Your vault file and data stay on your device unless you copy them somewhere else. Regular backups protect you from drive failure, lost hardware, or a reinstall. Backups you make with the app remain encrypted; your vault password still applies when you open them.
Where to back up
Use media you control and can store separately from your computer, for example:
- USB flash drive or external hard drive
- Another computer you own
- A secure copy on a NAS or backup drive you trust
Follow your own security comfort level. The goal is at least one recent copy that survives if the primary machine does not.
Using the app
Open Settings, then the Tools tab. Use the export and backup options there for your platform. Those tools are designed to produce a copy of your vault data you can move to external storage.
Vault Recovery File: Keep your Vault Recovery File and any recovery steps the app gives you in a safe place that is not only on the same device as the vault. That is separate from day-to-day backup but equally important if you forget your password. See Recovery and Backup for the full picture.
Reminder: We cannot reset your vault password or decrypt your vault without the credentials and recovery materials you set up. A backup file without the password is still protected; a password without a vault file does not bring the data back.
Restore overview
To use a backup on a new device or after a reset, install Local Legacy Vault, place or import your vault data using the same tools under Settings, then unlock with your vault password. If you need step-by-step recovery context, start with Recovery and Backup on the main site.