Offline without a NullVault account

On iPhone and Android, NullVault lets you create and unlock local vaults, import and view local content, and manage notes without an account or internet connection. Optional online services and store purchases require a connection.

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The feature

Why it matters

Keep the local vault useful without registering an email address or depending on a server for every unlock.

Local first means the lock screen does not call home

Opening a local vault should not fail merely because a train entered a tunnel or a service is unavailable. NullVault performs its normal local pattern access and content operations on the device rather than asking a NullVault server to approve each session.

There is no separate NullVault username required to create the local library. That reduces the personal data needed for routine use and avoids turning email recovery into a hidden bypass for vault access.

Connected services remain explicit

Offline does not mean the app never uses an operating-system service. iOS encrypted backup and secure sharing use CloudKit; store purchases on both platforms use Apple or Google commerce infrastructure; checking for updates also requires a connection.

When a connected feature is unavailable, the local vault remains a separate capability. Some remote actions—such as share revocation checks, synchronization, or clean-install cloud restore—cannot complete until the relevant network and platform account are available.

Platform details

How support differs

iOS

IOS

Available on iOS

Available now

Core local vault use on iPhone works offline without a NullVault account.

Local pattern access, encrypted content, notes, search, organization, import, and export do not require a NullVault login.
Encrypted backup and secure sharing rely on Apple CloudKit and therefore on compatible iCloud and network availability.
Store purchases and restoration are handled through Apple's store account, separately from vault contents.

ANDROID

Available on Android

Available now

Core Android vault use is local, account-free, and works offline.

Creating and opening local vaults does not require a NullVault account.
Local content workflows remain usable without a network or cloud account.
Google Play is involved in purchase entitlement, but that store identity is not a NullVault content account.

Documentation basis

Documented claims

Android local vault use requires no account; managed cloud identity is separate and deferred.
iOS separates local encrypted vault behavior from CloudKit backup and sharing services.

Know the boundary

Important limitations

Offline local use does not make network-dependent backup, restore, sharing, synchronization, or store operations available offline.
The phone's operating system, app store, and optional cloud services have account and telemetry practices outside NullVault's local-vault design.
Without a current portable encrypted backup, loss or failure of the only device can still cause permanent data loss.

Clear answers

Questions about this feature

Do I need to register an email address to use a local vault?

No. Core local use does not require a NullVault account or email registration.

Can I open my local vault without internet?

Yes. Routine local pattern access and on-device content use are designed to work offline.

Which features do require a connection?

Store transactions, app updates, and any operation involving a network storage destination require the relevant platform service and a connection. Core vault use on iPhone and Android remains local.