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Valv

github.com

Free plan Android
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.8 #13 of 32 in Photo Vault Apps

What it is

Valv is a free Android gallery vault for storing photos, GIFs, videos, and text files in encrypted form on a device. Files can be arranged into folders, with notes or text attached, and separate vaults can use different passwords. Access supports a password or PIN; one vault can also be unlocked with fingerprint or face authentication. Valv uses ChaCha20 encryption and derives keys with PBKDF2 and HMAC-SHA512. PBKDF2 uses 50,000 iterations by default, and that count can be changed. Encrypted files remain on local storage, supporting backups and transfers between devices, but cloud backup is not available. The project README says the app requires no permissions, while Google Play declares no data collected and no data shared with third parties. Valv requires Android 9.0 or newer and is listed at free. It is distributed through Google Play, F-Droid, and a GitHub APK, under GPL-3.0-only.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Valv is an encrypted gallery vault for Android devices.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
Google Play lists [email protected] as the support email.Read 11 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
License
F-Droid lists the app under GNU General Public License v3.0 only.Read 11 Oct 2026 · f-droid.org
Headquarters
Östersund, SwedenRead 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Maker
The app is published by Arctosoft AB.Read 11 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Android requirement
The listed release requires Android 9.0 or newer.Read 10 Oct 2026 · f-droid.org
Authentication
Valv lets users protect the gallery with a password or PIN code.Read 11 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Biometrics
Version 2.3.1 added biometric unlocking for one vault, including fingerprint or face authentication.Read 11 Oct 2026 · f-droid.org
Compatibility
The project requires Android 9 or newer.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Data safety
Google Play lists the developer's declarations as no data collected and no data shared with third parties.Read 11 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Distribution
The app is available through F-Droid and as an APK from the project's GitHub releases.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Download
The maker links to Google Play, F-Droid, and the GitHub source repository for Valv.Read 10 Oct 2026 · arctosoft.com
Encryption
Files are encrypted with ChaCha20, and keys are derived using PBKDF2 with HMAC-SHA512.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
F-Droid build
F-Droid says its listed build is built and signed by the original developer and corresponds to the source tarball.Read 10 Oct 2026 · f-droid.org
File types
It supports images, GIFs, videos and text files.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Key settings
The encryption documentation says PBKDF2 uses 50,000 iterations by default and that the count can be changed.Read 10 Oct 2026 · github.com
Latest listed release
The GitHub release page identifies v2.4.1 as the latest release and dates it April 13.Read 10 Oct 2026 · github.com
Local files
Encrypted files are stored on disk for backups and transfers between devices.Read 10 Oct 2026 · github.com
Multiple vaults
Different passwords can be used to access multiple vaults.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Organization
Users can organize files into folders and add notes or text to files.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Permissions
The project README says the app requires no permissions.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Storage and backups
Encrypted files are stored on-device, which the app says allows backups and transfers between devices.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Valv Free Android app · Android 9 or newer Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Valv plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • ChaCha20 encryption with PBKDF2 and HMAC-SHA512
  • Supports multiple vaults with different passwords
  • Biometric unlocking is available for one vault
  • Requires no permissions according to the project
  • Free at free

Limits

  • Requires Android 9.0 or newer
  • No cloud backup
  • Encrypted files remain on the device

Who it suits

It suits Android users who want local encrypted storage for several media and text-file types. It also fits users who need multiple password-protected vaults and manual device-to-device transfers.

Verdict

Valv focuses on local, encrypted organization of media and text files, with multiple vaults and optional biometrics. Its free Android distribution is practical for device-based storage, but cloud backup is absent.

Where Specifiction places it

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