Having trouble with Arcula? Start with the guidance below or contact support.

Requires iOS / iPadOS 18.0 or later.

Import and export

How do I import photos and videos?

• Import from Photos: Select photos, videos, Live Photos, or GIFs and choose a destination folder.
• Import from Files: Select media from Files or its file providers.
• Browser Import: Upload media from another device’s browser on the same Wi-Fi network.
• Private Camera (Pro): Capture directly into the encrypted library. Recording video with sound also requires microphone permission.

If importing fails, check that media has fully downloaded from iCloud or its file provider, the file is intact, storage is available, and permissions are granted. Try a small file first.

Do originals disappear from Photos after import?

Importing and deleting originals are separate actions. Even with the option to delete originals enabled, you must confirm the system deletion prompt. First check that content opens correctly in Arcula. Photos may still retain originals in its own Recently Deleted album, which is managed separately from Arcula’s Recently Deleted.

Why can’t Browser Import or export connect?

• Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network and allow Arcula Local Network access.
• Keep Browser Import or Export to Other Devices open in the foreground.
• Use the complete current HTTP address and credentials displayed on that screen.
• Check whether a VPN, guest network, or router isolation is blocking device communication.
• Retry on a trusted home network and close the transfer screen when finished.

Export to Other Devices requires Pro. Local HTTP transfers are not encrypted in transit; do not share private content over an untrusted network.

Why can’t I continue sharing an exported file?

Arcula cleans up temporary exported files when it locks or enters the background. Export again and finish saving or sharing before leaving the app. Ordinary exported media files are outside vault encryption.

Passwords and privacy

How do I enable app unlocking and a decoy passcode?

Configure Unlock Method (Pro) in settings using an app passcode or supported Face ID / Touch ID. Decoy Passcode must differ from your app passcode and opens a separate decoy space. It does not delete your real library and is not a password recovery method.

What if I forget a password?

If a previously configured biometric method remains available and permits unlocking, try that first. The Developer cannot view, reset, or remotely recover your app passcode, folder password, or backup password. Do not try deleting the app to reset it: this removes the local private space. Existing backups also require their correct password to restore, except backups created with an empty password.

Why does an Intruder Log entry have no photo?

Intruder Log and Intruder Photos are separate controls. Check your Pro entitlement, whether Intruder Photos is enabled, camera permission, the failed-attempt threshold, and the setting to capture only once. Camera unavailability or device restrictions can result in entries without photos. A photo is not guaranteed for every attempt.

Backup and recovery

What should I do before changing devices or deleting the app?

The library and keys are excluded from iCloud sync and device backups. Export the media you need, or use Pro’s Encrypted Backup and save the file outside the app, such as in Files, on a computer, or on external storage. Confirm that it saved successfully and keep the password safe before switching devices or deleting the app.

Unlock encrypted folders you want to include before backing up, and review skipped content. Recently Deleted items are excluded. Backups cover media and folders in the current space; they are not a complete copy of your device or all app settings.

Can I leave the backup password empty?

Yes, but anyone holding that backup file can restore its contents without a password. Set a password and keep it separately from the file. Arcula does not save the password, and the Developer cannot recover it if forgotten.

How do I restore a backup?

Open Restore from Backup in Encrypted Backup, select the complete backup file, and enter the password used to create it. If it was empty, leave it empty when restoring. Review the results and skipped items. If restoration fails, check the download is complete, the password is correct, and enough storage is available, and use the latest available Arcula version.

Restoring Pro purchases does not retrieve media. Restore media separately from a backup.

Can I recover deleted content?

With Recently Deleted enabled, you can restore items that have not been permanently deleted during the 30-day retention period. Expired content may be purged. With Recently Deleted disabled, after manual permanent deletion, or after deleting the app, content cannot be recovered from the app. If a valid backup includes it, you can try restoring that backup.

Pro and purchases

How do I restore purchases?

Sign in with the original purchasing Apple Account, open the Arcula Pro page in settings, and tap Restore Purchases. This does not charge you again. If entitlements remain unavailable, check your connection, Apple Account, and subscription status.

How do I cancel a subscription?

Go to system Settings > Apple Account > Subscriptions > Arcula and follow the cancellation steps at least 24 hours before the current period or trial ends. A one-time lifetime purchase does not renew. See Apple’s cancellation instructions. Deleting the app does not automatically cancel a subscription.

Contact support

MichaelSilvesterCN+Arcula@gmail.com

Mention Arcula and include the app version, device model, system version, reproduction steps, and error screenshots without private information. For import or restore issues, include the file type and error message.

Do not send passwords, keys, private photos or videos, intruder photos, or complete backup files. Use test files without personal content if examples are needed.

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