Valv

Valv is a free Android app for keeping photos, GIFs, videos, and text files in an encrypted gallery vault. Files can be arranged into folders and given notes or text. Users can create multiple vaults with separate passwords, and protect access with a password or PIN; one vault can also be unlocked with fingerprint or face authentication. Valv encrypts files with ChaCha20 and derives keys using PBKDF2 and HMAC-SHA512. The default PBKDF2 setting is 50,000 iterations, and the iteration count can be changed. Encrypted files remain on the device, where they can be backed up or transferred to another device; cloud backup is not available. The project says the app requires no permissions, while the Google Play listing declares no data collected or shared with third parties. Valv requires Android 9.0 or newer and is published by Arctosoft AB. It is available through Google Play and F-Droid, as well as an APK from the project's GitHub releases. F-Droid lists the app under GPL-3.0-only.

Valv combines local file encryption with folders, notes, and multiple vaults on Android. Its on-device storage supports backups and transfers, but there is no cloud backup.

Valv suits Android users who want to organize and encrypt personal media and text files locally. It may also fit users who need separate vaults or want to transfer encrypted files between devices.

Valv is a free Android vault for encrypting photos, GIFs, videos, and text files on the device. It suits users who want separate, password-protected collections and are willing to manage their own backups. Its strongest case is private local storage; the trade-off is no cloud backup and no iOS version.

Overview

Valv keeps encrypted files on the Android device, with folders for organization and notes or text attached to files. Multiple vaults can use different passwords, making it practical to separate personal collections or access contexts. Because the encrypted files remain on disk, users can back them up or transfer them between devices themselves. That provides direct control over copies, but recovery and migration depend on the user rather than an online service.

Key features

The app uses ChaCha20 encryption and derives keys with PBKDF2 and HMAC-SHA512. PBKDF2 is set to 50,000 iterations by default, and the iteration count can be changed. Access can be protected with a password or PIN. Version 2.3.1 added fingerprint or face unlocking for one vault; that biometric convenience does not cover every vault at once.

Images, GIFs, videos, and text files are supported. Folders and notes make a larger private archive easier to classify, while the multiple-vault design gives separation that a single locked gallery cannot. Valv remains a file vault rather than a cloud library or sharing platform, and it offers no cloud backup. The project says it requires no permissions, and Google Play declares no data collected or shared with third parties.

Pricing

Valv costs nothing for the Android app, with Android 9 or newer required. There is no paid tier, subscription, trial, seat allowance, or usage quota stated for the free plan. That makes it a straightforward choice for anyone who wants the full listed feature set without recurring charges. The price does not include hosted backup: encrypted files stay on the device, so users must arrange their own copies.

Platforms

Valv is an Android app requiring Android 9.0 or newer. It can be obtained through Google Play, F-Droid, or an APK from the project's GitHub releases. F-Droid identifies its build as created and signed by the original developer and corresponding to the source tarball. The project is published by Arctosoft AB in Östersund, Sweden, under the GNU General Public License version 3.0 only, with GitHub serving as the source location and issue tracker.

Who it's for

Choose Valv if you want encrypted, on-device storage for mixed media and text, need more than one separately protected vault, and are comfortable handling backups and transfers manually. It also fits users who prefer an open-source distribution route through F-Droid or a downloadable APK. It is a poor fit for iPhone users, households seeking cross-platform access, or anyone who expects automatic cloud recovery.

Pros and cons

• Pros: ChaCha20 with PBKDF2 and HMAC-SHA512 provides a documented encryption design.
• Pros: Multiple vaults with different passwords support genuine separation between collections.
• Pros: Folders, notes, and support for images, GIFs, videos, and text cover more than a photo-only locker.
• Pros: No stated price, no required permissions, and distribution through Google Play, F-Droid, and GitHub keep access flexible.
• Cons: No cloud backup means users must protect and move their own encrypted copies.
• Cons: Android-only support excludes iOS and limits cross-platform use.
• Cons: Biometric unlocking applies to one vault, so multiple vaults still require their configured passwords or PINs.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see Photo Vault Apps.

• Keepsafe Photo Vault is the better choice when Android and iOS coverage, cloud items, and a subscription-based premium tier matter; its free Basic plan is ad-supported and capped at 200 cloud items.
• Obscura Photo Vault suits iPhone users or anyone willing to pay $6.99 a month for unlimited photos, videos, and vaults; its free plan allows up to 50 photos in one vault.
• PhotoGuard is another Android freemium option, with a free download and premium features that remove ads.
• Weave Vault fits users who need Android and iOS support and can work within a free limit of three vaults and 50 files per vault.
• Blackbox is preferable if you want Android and iOS, but its free tier has limited vaults, PIN-only unlocking, local storage, and ads; Premium costs $12.99 a month.
• Calculator Lock - Photo Vault is an Android alternative with up to two personal vaults on its free plan; Pro removes ads and adds unlimited vaults.
• LockMyPix offers Android and iOS access and a $29.99 one-time Premium upgrade, while its free basic tier includes ads.
• NullVault is an alternative Android and iOS vault app.

Verdict

Valv is a strong fit for Android users who want free, documented encryption, multiple password-separated vaults, and complete control of local files. Choose it for an offline-first archive you can back up yourself. Look elsewhere if automatic cloud backup, iOS support, or frictionless multi-device recovery is essential.