Product help

What is a Vault Password?

Your Vault Password is the password you choose to unlock your vault on your device. It is used to decrypt your data locally. We cannot see it, reset it, or email it to you.

For choosing a strong password, see Creating your vault password.

What is a Vault Recovery File?

The Vault Recovery File is a separate file you save during setup (and can refresh later). It is used only on the unlock screen if you forget your Vault Password. It helps you regain access and set a new Vault Password.

It is not a full copy of your records for day-to-day restore. That job belongs to Backup.

How to use the Vault Recovery File

If you forget your Vault Password, use the unlock screen:

1. Choose Recover Vault.
2. Select your Vault Recovery File where you saved it (for example on a USB drive).
3. Follow the prompts to regain access and set a new Vault Password.
4. After you unlock, go to Settings > Protect Your Vault and download a new Vault Recovery File that matches your new password.

What is the difference between Backup and Vault Recovery File?

Backup is an encrypted copy of your vault data (records and related content). You use Import to add data from a backup into a vault you have open. It does not replace the Vault Recovery File.

Vault Recovery File is for password recovery on the unlock flow. It does not replace backups of your information.

See also Recovery and Backup and Backing up your vault.

What does Import do?

Import adds information from a file into the vault you already have open. Typical sources are a vault backup file, a spreadsheet, or contacts. Import adds to your current vault. It does not silently replace your entire vault from a file.

Use Settings → Tools → Import. You can use preview options first if you want to check a file without saving.

What does Export do?

Export lets you download a full backup (encrypted vault backup file) or, where available, a spreadsheet of record rows. Full backup matches what you need for copies on USB or another computer. Spreadsheet export is rows only; it does not carry full guide text the way a backup file can.

Use Settings → Tools → Export.

What is Mobile Access?

Mobile Access is a time-limited, read-only way for someone to view selected instructions on a phone browser. You create it with Give Mobile Access under Settings → Tools → Mobile Access. It uses a link (and sometimes a QR code). It is not a full vault login on the phone.

What is the Family Guide?

The Family Guide is a clear summary of important information your family may need. It is built from what you save in the vault. You can preview, print, or download it from the sidebar or Settings → Tools.

What is the Executor Guide?

The Executor Guide is detailed instructions and information for the person handling your estate. It is also built from your vault. Preview, print, or download from the sidebar or Settings → Tools. In the product we call this the Executor Guide (not a separate packet product name).

What are Important Contacts?

Important Contacts are people you list so your family knows who to reach (for example family, advisors, or an attorney). You can designate an executor in that list. Listing someone does not, by itself, unlock your vault.

What does Dashboard progress mean?

The dashboard highlights areas of your vault (for example Guided Setup or legacy planning). Progress there is a gentle checklist. It helps you see what you have not opened yet and what you have worked on. It does not change how your data is stored.

What do Not started, In progress, and Complete mean?

Those labels describe checklist or guided steps only.

• Not started means you have not marked work in that area yet.
• In progress means you have started but not finished.
• Complete means you marked that area done for your own tracking.

They are not a legal or medical status. You can change them anytime.

What happens if I forget my Vault Password?

Use your Vault Recovery File on the unlock screen. You can set a new Vault Password. Without that file, the vault cannot be unlocked. We cannot reset the password for you.

What happens if my computer dies?

Your vault lives in a file on your computer. If the machine is lost or damaged, you need a backup of the vault data you made earlier and your Vault Password (plus your Vault Recovery File if you ever forget the password). Restore by installing the app on a working computer, bringing your vault file or backup across, and unlocking.

Where is the vault file stored?

On the desktop app, the vault is a file on disk in a location you control (for example your documents folder or a path you chose). It stays on your device; we do not host your vault contents in the cloud.

Exact paths differ by operating system and how you set up the app. Use in-app backup and your own notes so you always know where the live file and copies live.

How do I move my vault to a new computer?

Install Local Legacy Vault on the new computer. Copy your vault file across with a method you trust (USB, secure drive, or a backup you exported). Open the vault with your Vault Password. If you use backup files instead of the live file, create or open a vault, then use Import with your backup format.

Activation and licensing may require a short online step; everyday vault use stays local.

How often should I back up?

A practical habit is at least monthly, or sooner after large changes (new accounts, major edits, new documents). Keep more than one copy on separate storage you control.

How do I share Mobile Access safely?

Pick a short duration. Add an access code when you can, and share the code separately from the link. Share only with the person who needs it. Do not post links in public places. You can revoke from your device; copies of the link may still work until they expire.

If you use a local network address for Mobile Access, the phone and computer should be on the same Wi-Fi you trust.