How it works
Open the vault you want to use under pressure, go to Settings and choose Make This a Duress Vault. Then lock the app. The next time anyone draws that vault's pattern:
- Every other vault on the device is permanently deleted.
- The duress vault opens as normal.
- It goes back to being an ordinary vault, so nothing inside it shows it was a duress vault.
Each vault's key file is deleted first, so its contents are unreadable even if deleting the rest is interrupted.
Use it carefully
- Erasing is permanent. PrivateRoll keeps no backups, so deleted vaults can't be recovered.
- Put everyday photos in the duress vault before arming it, so it looks like a vault someone actually uses.
- Laws differ between countries. Destroying data during a legal process, such as a border inspection, may be a crime where you are. The duress vault is meant for personal safety, not for obstructing lawful investigations.
Who it's for
People in controlling relationships, travelers, journalists protecting sources, and anyone who might be pressured to hand over an unlocked phone. If that's you, read our scenario guides for broader safety planning, because the app is only one piece of it.
Questions about Duress Vault
Does the duress vault show anything when it erases?
No. Drawing its pattern looks like any other unlock and lands in that vault.
Can I undo an erase?
No. The deleted vaults' keys are gone, and PrivateRoll has no backup to restore from.
Try PrivateRoll free
Encrypted on your iPhone or iPad. No account required.