Unlocking and backups
We are Tuvo Labs, the maker of Kryptis. This comparison uses Google's iPhone documentation and Kryptis's current code. We have not independently audited either product.
Locked Folder works within Google Photos and offers optional Google backup. Kryptis keeps albums in a separate app with its own PIN. A separate PIN can be useful when another person knows your iPhone passcode.
Access, storage and sharing
| Question | Google Photos Locked Folder on iPhone | Kryptis |
|---|---|---|
| What opens it? | Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode; no separate folder password | A vault PIN you choose. Optional biometrics are off by default; the app's biometric prompt does not fall back to the device passcode |
| Where can a backup go? | Optional Locked Folder backup in your Google Account | Optional encrypted backup in your iCloud Drive, or a manual backup file you save outside the app |
| Can I organize the contents? | Locked Folder items cannot be added to albums | Albums and sub-albums inside the vault |
| How do I share an item? | Move it out of Locked Folder first | Export a decrypted copy to a sharing destination |
| What encryption is documented? | Google's standard Photos encryption practices | AES-256-GCM for vault media and metadata on the device |
Google's help describes standard Google Photos encryption without naming a mode. Kryptis uses AES-256-GCM. Those descriptions do not establish which app is more secure; access, key handling and recovery also matter. Our encryption explanation describes Kryptis's design.
Back up before moving photos
Google Photos has a separate backup setting for Locked Folder. If those photos are not backed up, they may be unrecoverable after a lost or damaged phone or an app uninstall. Check whether Locked Folder backup is on before moving your only copy.
Kryptis can make a manual encrypted backup file or update an encrypted backup in your own iCloud Drive. Automatic iCloud Sync is a Premium feature. Keep the backup passcode and any required recovery words outside the vault. Which credentials you need depends on the backup option you chose. Recovery words cannot restore photos without the backup file. See the backup description and new-iPhone transfer guide.
Test a backup and restore with a harmless sample. Open a restored photo and play a restored video before erasing the old device.
Review copies outside the folder or vault
Google notes that moving a picture does not move its duplicates, edited versions or copies saved by recipients. Treat those as separate files to review.
For example, suppose you cropped a photo, sent the crop in a message and kept the original. Moving the original into a private folder does not withdraw the sent attachment. Make a short list of the versions and destinations you used, then decide what to keep in each place. A recipient may already have saved a copy you cannot remove.
Kryptis imports a copy into its own storage. Its option to delete Photos originals is off by default and requires iOS confirmation when used. Check the imported files and your backup before deleting originals. Review Photos, Recently Deleted and any synced or shared copies separately.
Check shared files
A file shared from Kryptis is a decrypted copy. It can still contain GPS coordinates and other embedded information. Read the location-sharing guide before sending a picture whose location you want to keep private.
Sources and scope
Checked October 26, 2026: Google's Locked Folder instructions for iPhone and iPad, Google's explanation of Locked Folder backup and the Kryptis implementation.
