Private photo vault checklist before you trust an app
A private photo vault should do more than hide pictures behind a lock screen. It should explain its privacy boundary, recovery model, organization tools, and subscription value.
Privacy and encryption
Ask whether private content stays on device by default. If cloud sync exists, ask whether files are encrypted before upload and whether the developer holds the decryption key.
Mo Layer is local-first by default. Optional iCloud sync stores encrypted content for recovery and device changes, and the developer does not hold the user’s decryption key.
Organization
A good vault should help you find files later. Look for albums, favorites, recent imports, categories, and clear grids for photos, videos, screenshots, documents, and files.
Discretion
Privacy is also about everyday behavior. A vault should avoid drawing attention. Decoy space, private gestures, and a restrained file-tool style can make the app feel more natural.
Recovery
Device changes happen. A vault should have a recovery path that matches the sensitivity of the content. For many users, encrypted iCloud recovery is more practical than manual backup alone.
Subscription value
Free includes 5 GB of vault capacity with no file-count limit, plus backup and restore. Pro removes the app’s 5 GB limit; device storage and iCloud capacity still apply. Existing files remain accessible after Pro expires. Check the App Store purchase sheet for current local prices and billing terms.
Final check
Choose a private vault that is clear about what it protects, what it uploads, what the developer can read, and how you recover important material when your device changes.
Questions people ask before trusting a private vault.
Is Apple’s Hidden album enough?
Apple’s Hidden album can require authentication on supported systems and is suitable for hiding photos and videos. Mo Layer provides a separate archive for media and documents, with folders and a decoy space. Choose based on file types, organization and recovery needs; a separate app is not automatically more secure.
How do I recover Mo Layer on a new iPhone?
Recovery requires an existing encrypted iCloud backup and access to the vault key through iCloud Keychain or your recovery key. Reinstalling the app or restoring a Pro purchase alone does not recover missing files or keys.
What is free, and what does Pro change?
Free includes 5 GB of vault capacity with no file-count limit, plus backup and restore. Pro removes the app’s 5 GB limit; device storage and iCloud capacity still apply. Existing files remain accessible after Pro expires. Check the App Store purchase sheet for current local prices and billing terms.