How Google Drive Sync Works in Vaulty

Vaulty makes it easy to keep your private content safe across devices by offering free online backup using your own Google Drive account. Here’s how it works, what to expect, and what to avoid.

🔄 How Sync Works

  • Two-way automatic sync: When online backup is enabled and you authorize a Google Drive account, Vaulty automatically syncs your hidden files between devices.
  • Cross-device support: Whether you’re upgrading to a new phone or using multiple devices at once, Vaulty will keep your protected content in sync.
  • No need to manually move files: Vaulty handles all the syncing in the background when your device is connected to the internet and authorized with the same Google account.

🗂 Where Files Are Stored

  • Files are stored in your Google Drive under a hidden app folder:
    Drive > appdata > Vaulty
  • Files are saved in a special .vdata format.
  • Vaulty renames and obfuscates your files to protect your privacy. These files are not encrypted, but they are private to you.
  • Files are tagged with metadata (like names and details) inside the Drive file description so Vaulty can sync changes without re-uploading the full file.

⚠️ Important: You won’t be able to browse or view these files directly in Drive. Do not delete or modify them.

🧹 What NOT to Do

❌ Do not delete .vdata files from Google Drive

  • If you delete files from Drive—even just move them to Trash—Vaulty will see them as deleted and will remove them from your device as well.
  • This is how Vaulty keeps all your devices in sync.

✅ If you accidentally delete a file:

  • Go to Google Drive > Trash
  • Restore the .vdata file before Vaulty syncs again
  • Vaulty will recognize the restored file and keep it on your device

🔒 Privacy & Security

  • Your files are never sent to Vaulty’s servers.
  • Vaulty only communicates between your device and your Google Drive.
  • Only you have access to your files.
  • Vaulty does not see or store the content of your vault.

⚙️ Controlling Sync

  • You can choose whether to enable Drive sync during Vaulty setup.
  • You can sign out of your Drive account in Vaulty settings at any time to stop syncing.
  • There is a manual “Sync Now” button in settings if you want to force a sync, but it’s usually not needed.

🔧 We may improve this area in the future to make syncing even smoother and more automatic.

📥 What Happens When You Reinstall Vaulty?

  • When you install Vaulty on a new device and sign in with the same Google account, your vault files will be downloaded and restored automatically.
  • Make sure to authorize the same Google account during setup to access your backup.

📌 Note: Vaulty does not currently notify you if existing backup files are found—this feature is planned for a future update.

🆓 Free Backup, Always

Vaulty offers Google Drive sync for free, even for users on the ad-supported version of the app. You only need enough storage space in your Google Drive account. If you run out, you can upgrade your Drive storage through Google.

For more informaiton see how Vaulty protects your pictures and videos.

🛟 Need Help?

For any other questions, feel free to contact Vaulty support.