Keepsafe alternatives for iPhone

What to look for when leaving Keepsafe, which apps fit which need and how to move your photos without losing them. Prices checked against each listing.

Keepsafe has been around for a long time, so a lot of people arrive at the question after years of use. The right replacement depends on your reason for leaving.

If you want a cloud you trust more

• Ente Photos: end-to-end encrypted photo backup with shared albums. Its site says it is open source and describes an external cryptographic audit, and it gives you 10 GB free. See the comparison.
• Proton Drive: end-to-end encrypted storage for files and photos, 5 GB free. See the comparison.
• Advanced Data Protection: if you already use iCloud, Apple’s option may be enough. It costs nothing, but a person with your passcode can still open Photos.

If you want nothing in a cloud

• Encamera: names its cipher and publishes its code. See the comparison.
• Obscura: an encrypted vault with a one-time price. See the comparison.
• Backroom: a pattern on a 5 by 5 grid, encrypted on your iPhone, no account or ads. It has had no outside review.

If you just want lower cost

Apple’s Hidden collection and locked notes are free. They may be enough for some people, and their lock is your passcode.

How to move safely

1. Export a few photos from Keepsafe to your library and check they look right.
2. Export the rest, in batches if needed.
3. Import into the new app and check.
4. Delete the copies left in Photos and clear Recently Deleted.
5. Only then cancel Keepsafe, and delete it. If you use its cloud, check how to remove that copy too.

Do not cancel first. A plan change may affect what you can reach.