User guide
A private photo album and diary, locked on your phone
Think of TinyTrove as a private journal that keeps photos and words encrypted on your device. Without your 6‑digit passcode, others can’t easily read your entries—even if they have your phone.
Who is it for?
If you're willing to take a little responsibility for your memories, we help you both capture and protect them.
- You don't want platforms to own your story:You'd rather not hand over full‑resolution life, location and timelines entirely to one app or company.
- You want memories after a new phone or reinstall:When you switch devices or reinstall, you still want your memories back—not gone in a flash.
- You'll keep your own "keys":You're OK spending two extra minutes storing your recovery key and passcode separately—real security can't be fully on autopilot.
What can it do? (quick overview)
Capture, browse, export, back up and migrate—keep your moments and keep your keys safe.
- Create an entry:Add photos/videos and a few lines. Optionally save a location.
- Browse the timeline:Scroll your timeline and open cards to revisit media and notes.
- Export as an album:Collect entries into an album and export to PDF for keeping or sharing with family.
- Undo accidental deletes:Deleted items go to Recently Deleted and can be restored for a period of time.
- Backup & sync:Back up your recovery key, export an encrypted archive, or sync encrypted files to storage you control (WebDAV/NAS).
First time? Try these four steps
A few minutes of setup, then you can record with peace of mind.
- Skim the onboarding:Main idea: data stays mostly on your device, and you hold the keys.
- Set a 6-digit passcode:This is your daily unlock. Avoid birthdays or 123456-style codes.
- Back up your recovery key (must-do):In Profile, use recovery key backup and save it offline (print, paper, air-gapped storage). Keep passcode and recovery key in different places—lose both and the content can't be opened.
- Optional when you have time:Comfortable with cloud? Set up sync in cloud settings. Want extra safety? Export an encrypted backup archive to a computer or drive.
Daily use
- Timeline:Your home view: create entries, open details, and long‑press to manage (add to album, delete, etc.).
- Profile:Your safety hub: passcode, recovery key, backup/restore, sync, Recently Deleted, language and updates.
- Why does it ask for the passcode again?:To protect you: after a long time in background it may require re‑verification. Too many wrong attempts in a day can temporarily lock access.
After changing phones or reinstalling
- Install the app and follow the restore flow (you need the recovery key you backed up).
- When asked, enter the 6‑digit passcode that was used when the key was backed up (the old device’s passcode, not the new one).
- If you used sync, sign in to the same storage and follow in‑app sync/restore steps.
- If you exported an encrypted archive, choose it from the restore entry point (make sure there’s enough storage space).
3 things you should never do
- Keep the recovery key only on one phone—lose the phone and you lose the key.
- Store the passcode and recovery key in the same account/app—one compromise opens both doors.
- Assume “synced to cloud = safe”—cloud storage holds locked files; unlocking still requires your passcode + recovery key.
FAQ in plain language
- Are my photos uploaded to your servers?Normally your content stays mainly on your phone. Only when you connect your own storage do encrypted files upload to the provider you choose.
- What if I forget my 6‑digit passcode?If you still have your recovery key, try the in‑app restore flow. If both passcode and key are lost, encrypted data can’t be recovered.
- What does “pending unlock” mean?Content synced from another device can’t be opened until this device has the right key. Import the corresponding recovery key as prompted.
- Why is the address sometimes vague?It depends on map services and network. It doesn’t affect saving your entries—precise address is optional.
Need help?
If you run into issues or have security suggestions, contact the developer via in‑app feedback. If this page differs from the latest app UI, the app takes precedence.
