/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/movie-covers/ - [Open, use and lock a vault on Mac](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/open-lock-mac.md): Unlock a vault in PhantomVault, work in Finder and eject it when you finish. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/open-lock-mac | Platforms: macOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/open-lock-mac/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/open-lock-mac/ - [Passwords and additional protection](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/passwords-protection.md): Understand what your vault needs to open and choose a protection option you can maintain. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/passwords-protection | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/passwords-protection/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/passwords-protection/ - [Open PhantomVault through PhantomCal](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/phantomcal-opening.md): Set up the optional calendar opening screen, return to your vaults and change the opening secret. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/phantomcal-opening | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/phantomcal-opening/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/phantomcal-opening/ - [Use a security key with PhantomVault](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/security-keys.md): Create or open a vault with a compatible physical key, and keep app-access keys separate. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/security-keys | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/security-keys/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/security-keys/ - [Subscriptions, trials and Restore Purchases](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/subscriptions.md): Understand Apple-billed access and where to manage or restore a plan. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/subscriptions | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/subscriptions/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/subscriptions/ - [Set up Touch ID for a Mac vault](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/touch-id-mac.md): Enroll a password-based vault on this Mac and understand how that differs from unlocking the app. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/touch-id-mac | Platforms: macOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/touch-id-mac/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/touch-id-mac/ - [Troubleshoot opening, saving and locking](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/troubleshooting.md): Match the symptom to its access layer and preserve your vault while checking the cause. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/troubleshooting | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/troubleshooting/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/troubleshooting/ - [Replay walkthroughs and get help](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/tutorials-help.md): Find the private tutorial controls, repeat a tour or reset the device's tutorial progress. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/tutorials-help | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/tutorials-help/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/tutorials-help/ ## PhantomCal - [Get started with PhantomCal](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomcal/get-started.md): Understand the calendar experience and the difference between standalone PhantomCal and PhantomVault's opening mode. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomcal/get-started | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomcal/get-started/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomcal/get-started/ - [Scan a schedule into calendar events](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomcal/scan-schedule-ios.md): Import a printed schedule, selected photos or text, then review every event before saving. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomcal/scan-schedule-ios | Platforms: iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomcal/scan-schedule-ios/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomcal/scan-schedule-ios/ ## Calendar essentials - [Connect calendar accounts and choose what appears](https://phantomsecure.app/help/shared/calendar-accounts.md): Use the calendars already configured on your device and control PhantomCal's access and visibility. Document ID: phantom-help:shared/calendar-accounts | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/shared/calendar-accounts/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/shared/calendar-accounts/ - [Navigate dates and manage calendar events](https://phantomsecure.app/help/shared/calendar-events.md): Find a day, create an event, and edit events in your selected calendars. Document ID: phantom-help:shared/calendar-events | Platforms: macOS and iOS | Updated: 2026-11-02 Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/shared/calendar-events/ | Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/shared/calendar-events/ --- # Get started with PhantomCal > Understand the calendar experience and the difference between standalone PhantomCal and PhantomVault's opening mode. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomcal/get-started Product: PhantomCal Platforms: macOS and iOS Updated: 2026-11-02 Availability: Standalone PhantomCal is in preparation; these instructions describe the shared calendar experience in current preview builds. Tested app version: Not recorded Tested build: Not recorded Tested OS version: Not recorded Source: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomcal/get-started.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomcal/get-started/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomcal/get-started/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Availability of these instructions Standalone PhantomCal is in preparation. This page documents the calendar experience shared with current PhantomVault preview builds; it is not an announcement of a released standalone Mac or iOS app. Standalone-specific installation, purchase and account instructions will be added when those flows are available. ## Two different uses of the calendar **Standalone PhantomCal** is the calendar-only product. It does not have vaults, a private Vault interface, or a secret date-field route to PhantomVault. **PhantomVault's PhantomCal opening mode** is an optional calendar screen in PhantomVault. It adds a separate opening secret for returning to the private interface. Instructions for configuring that mode belong in [the PhantomVault guide](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/phantomcal-opening.md). ## Start using the calendar 1. Open the calendar and choose **Allow Calendar Access** if you want to view or edit your calendar events. 2. Select which available calendars to display. 3. Select a day in the month to see its agenda. 4. Move between months or choose **Today**. 5. Use **Go to Date** to jump to a specific date. You can browse dates without granting calendar access. To see events, your calendar account must be configured on the device and permission must be allowed. ## Read the right guide [Calendar accounts and permissions](https://phantomsecure.app/help/shared/calendar-accounts.md) explains where events come from. [Dates, agendas and events](https://phantomsecure.app/help/shared/calendar-events.md) covers navigation, creation and editing. The current iPhone and iPad calendar experience also has [Scan Schedule](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomcal/scan-schedule-ios.md), which turns selected images or entered text into events you review before adding. That guide describes the existing iOS preview feature; it does not promise a Mac scanning feature or a released standalone iOS app. ## Calendar-only help The shared standalone calendar interface has neutral **Calendar Help**. It explains calendar controls without teaching a Vault return route. PhantomVault instead keeps its private replay controls under **Settings → Help & Tutorials**. --- # Scan a schedule into calendar events > Import a printed schedule, selected photos or text, then review every event before saving. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomcal/scan-schedule-ios Product: PhantomCal Platforms: iOS Updated: 2026-11-02 Availability: Standalone PhantomCal is in preparation; these instructions describe the shared calendar experience in current preview builds. Tested app version: Not recorded Tested build: Not recorded Tested OS version: Not recorded Source: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomcal/scan-schedule-ios.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomcal/scan-schedule-ios/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomcal/scan-schedule-ios/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Choose the source In the current iPhone or iPad calendar preview, tap **Scan Schedule**. Choose one of these options: - **Scan with Camera** uses Apple's document camera when the device supports it. - **Choose Photos** lets you select up to eight existing images without granting access to the entire photo library. - **Enter Schedule Text** lets you type or paste a schedule. Recognition happens on the device. The workflow does not send the images or recognized schedule text to a PhantomVault service. Scanning alone never creates calendar events. ## Check the text first Open **Edit Recognized Text** if the scan missed details. Use **Schedule Text** to correct titles, dates and times. One event per line, with an explicit year and start and end times, gives you a clearer result to review. Check **Reference date** for text that omits a year and the **Time Zone** used to interpret times. Choose **Find Events in This Text**. If you already edited candidate events, **Replace Events from This Text** replaces those candidates and edits; it does not add anything to the calendar yet. ## Review every event 1. Open each candidate in **Review events**. 2. Correct the title, date, year, start, end, location and notes. 3. For **All day**, set the intended inclusive **Last Day**. 4. Resolve the details called out under **Check these details**. Use **I Checked the Title, Year, Dates and Times** only after comparing with the source. 5. Turn off **Include this event** for anything you do not want. Ambiguous or missing details need correction or explicit review before saving is available. If nothing useful was recognized, use **Create an Event Manually** or start over with clearer text. ## Choose a destination and add In **Calendar**, choose a writable destination under **Add to**. If needed, use **Allow Calendar Access** or **Open Calendar Settings** and return to the review. Then tap **Add 1 Event** or **Add N Events**, matching the displayed selection count. Review the completion summary. Events the app recognizes as already present in the destination are skipped; compare the calendar before importing the same schedule again. ## Leaving the workflow **Cancel**, **Start Over**, closing the workflow or ordinary backgrounding clears its temporary images, text and unsaved candidates. The explicit **Open Calendar Settings** trip can retain the current review while you change permission and return. Saved events remain in the destination calendar and follow that account's synchronization. Schedule scanning is an iOS preview feature; these instructions do not imply a Mac scanner or a released standalone iOS app. --- # Protect access to the app > Configure app locking without confusing it with the credentials that decrypt your vaults. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/app-access 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/app-access.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/app-access/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/app-access/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Mac: set up App Access 1. Open **Settings → App Access**. 2. Beside **App Password**, choose **Add** and complete the password form. **Change** updates an existing app password. 3. To use a physical key for app access, choose **Security Keys → Add Key**, give it a recognizable name and complete the prompts. 4. If available, enable **Unlock App with Touch ID** as another way to unlock the interface. 5. Choose **Auto-Lock After Inactivity** and decide whether to enable **Lock Open Vaults with the App**. **Lock Now → Lock** locks the interface immediately. The app also locks when the Mac locks or its display sleeps. When automatic vault locking is enabled, it also attempts to lock and eject open vaults. If that fails, close files using them and choose **Retry Locking Vaults**. Use **Remove** beside an app key to remove that app-access method. **Remove App Password** is available when at least one app security key remains. **Turn Off App Lock** requires confirmation with your Mac login. ## Mac: recover app access At the lock screen, choose **Reset App Access with Mac Login**, then confirm **Reset with Mac Login** using macOS authentication. This removes the app unlock methods so you can configure app access again. This resets access to the interface only. It does not reset a vault password, replace a vault security key, remove additional protection or reveal a forgotten PhantomCal opening secret. ## iPhone and iPad: App Lock 1. Open **Settings**. 2. Under **App access**, turn **App Lock** on or off and complete the device authentication prompt. 3. Check **Unlock with** to see the method available on your device. App Lock uses Face ID or Touch ID when available, with the device passcode as the system fallback. It does not create a separate app PIN. If authentication is cancelled, the private interface stays locked. Vaults close when the iOS app enters the background. This happens even if optional App Lock is off. When PhantomCal opening mode is enabled, **Lock & Return** also closes vaults and goes back to the calendar. ## If authentication is unavailable Use another configured Mac app method or the Mac-login reset. On iPhone and iPad, follow the system device-authentication prompt. A disabled or unavailable biometric sensor is not permission to bypass the vault's own credentials. Read [passwords and additional protection](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/passwords-protection.md) for the separate vault requirements. --- # Back up and transfer a vault > Preserve the complete encrypted file, keep its required keys and use one device at a time. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/backup-transfer 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/backup-transfer.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/backup-transfer/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/backup-transfer/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## What you need to keep A usable vault needs its complete carrier file, its password or registered security key, any required additional custody key, and compatible current key state. The remembered library entry is only a way to find the file. It is not a backup. Keep a current encrypted copy in a separate location. Make sure you know which file is the active copy. Copies share the vault's identity; they are not independent vaults that can safely diverge. ## Make a current encrypted copy On Mac, save and close documents, choose **Lock & Eject**, then copy the complete carrier in Finder. On iPhone or iPad, choose **Export Encrypted Vault** from the vault card's menu or the unlocked vault's **File actions** menu, and save the copy to a separate destination. A movie carrier must be copied as a file. Do not trim, convert, recompress or upload it through a photo/video service that changes its bytes. ## Move between Mac, iPhone and iPad 1. Finish work on the first device and lock the vault. On Mac, wait for **Lock & Eject** to finish. 2. On iOS, resolve **Changes waiting to save** before switching devices. 3. Let the complete file finish copying or synchronizing. Allow iCloud Keychain to sync as well. 4. On the destination, use **Open Vault** on Mac or **Open Vault from Files** on iOS. 5. Unlock with the original password or registered key and any required additional protection. 6. Confirm your latest files are present before continuing work. Do not edit the same vault simultaneously on multiple devices. The app does not merge divergent vaults or provide a distributed editing lock. ## Portability limits **This Mac** protection remains tied to its original Mac; copying its file does not move that key. Optional **iCloud** or **Require iCloud Keychain** custody requires the matching synchronized key. Touch ID enrollment and remembered file locations are local and may need to be set up again. The apps also check synchronized freshness state to reject older or conflicting versions. An older snapshot may be refused after the vault has advanced. A historical encrypted backup is therefore not a promise that any past version can be restored independently. Keep a current copy and do not delete key state to force an older file to open. ## Switching Mac app editions Standalone PhantomVault and the PhantomSecure suite keep separate remembered lists, app-access settings and Touch ID enrollments. Lock and eject in the originating app, then explicitly select the carrier with **Open Vault** in the other app. Access in the destination also requires that edition's applicable subscription or entitlement. ## Before deleting an app or replacing a device Save an encrypted copy outside app-owned local storage, preserve the required password or key, and verify legitimate access from the destination while the original device is still available. Never assume an app reinstall, Apple subscription restoration or a copied movie alone restores all vault keys. --- # Create a vault on iPhone or iPad > Choose a Files folder, password or security key, and an optional video carrier. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/create-vault-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/create-vault-ios.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/create-vault-ios/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/create-vault-ios/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Start the three-step form 1. Open the **Vaults** library and choose **Create Vault**. If you already have vaults, open the **Add vault** plus menu to find it. 2. Under **Vault name**, enter a name you will recognize. 3. Choose **Storage capacity**: **64 MB**, **256 MB**, or **1 GB**. Reserve enough room for the files you plan to add. 4. If you want a movie carrier, tap **Choose a video** under **Optional video carrier** and select a movie from Files. **Remove Video** returns to a standard vault file. The source video stays unchanged. 5. Tap **Next**. ## Choose how to unlock 1. Set **Unlock with** to **Password** or **Security Key**. 2. For **Password**, enter at least 12 characters and repeat them in **Confirm password**. 3. For **Security Key**, have a compatible key ready. Choosing the option does not register it immediately; the system prompts appear after **Create**. 4. If wanted, turn on **Require iCloud Keychain**. This adds a required key in iCloud Keychain; it does not put the vault file in iCloud Drive for you. 5. Tap **Next**. Keep the password or key safe. A device passcode cannot substitute for a vault security key, and PhantomVault cannot reset a forgotten vault password. ## Select the destination and create 1. Review **Your new vault**. 2. Tap **Save Location**, then **Choose Folder**. 3. In Apple's Files picker, choose a folder in **iCloud Drive**, **On My iPhone** or **On My iPad**, or another available provider. 4. Tap **Create**. For a security-key vault, complete Apple's connection, touch and any key-PIN prompts. 5. Wait for the vault to appear in the library, then unlock it with the method you selected. The chosen document is the vault's continuing location. PhantomVault saves encrypted changes back there. A folder with an existing file of the same name needs another name or destination; creation does not overwrite it. ## What happens if you leave the app Backgrounding closes the creation form and clears entered passwords. Start creation again if you left before it completed. A camera, key or Files prompt belongs to the system; follow or cancel that prompt rather than entering its credentials elsewhere. See [Files locations and reconnecting](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/files-locations-ios.md) for saving behavior and [backup and transfer](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/backup-transfer.md) before opening the vault on another device. --- # Create a vault on Mac > Make a native vault, choose its unlock method and save it in a folder you control. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/create-vault-mac Product: PhantomVault Platforms: macOS 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/create-vault-mac.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/create-vault-mac/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/create-vault-mac/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Before you start Have room for the vault's selected capacity and, if you use a movie cover, the movie data too. Save the vault outside an app bundle or the app's private container. Choose a location you can find and back up later. If PhantomVault asks you to enable its filesystem extension, choose **Open File System Extensions** or **Open Login Items & Extensions**, as shown in the setup screen. Enable **PhantomVault** under File System Extensions, then return to the app; setup resumes automatically. If it was already enabled, choose **Continue**. Permission previously granted to PhantomSecure is separate from permission for standalone PhantomVault. ## Create the vault 1. Select **New Vault**, or **Create New Vault** in an empty library. 2. In **Choose a Disguise**, choose **Vault File** for an ordinary vault file or **Movie** for a playable movie carrier. 3. For a movie, choose **Generated Cover** or **Use My Movie**. Wait for preparation to finish before continuing. 4. Choose a name and the available icon options. A custom icon uses **Choose Image…**; **Use Default** restores the default choice. 5. In **Unlock Your Vault**, choose **Passphrase** or **Security Key**. A passphrase must contain at least 12 characters and match **Confirm passphrase**. For a key, read the key requirement and acknowledge it. 6. Choose **Additional Protection**: **None**, **This Mac**, or **iCloud**. Read and acknowledge the recovery limit for an additional key. 7. In **Choose Your Vault Size**, choose the storage capacity. The custom control accepts whole MiB from 1 MiB to 8 GiB. The wizard shows space inside the vault separately from its estimated file size on disk. 8. Review the summary and **Save Location**, then choose **Create Vault**. The completed vault appears in the remembered list. Open it using its selected unlock method, then work in Finder. ## Saving a movie carrier With **Use My Movie**, the final **Where to Save** section offers **Keep Original & Save Elsewhere** or **Move Original & Save Here**. Check both **Original saved to** and **Vault saved to** before creating. The [movie-cover guide](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/movie-covers.md) explains these choices. ## Choose protection for how you will use the vault **This Mac** binds the additional key to this Mac. It is unsuitable for a vault you need to open on iPhone, iPad or a replacement Mac. **iCloud** requires the corresponding iCloud Keychain key on each device. Neither is a substitute for the selected passphrase or security key. See [passwords and additional protection](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/passwords-protection.md) and [security keys](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/security-keys.md) before choosing a method you have not used before. Decoy-vault creation is not available in this version. ## If Create is unavailable Check the current step for an incomplete name, invalid size, unmatched passphrase, unacknowledged protection requirement, unfinished movie preparation or missing destination. Use **Back** to correct the choice. If the destination already contains the proposed file, choose another location or name; do not remove a file you still need. --- # 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. --- # Open and reconnect vaults in Files > Keep your vault linked to its chosen document and resolve saves that are waiting on this device. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/files-locations-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-locations-ios.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/files-locations-ios/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/files-locations-ios/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Open an existing vault 1. In the **Vaults** library, choose **Open Vault from Files**. 2. Select the complete native vault file or movie carrier from its Files location. 3. Choose the vault in the library and enter its password, or use **Use Security Key** for a registered-key vault. 4. 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. 1. Check the device's connection and the Files provider's availability. 2. Make the destination available locally if its provider offers that option. 3. Return to the library or open vault and choose **Try Saving Again**. 4. 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 1. In the library, find the vault and choose **Reconnect Files Location**. 2. Select the same vault at its current Files location. 3. 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. --- # Get started with PhantomVault > Choose the right guide for your Mac, iPhone or iPad, and understand how the calendar opening mode fits in. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/get-started 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/get-started.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/get-started/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/get-started/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## What PhantomVault does These guides describe current preview builds. Store availability and release status are separate from the features described here. PhantomVault keeps files inside an encrypted vault file. You choose where that file lives and the credentials needed to open it. Opening the app and unlocking a vault are separate actions. On Mac, an unlocked native vault appears as a volume in Finder. On iPhone and iPad, you work with its files inside PhantomVault. The current standalone apps require an Apple silicon Mac with macOS 27, or an iPhone or iPad with iOS/iPadOS 27. ## Your first vault 1. Open PhantomVault. If a subscription screen appears, review the available Apple plans or choose **Restore Purchases** for an existing purchase. 2. Choose **New Vault** on Mac or **Create Vault** on iPhone or iPad. 3. Choose a name, capacity, unlock method and save location. A movie cover is optional. 4. Create the vault and keep its passphrase or registered security key safe. 5. Add a small file, then lock the vault and open it again so you are familiar with the process. Follow the full [Mac creation guide](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/create-vault-mac.md) or [iPhone and iPad creation guide](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/create-vault-ios.md). ## Understand the three access layers | Layer | What it does | | --- | --- | | PhantomCal opening secret | Reveals PhantomVault from its optional calendar opening screen. | | App Access or App Lock | Controls access to the app's private interface. | | Vault passphrase or security key | Unlocks the contents of a particular vault. Additional protection may also be required. | A calendar PIN does not replace a vault password. Resetting app access does not reset a vault. ## PhantomCal and the movie cover are different [PhantomCal opening mode](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/phantomcal-opening.md) makes the app open to a working calendar. A [movie cover](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/movie-covers.md) changes the vault file's carrier. You may use either, both or neither. Standalone PhantomCal is a calendar product. It does not provide a route to encrypted vaults. Read the [PhantomCal guide](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomcal/get-started.md) for that distinction. ## Choose an appearance In **Settings → Appearance**, choose system, light or dark appearance. On iPhone and iPad, these choices are under **Appearance → Theme**. System follows your device's appearance setting. The calendar opening screen uses the same app appearance. ## Where to go next Use [opening and locking on Mac](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/open-lock-mac.md), [Files locations on iOS](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/files-locations-ios.md), or [file actions on iPhone and iPad](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/files-ios.md). Before moving to another device, read [backup and transfer](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/backup-transfer.md). --- # Use a movie as a vault cover > Understand the playable carrier, preserve your original movie and choose the right save option. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/movie-covers 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/movie-covers.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/movie-covers/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/movie-covers/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## What a movie cover does A movie carrier combines playable movie content with the encrypted vault. A video player plays the movie; PhantomVault opens the vault using its normal credentials. The movie is visible cover content, so choose footage you are comfortable leaving outside the encrypted files. The carrier can be larger than the source movie because it also holds vault storage. A movie cover is not a guarantee that software or another person cannot identify a vault. ## Mac: choose the cover In **New Vault → Choose a Disguise → Movie**, choose: - **Generated Cover** for a short abstract movie created by the app. - **Use My Movie** for an MP4, M4V or MOV file you select. Wait until preparation completes. Use **Change** to choose a different movie or **Cancel** to stop preparation. ## Mac: decide where the original goes On the summary screen, inspect **Where to Save**: - **Keep Original & Save Elsewhere** keeps the source movie where it is and saves a separate vault. Use **Choose Folder…** for the vault destination. - **Move Original & Save Here** saves the original movie in another folder and puts the vault at its former location. Choose the original's destination and grant **Allow Saving Here…** if asked. Read both **Original saved to** and **Vault saved to** before **Create Vault**. If you want the least change to an existing movie collection, keeping the original and saving the vault elsewhere makes the two files easiest to distinguish. ## iPhone and iPad: select a video In **Create Vault**, tap **Choose a video** under **Optional video carrier**. The app creates a separate carrier in the **Save Location** folder. The original video stays unchanged. iOS creation does not offer the Mac's generated-cover or move-original choices. ## Keep the complete carrier intact Back up or transfer the complete vault file after locking it. Editing, trimming, transcoding or sending it through a service that recompresses videos can remove vault data. Use a file-copy route that preserves the original bytes. To access private files, choose **Open Vault** on Mac or **Open Vault from Files** on iOS and select the carrier. Playing the video does not unlock the vault. See [backup and transfer](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/backup-transfer.md). --- # Open, use and lock a vault on Mac > Unlock a vault in PhantomVault, work in Finder and eject it when you finish. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/open-lock-mac Product: PhantomVault Platforms: macOS 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/open-lock-mac.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/open-lock-mac/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/open-lock-mac/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Open a remembered vault 1. Open PhantomVault and complete any configured calendar opening or App Access step. 2. Select the vault in the library, or use its three-dot menu and choose **Unlock Vault**. 3. Enter its passphrase and choose **Unlock**, or follow the prompts for its registered security key. If you enrolled this vault for Touch ID, **Unlock with Touch ID** may also be available. 4. Wait for the vault to open in Finder. For a vault outside the remembered list, use **Open Vault** or the empty-library **Open Existing Vault** control, then select its vault file or movie carrier. A successful authenticated open adds it to the list. ## Work with files in Finder The unlocked vault is a mounted volume. Use Finder to create folders, copy files in and open files with compatible apps. Save edits back to the mounted volume to keep them inside the vault. Copying a file into the vault does not delete its original. Copying a file out makes a readable copy outside the vault. Files opened in another app are also subject to that app's own saving and recent-file behavior. If you close the Finder window, the vault can remain unlocked. Use the vault's menu → **Show in Finder** to reopen its window. ## Lock and eject 1. Finish saving files and close documents that are using the vault. 2. In PhantomVault, open its three-dot menu and choose **Lock & Eject**. 3. Wait until the vault is shown as locked and the mounted volume is gone. **LOCK TRACKED** on the main vault screen locks the open vaults currently tracked by this app. It is useful when you have finished with all of them. If locking fails, close apps or Finder operations still using the volume, then retry. Treat the vault as open until locking succeeds. **Retry Locking Vaults** appears when app-level locking could not finish. ## Remove an entry without deleting the vault Choose **Remove from Remembered List…** and confirm. The app locks the vault and forgets its entry; the carrier file and encryption keys stay in place. You can add it again with **Open Existing Vault**. This is different from deleting the actual vault file in Finder. Keep a backup before removing files you may need later. ## Calendar return and App Access **Return to Calendar** conceals the private interface. Whether open Mac vaults also lock follows **Settings → App Access → Lock Open Vaults with the App**. Enable that setting if you want app locking to eject them. You can always use **Lock & Eject** explicitly before returning. See [App Access](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/app-access.md). --- # Passwords and additional protection > Understand what your vault needs to open and choose a protection option you can maintain. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/passwords-protection 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/passwords-protection.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/passwords-protection/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/passwords-protection/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Your vault password or passphrase Mac calls it a **Passphrase**; iPhone and iPad call it a **Password**. Both are the secret for a password-based vault and require at least 12 characters at creation. Keep it in a safe place separate from the vault file. To open, select the vault and enter that secret in its unlock screen. Capitalization and the characters you enter matter. App Access, Face ID, a device passcode and the PhantomCal opening secret do not change the vault password. There is no vault-password reset that recovers the encrypted contents. A backup of the vault file still needs its credentials. ## Additional Protection on Mac Choose this during creation: | Choice | What is also required | Portability | | --- | --- | --- | | **None** | No extra custody key beyond the chosen unlock method. | The file still uses synchronized freshness checks when opened on another device. | | **This Mac** | A key bound to this Mac's Secure Enclave. | The vault remains bound to that Mac. Losing, erasing or replacing it can make the vault inaccessible. | | **iCloud** | Its additional key in iCloud Keychain. | Other supported devices need that key to have synchronized before opening. | **This Mac** does not mean “require Touch ID on every open.” [Touch ID enrollment](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/touch-id-mac.md) is a separate control. ## Require iCloud Keychain on iPhone and iPad The creation form's **Require iCloud Keychain** switch is the additional iCloud custody option. It protects key access; the vault file remains in the **Save Location** you choose. Selecting an iCloud Drive folder and enabling iCloud Keychain are separate decisions. A vault created with **This Mac** protection cannot be made portable by copying its file to an iPhone. Use a different vault created with protection appropriate to the devices you need. ## If a key or freshness checkpoint is missing Sign in to the expected Apple Account and allow iCloud Keychain to synchronize. The app also needs the current freshness checkpoint for the vault, including for a vault without optional iCloud custody. An encrypted file arriving through Files does not prove that its key state has arrived. Do not delete Keychain entries or replace newer copies while investigating. Preserve the complete carrier and the device that can still open it. See [backup and transfer](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/backup-transfer.md) and [troubleshooting](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/troubleshooting.md). ## What these options do not provide The current standalone interfaces do not offer recovery codes, a forgotten-vault-password reset, or decoy-vault creation. Adding a security key for **App Access** does not add that key as a spare credential for an existing vault. --- # 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). --- # Use a security key with PhantomVault > Create or open a vault with a compatible physical key, and keep app-access keys separate. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/security-keys 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/security-keys.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/security-keys/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/security-keys/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Check compatibility first Vault security-key support uses a compatible FIDO2 key with the required PRF capability. Not every device sold as a security key supports this use. The Mac interface labels its vault-key feature a prototype. Keep another copy of files you cannot afford to lose before relying on a newly configured key. The current vault feature enrolls one key. It cannot add spare vault keys or replace a lost or reset enrolled credential. A security-key vault has no fallback vault passphrase. ## Create a security-key vault on Mac 1. Start **New Vault** and continue to **Unlock Your Vault**. 2. Choose **Security Key** under **Unlock With**. 3. Read and select the acknowledgment that the key is required and recovery is unavailable. 4. Choose any **Additional Protection**, finish the remaining fields, and choose **Create Vault**. 5. Connect the compatible USB key and complete its PIN and touch prompts when requested. Do not enter the PhantomCal PIN, Mac login password or app password in place of a key's own PIN. Cancelling a prompt cancels that attempt. ## Create a security-key vault on iPhone or iPad 1. In **Create Vault**, set **Unlock with** to **Security Key**. 2. Choose any **Require iCloud Keychain** option and your **Save Location**. 3. Tap **Create**. 4. Follow Apple's security-key sheet for connection, touch and any PIN. The system handles the available USB or NFC interaction. Selecting **Security Key** alone does not register the key. Registration and a separate confirmation happen during creation. ## Open it again On Mac, select the vault and complete the security-key prompt. On iPhone or iPad, select the vault and tap **Use Security Key**, then finish Apple's prompts. Use the same registered key. Optional custody and current synchronized key state must also be available. If a different key or unsupported key is rejected, reconnect the registered compatible key and retry. If the registered key has been lost or reset, a second unregistered key cannot recover the vault. Preserve your encrypted copies while checking any other device that already has legitimate access. ## App Access keys are a different feature Mac **Settings → App Access → Security Keys → Add Key** registers a key to unlock the app interface. That feature can list multiple named app keys. It does not enroll those keys into your vaults. See [App Access](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/app-access.md). --- # Subscriptions, trials and Restore Purchases > Understand Apple-billed access and where to manage or restore a plan. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/subscriptions 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/subscriptions.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/subscriptions/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/subscriptions/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Read the offer shown in your app Standalone PhantomVault uses Apple subscriptions for creating and opening vaults. The purchase screen shows the available monthly or annual plan, localized price, billing period and any trial for which Apple reports eligibility. If no trial is shown, do not assume one applies. A trial depends on the offered product and your Apple Account's eligibility. Review the exact price and renewal terms in Apple's purchase confirmation before approving it. These help pages describe preview-app behavior and do not confirm a product's current App Store availability. ## Start a subscription 1. On Mac, choose **New Vault** or open a vault when subscription access is required. On iPhone or iPad, you can also open **Settings → Subscription**. The Mac Subscription settings show status, manage and restore actions rather than a plan picker. 2. Select the displayed plan. 3. Review and complete Apple's confirmation. 4. Wait for the app to verify active access before creating or opening a vault. An unfinished, cancelled or pending purchase does not grant active access. If plans cannot load, try **Try Again** where offered after checking the connection. ## Restore an existing Apple purchase Use the same Apple Account that purchased the subscription. On Mac, open **Settings → Subscription → Restore Purchases**. On iPhone or iPad, use **Settings → Subscription → Restore Purchases**, or **Restore Purchases** on the purchase screen. The Mac and iOS apps use the same PhantomVault Apple subscription products. Restoration still requires Apple to verify active entitlement on the device. Restoring a purchase restores access, not deleted vault files, forgotten passwords or missing keys. ## Manage renewal or cancellation On Mac, use **Settings → Subscription → Manage Apple Subscription**. On iOS, open the active subscription screen and use **Manage Subscription**. Apple's subscription settings show the current plan and cancellation options. Deleting PhantomVault does not cancel an Apple subscription. Cancelling does not delete your vault files. Keep current encrypted backups and your credentials independently of billing. ## Apple purchases and website purchases An Apple PhantomVault subscription and a PhantomSecure website subscription are separate purchases. The current standalone apps do not convert a website login or Stripe subscription into an Apple entitlement. The website edition's access rules and billing management are separate. If you purchased through the website, do not purchase again just to investigate a mismatch. Check which edition you opened and contact [support](https://littleguydev.com/contact.html) with your purchase channel and app version. Do not send payment-card details or credentials. --- # Set up Touch ID for a Mac vault > Enroll a password-based vault on this Mac and understand how that differs from unlocking the app. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/touch-id-mac Product: PhantomVault Platforms: macOS 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/touch-id-mac.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/touch-id-mac/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/touch-id-mac/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Requirements Touch ID for a vault is available for native passphrase vaults on a Mac with configured, available Touch ID. A security-key vault continues to require its registered security key. The enrollment is local to this Mac and app. Keep the vault passphrase: Touch ID availability can change, and another Mac or app installation does not inherit this enrollment automatically. ## Enroll the vault 1. Save and close files in the vault, then choose **Lock & Eject**. 2. Open the vault's three-dot menu and choose **Touch ID Settings…**. 3. Under **Touch ID for This Vault**, choose **Set Up**. If already enrolled, choose **Replace**. 4. Enter the vault passphrase and choose **Unlock and Set Up**. 5. Complete the fresh Touch ID check. Successful setup opens the vault and enrolls its unlock credential for the current fingerprints on this Mac. If the app says the vault opened but Touch ID was not enrolled, the open succeeded; lock it and retry setup if you still want Touch ID. You can also enable **Use Touch ID next time** during a passphrase unlock. If enrollment already exists, the unlock screen offers **Replace the enrolled Touch ID identity** and **Forget Touch ID for this vault**. ## Use or remove enrollment At the vault unlock screen, choose **Unlock with Touch ID** and follow the prompt. Additional custody still applies. To remove the local enrollment, return to **Touch ID Settings…** and choose **Forget**. The vault's passphrase is unchanged. ## If the control is unavailable Lock the vault before setup or replacement. Check Touch ID in macOS System Settings and unlock the Mac with its login password if biometric authentication is temporarily unavailable. Use the vault passphrase while resolving Touch ID availability. ## App Touch ID is separate **Settings → App Access → Unlock App with Touch ID** unlocks the app interface. It does not enroll any vault. On iPhone and iPad, Face ID or Touch ID is used by **App Lock**; the current vault unlock interface still asks for the vault's password or security key. --- # Troubleshoot opening, saving and locking > Match the symptom to its access layer and preserve your vault while checking the cause. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/troubleshooting 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/troubleshooting.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/troubleshooting/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/troubleshooting/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## The calendar appears instead of my vaults PhantomCal opening mode is enabled. Open **Go to Date**, enter the separate calendar credential, then choose **Go to Date** on Mac or **Go** on iOS. A normal valid date navigates the calendar. Follow [the opening-mode guide](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/phantomcal-opening.md). If the private interface then asks for app authentication or a vault password, that is a separate access step. The calendar credential does not satisfy it. ## My password is rejected Check that you are using the vault's password in the vault unlock screen, not an app password, calendar secret or device passcode. Check the selected vault and exact characters. A security-key vault requires its registered key rather than a password. If the message shows an attempt delay, wait for it to finish before trying again. PhantomVault has no vault-password reset. Keep the file and any device that can still open it while reviewing your saved credentials. ## The file arrived, but another device cannot open it Check that the complete current file arrived and that iCloud Keychain has synchronized. A missing custody key or freshness checkpoint can prevent opening even when the file is present. A **This Mac** vault remains bound to its original Mac. Do not replace a newer file with an old snapshot or clear Keychain items. See [backup and transfer](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/backup-transfer.md). ## Mac asks for filesystem setup Use the app's **Open File System Extensions** or **Open Login Items & Extensions** button, then enable **PhantomVault** under File System Extensions. Standalone PhantomVault has its own extension; a permission for the PhantomSecure suite does not enable it. Return to the app to resume automatically, or choose **Continue** if it was already enabled. The current native Mac app requires Apple silicon and macOS 27. An unsupported system cannot be fixed by renaming the vault file. ## Mac will not lock or eject Save and close files using the mounted volume, finish Finder copies, then retry **Lock & Eject**. If shown, use **Retry Locking Vaults**. Check that the volume actually disappears; hiding the app or closing a Finder window does not by itself prove a volume is locked. ## iOS says changes are waiting to save Keep the app's local data. Restore access to the Files provider and choose **Try Saving Again**. If the file moved, use **Reconnect Files Location**. If another device changed it, export an encrypted copy of this device's version before resolving the conflict. Details are in [Files locations](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/files-locations-ios.md). ## A file or movie will not import Make sure its provider can download the file and that the destination has space. For a movie carrier, use the whole original file instead of a link, preview or converted video. On Mac, the cover chooser accepts MP4, M4V and MOV. Try another name or destination if creation reports a file collision. ## Plans or restored access do not appear Use **Restore Purchases** with the Apple Account that made the Apple purchase. A website subscription is separate. If plans are unavailable, use **Try Again** where offered and check connectivity. See [subscriptions](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/subscriptions.md). ## Still need help Contact [PhantomVault Support](https://littleguydev.com/contact.html) with your app version, OS version, device, exact error and the step that failed. Remove private filenames from screenshots. Keep passwords, calendar secrets, security-key PINs and private file content out of the report. --- # Replay walkthroughs and get help > Find the private tutorial controls, repeat a tour or reset the device's tutorial progress. Document ID: phantom-help:phantomvault/tutorials-help 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/tutorials-help.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomvault/tutorials-help/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/phantomvault/tutorials-help/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Open Help & Tutorials First return to the private PhantomVault interface and complete App Access or App Lock if required. Open **Settings → Help & Tutorials**. Tutorial controls for the PhantomCal opening mode live here. The public calendar disguise does not show a question-mark launcher for private Vault instructions. ## Replay a Vault walkthrough On Mac, choose **Replay Vault Walkthrough**. On iPhone or iPad, choose **Vault Walkthrough**. Follow **Next** and **Back**, finish with **Done**, or use **Skip tour** to stop. The iOS calendar walkthrough calls this action **Close help**. The walkthrough points to the controls you will use. It does not create or unlock a vault for you. ## Replay the PhantomCal walkthrough On Mac, configure **Calendar Opening** first, then choose **Replay PhantomCal Walkthrough**. The app returns to the calendar and walks through its controls, including the date-field route back to PhantomVault. Finish the tour, then return normally with your separate opening secret. On iPhone or iPad, choose **PhantomCal Walkthrough**. If opening mode is configured, this uses the normal **Lock & Return** flow: open vaults close and the calendar appears before the tour starts. If the mode is not configured, it shows calendar-only guidance in Settings. The walkthrough does not type, display or submit your saved opening secret. A tour may close when you leave the app or open another flow. Restart it from private Settings when ready. ## Reset tutorials Choose **Reset All Tutorials**. On iPhone and iPad, confirm **Reset all tutorials on this device?**. This clears local walkthrough progress and dismissed tips. It does not change vaults, credentials, permissions or PhantomCal configuration. The Vault introduction is offered again when you return to the vault list. If PhantomCal is configured, its walkthrough is offered on the next calendar visit. Resetting does not immediately launch every tutorial. On Mac, **Show control explanations** controls the written control reminders, while **Calendar Tips** and **PhantomCal Setup Tips** provide reading help. On iPhone and iPad, **Show contextual tips** controls the small contextual hints; resetting tutorials preserves your on/off preference. **PhantomCal Setup Tips** includes the return instructions and Home Screen placement guidance. ## Ask for support On iPhone and iPad, **Settings → About → PhantomVault Support** opens support. You can also use the [support page](https://littleguydev.com/contact.html). Include the app version, device and operating-system version, the action you tried, and the exact error text. Do not send passwords, opening secrets, key PINs, private files or the contents of Keychain. A screenshot is useful only after you remove private names and content. --- # Connect calendar accounts and choose what appears > Use the calendars already configured on your device and control PhantomCal's access and visibility. Document ID: phantom-help:shared/calendar-accounts Product: Shared Platforms: macOS and iOS Updated: 2026-11-02 Availability: Shared calendar instructions for preview builds. Standalone PhantomCal is in preparation. Tested app version: Not recorded Tested build: Not recorded Tested OS version: Not recorded Source: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/shared/calendar-accounts.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/shared/calendar-accounts/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/shared/calendar-accounts/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Where events are stored PhantomCal uses the device's calendar accounts through Apple's calendar system. Events stay in the calendar you choose, such as an iCloud or other configured account. PhantomCal does not add a company calendar backend. This applies to the calendar in PhantomVault and the shared calendar experience being prepared for standalone PhantomCal. It does not move calendar events inside encrypted vaults. ## Grant calendar access Choose **Allow Calendar Access** and approve the system request when you want to read and edit events. Full calendar access is needed for the current calendar features. You can still browse dates without allowing access. On Mac, if permission was denied, open **System Settings → Privacy & Security → Calendars** and enable the relevant app. For PhantomVault's opening mode, the system identifies the installed app as PhantomVault. On iPhone and iPad, use **Open Calendar Settings** when offered after a denial, then allow the app's calendar access in Settings. Return to the calendar afterward. ## Select displayed calendars On Mac, select calendars in the sidebar under **CALENDARS**. On iPhone, tap **Calendars**, enable the calendars you want, then tap **Done**. Wider iPad layouts also show calendar selection beside the month and agenda. Deselecting a calendar hides its events from this view. It does not delete them or remove the calendar account. A read-only calendar may be displayed but cannot be an editable destination. ## If an account or calendar is missing Check that the account is configured and enabled for calendars in the device's system settings. Confirm it appears in Apple's Calendar app. Return to PhantomCal and check app permission and the visibility selection. If no writable calendar is available, event creation cannot save to it. Add or enable an account with a writable calendar, then choose that calendar when creating an event. ## Synchronization The calendar account provider handles synchronization. A local save is not confirmation that another device has already received the change. Check connectivity and the account's sync status if an event has not arrived elsewhere. Use [dates, agendas and events](https://phantomsecure.app/help/shared/calendar-events.md) for ordinary event actions, or [Scan Schedule](https://phantomsecure.app/help/phantomcal/scan-schedule-ios.md) for reviewed schedule import on iPhone and iPad. --- # Navigate dates and manage calendar events > Find a day, create an event, and edit events in your selected calendars. Document ID: phantom-help:shared/calendar-events Product: Shared Platforms: macOS and iOS Updated: 2026-11-02 Availability: Shared calendar instructions for preview builds. Standalone PhantomCal is in preparation. Tested app version: Not recorded Tested build: Not recorded Tested OS version: Not recorded Source: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/shared/calendar-events.md Human guide: https://phantomsecure.app/help/shared/calendar-events/ Agent guide: https://llms.phantomsecure.app/shared/calendar-events/ Documentation index: https://phantomsecure.app/llms.txt Full handbook: https://phantomsecure.app/llms-full.txt ## Find a date Use the previous- and next-month arrows to move through the month view. Choose **Today** to return to today. Select a day to see its agenda. For a specific date, choose **Go to Date**. Select it in the graphical picker or enter a date in the format shown, such as **YYYY-MM-DD** or **M/D/YYYY**. Confirm with **Go to Date** on Mac or **Go** on iOS. Invalid date text leaves you in the picker so you can correct it. In PhantomVault's configured opening mode, this same field also accepts your separate calendar opening secret. That behavior is specific to the Vault disguise; standalone PhantomCal is calendar-only. ## Create an event on Mac 1. In the sidebar, select at least one writable calendar. Then select the day and choose **New Event**. If New Event is unavailable, check calendar permission and select a calendar you can edit. 2. Enter **Event title** and, if wanted, a location. 3. Set **Starts**, **Ends** and **All day**. 4. Choose a writable **Calendar** and add **Notes** if needed. 5. Choose **Save Event**. The end must be after the start. **Cancel** closes an unfinished editor without saving. The current Mac editor provides these displayed fields; it does not offer the iOS editor's additional system options. ## Create an event on iPhone or iPad 1. Select the day and tap **Add Event**. 2. Enter **Title** and choose its calendar. 3. Set its dates, times and **All day** option. For an all-day range, **First day** and **Last day** are the days you intend to include. 4. Add **Location (optional)** and **Notes (optional)** as needed. 5. Tap **Add** to save. For repeat settings, alerts, invitees and other options supported by the selected account, choose **More Options** to open Apple's calendar editor. Review that editor and save or cancel there. ## Edit or delete an existing event Select the event in the agenda. On Mac, change its editable fields and choose **Save Event**, or choose **Delete Event** and confirm. A read-only calendar shows details without allowing changes. On Mac, editing or deleting a recurring event changes only the selected occurrence, not the whole series. On iOS, selecting an existing event opens Apple's event editor. Its available edit, repeat-event and deletion actions depend on the event and calendar account. Read the confirmation carefully when it offers to change one occurrence or a series. ## When an event is not shown Check the selected date, the calendar's visibility and calendar permission. If another app or device removed the event, close its old detail view and open it again from the refreshed calendar. On Mac, the event destination must be one of the writable calendars selected in the sidebar. On iPhone and iPad, you can choose a writable destination independently of which calendars are displayed; select that calendar in Your calendars to see its events. For account setup, see [calendar accounts and permissions](https://phantomsecure.app/help/shared/calendar-accounts.md).