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Photok
Hamburg, Germany
What it is
Photok is an Android vault for storing private photos and videos away from ordinary view. Users can import media, arrange it into albums, and export files. The maker says files are encrypted locally with AES-256 and decrypted only in memory while the app is open; cloud upload is not required. Users can also create and restore encrypted backups. Privacy tools include fingerprint unlock, sending media directly into the vault, hiding the app icon, and deleting originals after import. Photok is open source under the Apache 2.0 License and is developed by Leon Latsch and public volunteers. It is available through Google Play, F-Droid, and other alternatives. The maker describes the core app as identical across Google Play and FOSS builds, though their telemetry defaults and Pro availability differ. Google Play telemetry starts enabled but can be turned off; FOSS telemetry starts disabled and can be enabled in settings. The FOSS version is free, with no ads or payments. Optional Photok Pro is for Google Play and has no listed price.
For and against
For
- Encrypts files locally with AES-256
- No cloud upload required
- Supports encrypted backup creation and restoration
- Includes fingerprint unlock and hidden app icon
- Open source under Apache 2.0 License
Against
- Android only
- Google Play telemetry is enabled by default
- Photok Pro is unavailable in FOSS
The verdict
Photok combines local media encryption with organization, backup, and access controls. Its FOSS version is free, while telemetry settings and Pro availability vary by distribution.
Who it suits
Photok suits Android users who want to keep personal photos and videos in a dedicated vault, with local encryption and encrypted backups. Those choosing between versions should note the different telemetry defaults and that Pro is unavailable in FOSS.
Plans and prices
Photok FOSS
Free open-source FOSS version · no ads · no payments · Photok Pro not available
Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Photok Pro
Optional add-on for the Google Play version · unlocks additional features · not available in FOSS
Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Access and privacy features
- Features include fingerprint unlock, direct sharing into the vault, hiding the app icon, and deleting originals after import.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Analytics use
- The maker says analytics are used to improve stability and user experience and are not used for advertising or cross-app tracking.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Backups
- The app supports creating and restoring encrypted backups.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Build variants
- The core app is described as identical across Google Play and FOSS variants, while telemetry defaults and optional Pro availability differ.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Cloud use
- The maker says no cloud upload is required.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Developer
- The project is developed by Leon Latsch and public volunteers.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The maker lists Google Play and F-Droid, as well as other alternatives, as download sources.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- The maker says files are encrypted locally with AES-256 and decrypted only in memory while the app is in use.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Media organization
- Users can import photos and videos, organize them into albums, and export files.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Photok is open source under the Apache 2.0 License.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Product
- Photok is an Android photo and video vault for hiding private media.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The Google Play listing provides [email protected] as the support email.play.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Telemetry
- Telemetry is enabled by default in the Google Play version and can be disabled; in FOSS it is disabled by default and can be enabled in settings.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
