LockMyPix

LockMyPix is a photo, video and file vault for Android and iOS. It is a strong fit for people who want encrypted files kept on their device, with a choice of unlock methods and optional backups to their own cloud account. Premium is a one-time purchase, but the free plan’s ads and feature restrictions may be deal-breakers.

Overview

Imported files are encrypted in real time with AES CTR and stored on the device or an SD card, rather than sent to LockMyPix’s servers. That local-storage approach suits users who want to keep private files out of a vault provider’s cloud. It does mean that local storage is not itself an off-device backup: users who want another copy can transfer files through LockMyPix Cloud to their own Google Drive or Dropbox account.

The app offers password, PIN, pattern, fingerprint and face unlock; face unlock depends on the device. The Google Play listing says LockMyPix received the ePrivacy App Seal. That is a useful trust signal, while the practical privacy choice remains whether to keep files local or send a backup to a personal cloud account.

Key features

Local encrypted vault: Files are encrypted as they are imported and stored on the device or SD card. This favors people who do not want the app maker to host their files, but users should arrange their own backup if they need protection against device loss.

Personal-cloud backup: LockMyPix Cloud transfers files to the user’s Google Drive or Dropbox account. This offers an off-device copy without making LockMyPix the storage provider, though the backup depends on the user’s chosen account.

Discreet access options: Password, PIN, pattern, fingerprint and device-dependent face unlock cover several ways to secure the vault. Premium adds a decoy vault, app disguise and intruder selfies, tools aimed at users who want more discretion than a locked gallery alone provides.

Room for large collections: The vault supports unlimited videos, including 8K video, and unlimited folders and subfolders. That makes it suitable for extensive, organized libraries; the free plan’s Premium-only feature restrictions still apply.

Pricing

LockMyPix has a free plan and a paid Premium plan. Free Basic Protection costs nothing and is ad-supported, with some features reserved for Premium. It is a reasonable way to start, but not the best fit for users who need the full privacy toolset or want an ad-free app.

LockMyPix Premium costs $29.99, paid once, unlocks premium features and removes ads. The one-time price avoids a recurring subscription, making it the clearer choice for users who expect to keep the app and want its extra privacy features.

Platforms

LockMyPix is available on Android and iOS. The App Store listing requires iOS 15 or later; Mac support is limited to macOS 12 or later on an Apple M1 chip or later. Face unlock is device-dependent on Google Play, so users should confirm their device supports it before relying on that option.

Who it's for

Choose LockMyPix if you want encrypted local storage, control over your backup destination, and a vault that can organize a substantial collection. It is especially suited to people who value the decoy vault, app disguise or intruder selfies enough to pay once for Premium. Look elsewhere if you want the app provider to handle cloud storage, or if ads and a restricted free tier are unacceptable.

Pros and cons

Pro: Files stay on the device or SD card rather than being sent to LockMyPix’s servers, which suits a local-first privacy approach.

Pro: Backups can go to the user’s own Google Drive or Dropbox account, providing an off-device option under the user’s account.

Pro: Premium combines the decoy vault, app disguise, intruder selfies and ad removal for a single $29.99, paid once payment.

Con: Free Basic Protection includes ads and excludes some features, limiting its appeal to users who want the full experience without paying.

Con: Local storage requires users to choose and manage their own cloud backup if they want an off-device copy.

Con: Mac use has specific requirements: macOS 12 or later and an Apple M1 chip or later.

Alternatives

Compare photo vault apps if you want to weigh LockMyPix against other options. Keepsafe Photo Vault is worth considering if a defined free cloud allowance appeals: its ad-supported free plan includes 200 cloud items, while Premium is $9.99 a month and renews automatically.

Weave Vault may suit users who prefer a stated free cap of three vaults and 50 files per vault; its Pro annual plan includes a seven-day trial for new subscribers. Quantum Media Vault is an option for readers seeking a vault that also supports Linux, macOS, web and Windows.

Secret Album: Photo Vault is an iOS and macOS alternative with a free plan for encrypted photo and video storage on iPhone and iPad. Obscura Photo Vault suits iOS users willing to start with a 50-photo, single-vault free plan or pay $6.99 a month for unlimited photos, videos and vaults.

Hide it Pro is another option for readers comparing vault apps. Privately is iOS-only and offers a free plan without sign-up, with a $39.99 a year Pro plan for locked albums and encrypted backups. GalleryVault may suit users seeking a listed 9.90 CNY a month plan that includes 100GB of cloud storage and fingerprint unlock.

Verdict

LockMyPix is a sound choice for Android and iOS users who want AES CTR-encrypted files stored locally, an optional backup to their own Google Drive or Dropbox, and a one-time path to its privacy features. Its main appeal is control over storage and access; its main drawback is that the free tier is ad-supported and restricts features. Choose Premium if those tools justify the single payment, and look elsewhere if you want provider-managed cloud storage or a more generous free plan.