The short answer
If the photos live only inside the app, deleting the app deletes them. Export or back up first. If the app has a cloud, the cloud copy survives on the developer's servers, which is a different kind of problem.
What the listings say
SPV's App Store description says that if you delete the app, the photos and data saved in it are deleted too, and tells you to export first. Locker's says files are only stored on the device and are not recoverable if the app is deleted or the phone is lost without a backup. PV's FAQ says deleting the app deletes all data inside it. These are honest warnings, and they apply to any app that keeps files locally.
Offload versus delete
Offloading an app in iPhone Storage removes the app but keeps its data, and reinstalling restores it. Deleting removes both. If space is the reason, offload.
Before you delete Kryptis
- Settings, Create Encrypted Backup. Save the file to iCloud Drive or a folder outside the app.
- Confirm the file is there and finished uploading.
- Delete the app. The local vault and its keys are gone with it.
- Reinstall later and choose Restore Encrypted Backup, with the passcode the backup was made with and the recovery words if the extra lock was on.
If Automatic iCloud Sync was on, your latest automatic backup is already in iCloud Drive. Deleting the app does not delete it.
Cloud-based vaults
Deleting Keepsafe, Private Photo Vault with Cloud Vault, Secret Photo Album or PV with cloud sync leaves the cloud copy on the developer's servers until you delete it there or the account lapses. If leaving the app is the point, remove items from the cloud first.
