Answers about privacy, security, access, and how Local Legacy Vault works.
No. Your vault stays on your computer. The application does not send or store your vault data on external servers.
No. Your records remain on your device. We do not have access to your vault contents.
No. After activation, the vault works offline on your computer.
The vault is organized into simple sections with clear instructions so anyone can understand where information is located.
Open the app — your purchase is recognized automatically. For step-by-step help, see I already purchased.
Yes. You can edit or add information anytime as your life changes.
Your vault provides the structure, records, and instructions your family can follow to understand your accounts, documents, and wishes.
Local Legacy Vault is a secure desktop application for organizing and protecting your important personal, financial, and legacy information. Your vault data is encrypted and stored locally on your device. We do not send or receive vault data. A one-time internet connection is required to activate your license. After activation, the vault works offline.
Use the sidebar categories to keep everything organized. Store what your family may need to locate or manage:
• Bank and service logins, financial records
• Insurance policies, legal documents
• Property details (vehicles, property, valuables under Property and Assets)
• Final wishes, messages for loved ones
• Key contacts
Yes. Your vault data stays on your device. We use AES-256-GCM encryption; your password is used to decrypt your data (Argon2id). Only you have the password. Network access is used only for activation, license verification, license lookup, and account recovery—not for vault content.
Use your Vault Recovery File on the unlock screen to regain access and set a new Vault Password. Without it, the vault cannot be unlocked. Store the file somewhere safe (for example on a USB drive).
https://locallegacyvault.com/kb-product-help.html#forgot-password
Your vault is encrypted on your device. When you enter your Vault Password, the app decrypts the vault on this device. That can take a moment. The app is unlocking your data safely.
Open the activation screen from Settings and enter the email you used at checkout. No codes needed.
Your vault was created when you set your Vault Password. To add information, use the sidebar or Guided Setup.
Open the activation screen from Settings, then enter the email you used at checkout. We find your purchase and activate automatically—no codes.
We use your email to find your purchase and show license details. Emails about app upgrades and bug fixes are optional—turn them on or off in Settings → Preferences (App upgrades and bug fixes). We do not use your email for marketing.
The only way to regain access if you forget your password. Download or create one in Settings > Protect Your Vault. Keep it somewhere safe.
On the unlock screen, click "Recover Vault" and select your Vault Recovery File. The app will unlock and ask you to set a new password.
Reopen the app, enter the password you already created. You will see "Continue setting up your vault" and resume where you left off. You will not be asked to create a new vault or second password.
Your information stays on this device. Local Legacy Vault does not store your vault data in the cloud.
We use strong encryption (AES-256-GCM). Your Vault Password is used to decrypt your data on your device. Each piece of information has its own secure key material. We cannot read your vault contents.
No. Your information is encrypted on your device. Your Vault Password unlocks it. We do not have your Vault Password or your vault contents.
Auto-lock automatically locks your vault after a period of inactivity. Go to Settings > Security to set your preferred timeout (5, 15, 30 minutes, or 1 hour).
Safety Check can remind you to check in periodically. If you don't check in, it can notify your designated important contacts. It does not grant access to your vault. Only someone with the vault file and Vault Password can open it.
Download a new Vault Recovery File. Update any backup copies you saved. That way your recovery steps stay current.
Use the email you used at checkout on the activation screen so we can find your purchase. If you still see an error, contact support@locallegacyvault.com with that email address. If you used the wrong email at checkout or no longer have access to it, email support@locallegacyvault.com—they can verify your purchase and correct the email on file or help with device transfer.
Activation uses the email you entered at checkout. If you used the wrong email or can't access that address, contact support. They can verify your purchase (for example with your order or receipt) and then correct the email on file or help with device transfer so you can activate.
Go to locallegacyvault.com/pricing.html to purchase, or open purchase options from Settings. You'll be directed to secure checkout. After purchase, open the activation screen and enter the email you used at checkout so we can find your purchase—no codes to enter. A one-time internet connection is required; after that, the app works offline.
No. Each license works on one device at a time. However, you can transfer your license to a different computer when needed. If you need to use the vault on multiple computers simultaneously, you'll need separate licenses for each.
A one-time internet connection is required to activate your license. After activation, the vault works offline. Your vault data stays on your device; we do not send or receive vault data.
Go to Settings > Tools > Backup. You create encrypted backups when you choose. Each backup holds your vault records, your end-of-life planning sections, and when you have saved them, Family Guide access steps, document choices, and related fields. It does not include your license, account email, password hint, or Guided Setup progress. Use Settings > Tools > Import to add data from a backup file to the vault you have open. Import adds to your vault. It does not replace your whole vault from a file.
Full Backup: encrypted file with your records, end-of-life planning sections, and saved guide or document choices when you have them (Import adds those to an open vault). Spreadsheet: record rows only for printing or viewing. It does not include Family Guide access text or document choice fields.
Go to Settings > Tools > Import, choose the vault backup format, and select your file. You will be asked to confirm: import adds records into your current open vault. It does not delete or replace the whole vault. Use Preview only first if you want to check the file without saving anything.
At least monthly, or after significant changes.
Multiple secure locations: external drive, USB in a safe deposit box, or an important contact's computer.
Settings > Protect Your Vault. Under Vault Recovery you can download a copy or create a new one (replaces the previous).
Vault Recovery File: used only on the unlock screen to set a new Vault Password if you forget it. Backup: encrypted copy of records, end-of-life planning sections, and saved guide or document choices when present (not license or account settings). On a new device you open or create a vault, then use Settings > Tools > Import to add data from the backup file. Manage recovery in Settings > Protect Your Vault; backups in Settings > Tools > Backup.
Your important contact will use:
• Your device
• Your Vault Password or the Vault Recovery File
• The instructions you provide in Family Guide
No. Executor Mode records activity and executor related actions, but it does not unlock the vault.
An important contact can be a family member, executor, or another person you choose.
The Executor is a role you assign to one important contact. It identifies who is responsible for managing your affairs or following your instructions. This designation does not grant access to your vault; The vault can only be opened with the vault file and the vault password.
Go to Important Contacts from the sidebar, add or edit a contact, and mark them as your designated executor. Then open Family Guide and complete Access for Loved Ones so your family knows how to reach the vault and your guides. An important contact can be a family member, executor, or another person you choose.
Important Contacts are people you list (family, attorneys, advisors). You can designate one of them as your executor. Neither important contacts nor the executor designation grant system access; The vault is stored locally on your device. The vault can only be opened with the vault file and the vault password.
Open Family Guide and use Access for Loved Ones to write how they find the vault and related items. Preview, print, or download your Family Guide or Executor Guide from Settings > Tools or the sidebar. Share those with your important contact along with your Vault Password instructions. Local Legacy Vault cannot access vault contents because your data remains on your device. Local Legacy Vault cannot recover your vault or reveal your password. Use your Vault Recovery File to regain access.
Your vault is stored only on your device. It opens only with your Vault Password.
1. Choose an important contact
Add a family member, executor, or someone you trust in Important Contacts (sidebar).
2. Create access instructions
Open Family Guide from the sidebar (under "For your family"). Use the Access for Loved Ones section there to write where to find the vault, where the Vault Recovery File is kept, and step-by-step access. Those instructions feed your Family Guide and related outputs.
3. Store your Vault Password safely
Keep written instructions where important contacts can find them: home safe, safe deposit box, or sealed envelope with your attorney. Tell them where those instructions, the vault, and your guides are kept.
4. Share your Family Guide
Open Family Guide from the sidebar or Settings > Security > Family Guide. Preview, print, or download your Family Guide. It includes key information and access instructions for loved ones.
Important
We cannot recover your Vault Password or read your vault. You prepare access ahead of time. Executor Mode records activity but does not unlock the vault.
Store it in a secure physical place: home safe, safe deposit box, or sealed envelope with your attorney. Never email or store in plain text online. Keep your Family Guide in a known location so they know how to open the app and where the password is.
Print or download the Family Guide from Settings > Tools or the sidebar. Share it with your Executor or an important contact. Keep a copy in a secure place.
Open Family Guide from the sidebar or go to Settings > Tools. Preview, then print or download the PDF. Store with your important papers.
No. The Family Guide provides key information and instructions. Access to the vault depends on having the vault file and Vault Password.
If you use Give Mobile Access, the Family Guide can include a QR code so an important contact can open a read-only view on their phone. Go to Settings > Tools, then Mobile Access, then Give Mobile Access.
Yes. You control what is in the guide. You can revoke shared Mobile Access from your device anytime.
Update it whenever your information or contacts change. Preview or print from Settings > Tools or the sidebar to get the latest version.
Store it somewhere secure but accessible, like a safe or with your Executor.
Tell them: (1) Where to find the vault, (2) Who has the password or hint, (3) Where the Family Guide is, (4) Who the executor is.
Your vault is stored only on your device. It opens only with your Vault Password.
1. Choose an important contact
Add a family member, executor, or someone you trust in Important Contacts (sidebar).
2. Create access instructions
Open Family Guide from the sidebar (under "For your family"). Use the Access for Loved Ones section there to write where to find the vault, where the Vault Recovery File is kept, and step-by-step access. Those instructions feed your Family Guide and related outputs.
3. Store your Vault Password safely
Keep written instructions where important contacts can find them: home safe, safe deposit box, or sealed envelope with your attorney. Tell them where those instructions, the vault, and your guides are kept.
4. Share your Family Guide
Open Family Guide from the sidebar or Settings > Security > Family Guide. Preview, print, or download your Family Guide. It includes key information and access instructions for loved ones.
Important
We cannot recover your Vault Password or read your vault. You prepare access ahead of time. Executor Mode records activity but does not unlock the vault.
Yes. Open Settings > Tools > Mobile Access. Choose Give Mobile Access for a simple read-only view. You get a link and QR code. No login on the phone. The link expires on its own.
Open Settings > Tools > Mobile Access. Choose duration (up to 3 days, default 24 hours). Optionally set a 4–6 digit access code. Share the code separately from the link. Click Give Mobile Access. Send the link.
It is read-only and expires on a schedule you choose. You can revoke from your device; revoking stops future sharing but does not disable links you already sent until they expire.
Go to Settings > Tools > Mobile Access and use the revoke control. Revoking removes the link from your list and prevents future sharing; links already sent still work until they expire.
Main areas to review: Personal Info, Household, Pets, End-of-Life, Final Wishes, After I'm Gone, Financial, Insurance, Property and Assets, Legal, Important Contacts, and more. Open any area from the list to add or edit. No long questionnaire.
Dashboard: use the Guided Setup card (Start Guided Setup or Continue Guided Setup). In Settings > Account > Guided Setup you can Continue Guided Setup or Start Over.
No. Reset and Start Over only clear which steps you marked complete. They do not delete any records or data.
Dashboard card or sidebar. Open Guided Setup anytime to see the list of areas and open any section.
Open Property and Assets from the sidebar: Vehicles, Properties, Valuable Items, Personal Property. Choose the category that fits and add or edit records.
Medical and practical decisions for family or executor. In the sidebar: add Medical Directives, Care Preferences, Funeral and Memorial Wishes. For burial, ceremony, messages after you pass, use Final Wishes.
Legal or medical documents: Living Will, Healthcare POA, DNR, where originals are stored, doctor contact. Add in End-of-Life Planning under Medical Directives.
Personal care choices: life support, comfort vs full treatment, place of care, organ donation. Add in End-of-Life Planning under Care Preferences.
Preferences for the service and remembrance. For burial, ceremony, and messages after you pass, use Final Wishes.
Instructions for your family or executor. In the sidebar, add Immediate Actions, Who to Contact First, Important Documents, Accounts to Cancel, Financial First Steps, Executor Instructions.
Steps your family or executor should take in the first 24–48 hours. Add in After I'm Gone under Immediate Actions.
Open Family Guide from the sidebar to preview, print, or download. For individual documents (What To Do After a Loss, Asset Summary), go to Settings > Security > Family Guide.
Open Executor Guide from the sidebar (under "For your family"). Preview, print, or download anytime. Add content in After I'm Gone, Important Contacts, and in Family Guide under Access for Loved Ones to fill it out.
Family Guide: Share with people closest to you. Executor Guide: Give to the person handling your estate.
Optional reminder in Settings > Account. When on, you may get an email (every 3, 6, or 12 months) suggesting you review your vault. Your vault stays on your device; we don't have access.
Settings > Account → under Email, toggle "Review and update reminder." Choose how often if on. Keep your email valid in Settings.
Reminders send only when the reminder is on, your email is valid, and it's been at least your chosen interval since you last updated your vault. Turn it back on in Settings → Preferences if needed.
Local Legacy Vault runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Each license can be used on one device at a time.
Download the .dmg, drag to Applications, open from Applications or Spotlight. If macOS blocks it (unidentified developer), go to System Settings > Privacy and Security and click "Open Anyway." Then use the app like on Windows: set your vault password, then open the activation screen and enter the email you used at checkout.
Yes. On the new computer, open the activation screen and enter the email you used at checkout. We'll find your purchase and ask you to confirm the transfer; this deactivates the license on your old device and activates it on the new one. Export your vault data first, then import it on the new device.
Your information is safe–it's stored in an encrypted database separate from the app. Restart your device or reinstall the app without losing anything.
Save: Ctrl+S (Windows/Linux) or ⌘S (Mac). Cancel or go back: Esc. The app shows the correct shortcut for your system (Ctrl vs ⌘) in the form action bar at the bottom of forms.
Yes! Go to Settings > Account > Text size. Choose from Small, Medium, or Large.
Your Vault Password cannot be recovered or reset by us. If you have your Vault Recovery File from setup, use Recover Vault on the unlock screen. Select that file to regain access and set a new Vault Password. You can get another copy under Settings > Protect Your Vault. Without your Vault Password or Vault Recovery File, the vault cannot be unlocked.
https://locallegacyvault.com/kb-product-help.html#forgot-password
Activation uses the email you entered at checkout. If you used the wrong email or can't access that address, contact support. They can verify your purchase (e.g. with your order or receipt) and correct the email on file or help with device transfer so you can activate.
Make sure you're selecting a backup file that was created by Local Legacy Vault. If the problem continues, email support@locallegacyvault.com for assistance.
Email support@locallegacyvault.com to submit feedback or report issues.
These match the in-app FAQs. Each link opens the full Knowledge Base article for that topic.
The password that unlocks your vault on your device. We cannot reset it. Read more
A file for the unlock screen if you forget your Vault Password. It is not the same as a data backup. Read more
Backup copies your vault data; the Vault Recovery File is for password recovery. Read more
It adds data from a file into the vault you have open. Read more
It downloads an encrypted backup or a spreadsheet of rows where available. Read more
A short, read-only view on a phone browser. You start it with Give Mobile Access. Read more
A summary for family built from your vault. Preview, print, or download from Tools or the sidebar. Read more
Detailed instructions for the person handling your estate, built from your vault. Read more
People your family may need to reach. You can designate an executor. Read more
A checklist view of areas you have worked on. It is not a legal status. Read more
Labels for guided steps only. They describe your own tracking, not a medical or legal outcome. Read more
Use your Vault Recovery File on the unlock screen. Without it, the vault cannot be unlocked. Read more
You need backups, your Vault Password, and your Vault Recovery File if you might forget the password. Read more
On your device, in a location you control. It is not our cloud storage. Read more
Install the app, copy the vault or restore from backup, then unlock or import. Read more
At least monthly, or after large changes. Keep more than one copy. Read more
Use a short window, optional access code, and private sharing. Read more
Full printable hub: Product help (Knowledge Base)
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