Both apps use the same AES-256 encryption and security features. The key difference is how they sync:

FamiVault Link (recommended) syncs through an encrypted cloud relay — so family members can share documents from anywhere, even across cities or countries. Files are encrypted on your device before upload and automatically deleted from the cloud after delivery.

FamiVault uses local-only sync over WiFi or mobile hotspot — no data ever touches any cloud server. Perfect for families who want absolute zero cloud dependency.

Yes — extremely. Files are encrypted with AES-256 on your device before they leave it. The cloud relay only ever sees scrambled bytes — no filenames, no content, no metadata. Once the file is delivered to the recipient, it is automatically purged from the cloud. The encryption keys never leave your device.

FamiVault: Never. Zero cloud dependency — all sync happens directly between devices on the same WiFi or hotspot.

FamiVault Link: Encrypted data temporarily passes through a secure cloud relay for delivery, but is automatically deleted after sync. The cloud never sees your actual files — only encrypted bytes.

The vault owner generates a one-time QR invite code. In FamiVault Link, family members can scan it from anywhere. In FamiVault, they need to be on the same WiFi or hotspot. The owner must explicitly approve the join request.

Both apps have the Backup Vault feature. The vault owner can back up the entire vault to trusted family members, protected with a dedicated password. If you lose your phone, simply restore from a trusted family member's backup.

We recommend FamiVault Link for most families — it gives you the same security with the added flexibility of syncing from anywhere.

Choose FamiVault if you're extremely privacy-sensitive and want absolute zero cloud dependency — understanding that sync only works when devices are on the same local network.

Yes! Both FamiVault Link and FamiVault are available on iOS and Android. Family members can mix and match — an iPhone user and an Android user can both be part of the same vault.

FamiVault works on both home WiFi and mobile hotspot. Simply turn on your phone's hotspot and have family members connect to it. FamiVault Link doesn't have this limitation at all — it syncs from anywhere.

Because FamiVault relies on a strict zero-knowledge architecture, we never store your password or data anywhere on our servers. This means if you lose your password, we cannot recover your account or restore your data. We strongly encourage all users to securely back up their passwords (e.g., using a trusted password manager) by following the backup instructions provided directly within the mobile app.

You can store absolutely any type of file in your vault! However, our in-app preview feature is currently optimized for common formats: text documents (.txt), PDFs, images, MS Office files, audio (.m4a), and video (.mp4, .mov).

When you back up your vault to a family member's device, the entire backup is secured with a secondary, dedicated password. The family member holding the backup cannot view any of your files without this password. You remain in complete control and can decide the right time to share the backup password with them.

Yes. Documents like text files, PDFs, images, MS Office files, audio (.m4a), and video (.mp4, .mov) can be previewed directly within the app. Furthermore, when sharing files, owners have the option to add an extra layer of password protection specifically required to preview those files.

You can share important documents for a specific trip or situation while staying in control. When sharing a file, you can set an expiration date, add a separate password, limit how many times it can be viewed, and decide whether the family member is allowed to export it. You can also unshare the file at any time.

Yes, absolutely! The vault owner has full control over all shared files. There's a convenient button right in the vault that lets you unshare any file whenever you want. Once unshared, family members will no longer have access to that file — giving you complete peace of mind and total control over your documents.

Yes. When you share a document, you can choose an expiration date that controls how long the family member can keep it on their device. After that date, the shared document is removed automatically, so access stays fully under your control.

Absolutely! You always have full ownership of your data, meaning you can flawlessly export any of your files right out of the vault whenever you wish. Furthermore, you stay fully in control when sharing—you get to explicitly choose whether or not family members have the permission to export the files you share with them.

Yes, you certainly can! We know how vital physical backups are for your peace of mind. The app can back up and read an encrypted vault from a dedicated USB drive provided by us. Please note that only our dedicated USB drives are supported — third-party USB drives cannot be used for vault backups.

Eligible subscribers can request a dedicated backup USB drive through the app. Standard worldwide shipping may be included where supported. Depending on your country, you may still be responsible for customs charges, import duties, local taxes, or failed-delivery costs caused by an incorrect address, refusal, or local delivery rules.

Unfortunately, no. For security and compatibility reasons, only the dedicated USB drives provided by us are supported for vault backups. Third-party or generic USB drives cannot be used. This ensures your backup remains fully encrypted and compatible with the app's restore process.

Absolutely! You remain in complete control of your shared files at all times. If you ever need to change the protection password, simply repeat the quick sharing process and enter your brand new password. It's incredibly easy, highly secure, and guarantees you always have complete peace of mind!

Yes, definitely! We believe you should always feel empowered and secure. Whenever you'd like to update your backup vault password, just perform the seamless backup process again using your new password. It's a very fast and straightforward way to keep your family's critical data perfectly protected!

No. We take your privacy and security seriously. There are absolutely no ads in any of our mobile apps.

Yes! FamiVault has built-in voice and video recording features. It's incredibly easy to use, allowing you to capture precious messages and share them directly with your family members right inside the app.

Yes, you can instantly create important text messages right inside the app and securely share them with your family members.

Due to standard iOS and Android behaviors, it is highly likely that your data will be permanently deleted when the app is uninstalled. We strongly recommend that you securely back up your vault data to a USB drive or to a trusted family member before uninstalling the app.

Yes. When you back up your vault, it is already locked by a passcode. No one can unlock it unless they have this passcode. The owner can choose the right time to share this passcode. We have a built-in process to save your passcode to your email. If you feel your passcode was leaked, the owner can always redo the backup with a new passcode.