NullVault

NullVault is a mobile app for keeping photos, videos, files, and notes in separate encrypted vaults. It is best suited to people who want offline storage with a distinct pattern for each vault. Its strongest case is local use without an account; the free iOS plan’s 20-item ceiling and the limits of device-level security narrow its appeal.

Overview

Each vault opens with its own pattern, and opening one does not show a master list or the number of other vaults. That offers a less revealing in-app view, not guaranteed concealment: NullVault says encrypted data can still be detected. Vaults work offline without a NullVault account or server, making the app a fit for people who want basic storage to remain on-device.

Content can be captured or imported, then organized with collections or albums, search, and sorting within a vault. Export is deliberate, but exported copies are outside NullVault’s protection. If you need files to remain protected after moving or sharing them, this app does not extend its safeguards beyond the vault.

Key features

NullVault says its Android app uses AES-256-GCM, Argon2id, and Android Keystore material; its iOS app uses AES-256-GCM, Argon2id, Apple CryptoKit, and libsodium. These implementation choices do not eliminate risks from a compromised device, which may expose patterns, keys, screens, or plaintext. The maker says its scoped design and implementation reviews are not blanket approval of the finished apps, and its site is not an independent audit or certification.

Backup and sharing depend on platform. iOS supports encrypted iCloud backup and controlled read-only sharing through CloudKit. Android supports portable encrypted backups. The included encrypted backup is useful on either platform, but only iOS has the stated controlled-sharing option.

Support is by email at [email protected]. The support team cannot bypass encryption, recover a forgotten phrase, or open a local vault, so users must keep access credentials safe.

Pricing

NullVault is freemium. NullVault Free for iOS costs free and allows up to five local vaults and 20 total items, with one collection per vault and encrypted backup included. It is a reasonable starting point for a small library, but the item cap can become restrictive quickly. Free users do not get controlled read-only sharing, duress vault configuration, or alternate app icons.

NullVault Pro for iOS has custom pricing and is a monthly subscription that renews automatically unless canceled. It removes the free plan’s vault, item, and collection caps, subject to available storage, and includes encrypted backup, controlled read-only sharing, duress vault configuration, and alternate app icons. Pro is the better fit for a larger library or users who need those extra controls; automatic renewal is worth factoring into the decision.

Platforms

NullVault is available for Android and iOS. The maker lists support for iPhone running iOS 26 or later and Android phones running Android 10 or later. The detailed free and Pro plans above are for iOS.

Who it's for

Choose NullVault if you want separate, pattern-opened local vaults, offline access, and platform-specific encrypted backup options. It is less suitable if you need protection that follows exported files, broad assurance from an independent audit, or recovery help for a forgotten phrase. Anyone relying on hidden vaults should also understand that the design does not make encrypted data impossible to detect.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Local vaults work offline without an account or NullVault server, so everyday use does not depend on the maker’s service.
• Pro: Separate patterns and no in-app master list or vault count offer a more discreet way to navigate multiple vaults.
• Pro: Encrypted backup is included on iOS, while Android supports portable encrypted backups.
• Con: The free iOS plan stops at 20 total items and one collection per vault, limiting larger libraries.
• Con: Exported copies leave NullVault’s protection, and a compromised device may expose sensitive material.
• Con: Support cannot recover forgotten phrases or open local vaults, placing the burden of access recovery on the user.

Alternatives

Photo Vault Apps is a useful directory for comparing more options in the category.

• Hide it Pro is worth considering if you want a free app that also supports macOS and Windows; its official site lists no paid plans.
• Keepsafe Photo Vault may suit users who prefer a 200-cloud-item free tier or want to try its free trial; Basic is ad-supported, and Premium Monthly is $9.99 a month with automatic renewal.
• PhotoGuard is an Android-only alternative with a free download; Google Play lists ads and in-app purchases, while premium unlocks features and removes ads.
• Quantum Media Vault is another freemium option for users seeking support across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows.
• Valv is a free Android option for users on Android 9 or newer.
• Weave Vault offers a free plan with up to three vaults and 50 files per vault, and a seven-day free trial for new subscribers to its auto-renewable Pro annual plan.
• Blackbox may fit users who accept ads and PIN-only unlocking in its free tier; its $12.99 a month Premium plan adds unlimited vaults and advanced unlock methods.
• LockMyPix is an option for users who want to try a free trial or prefer a one-time purchase: its free plan has ads and some features require Premium, while Premium costs $29.99, paid once and removes ads.

Verdict

NullVault is a solid match for people who want offline, account-free vaults with separate pattern access and encrypted backup. Its platform-specific backup options and organization tools make it more useful than a bare hiding place, but the free iOS cap is small, exported files leave its protection, and device compromise can defeat privacy. Choose it for contained local storage; look elsewhere if you need broader recovery, protection beyond the vault, or independent security certification.