Questions, answered plainly
VaultCopy FAQ
VaultCopy has a narrow promise: create a verified snapshot on Mac, keep a local recovery copy on iPhone, and restore without overwriting the original.
What is VaultCopy?
VaultCopy is a local-first backup utility for folder-based Markdown vaults. The Mac Agent creates and verifies a snapshot; the iPhone app stores recent copies locally and can export a restore package back to Mac.
Is VaultCopy a sync service?
No. It does not continuously merge files between devices, edit notes from iPhone, or mirror iPhone changes back to Mac. It creates intentional backup snapshots.
How is this different from sync or version history?
Sync keeps devices current, and some sync products include useful file-level version history. VaultCopy adds a separate, whole-vault snapshot stored on another device, with archive verification and a guarded restore path. The two layers can work together.
Does VaultCopy replace Time Machine, Git, or manual exports?
No. Time Machine protects much more of a Mac. Git can provide precise history when maintained. Manual exports are flexible. VaultCopy focuses on a guided vault-sized recovery copy that travels on your iPhone.
Is VaultCopy affiliated with Obsidian?
No. VaultCopy is an independent product for local Markdown vault folders, including Obsidian-compatible folder workflows. “Obsidian” is used only to describe compatibility and the user workflow.
Do I need a VaultCopy account?
No account or demo login is required for the local Mac-to-iPhone backup path.
Why is the Mac Agent required?
iPhone cannot directly read an arbitrary folder on your Mac. The Agent has the folder access needed to create the snapshot, optionally encrypt it, serve it locally, verify restore packages, and write restored files to a folder you select.
Does VaultCopy back up automatically in the background?
Backups are manual by default. You can optionally let VaultCopy run one foreground backup when the app opens, the saved Mac is reachable, and the latest iPhone copy is old enough. VaultCopy does not promise continuous iOS background backup.
How do the trial and lifetime unlock work?
The iPhone app is free to download and includes a 3-day trial of backup creation and change checks. After the trial, a non-consumable lifetime unlock is available for US$4.99; the App Store shows the local price for your storefront.
What happens to existing backups after the trial?
Existing snapshots remain viewable, exportable, and restorable. The unlock controls new backup creation and change checks; it does not hold your existing recovery copies hostage.
Where is the iPhone app available?
VaultCopy 1.0.1 is publicly available in the supported storefronts selected for this release. China mainland is excluded. Availability and local pricing can still vary by storefront.
Can snapshots be encrypted?
Yes. The Mac Agent can create AES-256-GCM encrypted archives using a passphrase you choose. Encryption applies to new snapshots after it is enabled.
What if I forget the backup passphrase?
VaultCopy cannot recover it. Resetting encryption changes future backups only; old encrypted snapshots still require the original passphrase.
How many snapshots does iPhone keep?
The first release keeps a small recent snapshot library and applies the storage budget you choose. The default budget is 2 GB and can be adjusted from 1 GB to 100 GB. VaultCopy also checks free device space before downloading.
Will restore overwrite my current vault?
No. The Mac Agent verifies the package first and restores only into a new or empty folder. It intentionally refuses non-empty targets and other unsafe destinations.
Does VaultCopy upload my notes?
No. VaultCopy does not upload note contents, backup archives, passphrases, pairing tokens, or restore packages to a VaultCopy server. See the Privacy Policy for the full boundary.
How does the Mac Agent update?
The Agent uses Sparkle 2 and shows a user-approved update action when a newer signed release is available. The stable feed is /appcast.xml, and the stable DMG path is /downloads/VaultCopy-Agent.dmg.