Move sensitive photos in four stages: prepare the destination, copy a small batch, verify that the copies open, and delete the Photos originals only after the checks pass. If iCloud Photos is enabled, deletion propagates across your synced devices, so keep a separate verified copy before emptying Recently Deleted.
Copying first keeps the move reversible
Importing into another app and deleting from Photos are separate actions. Keep them separate. Copying gives you another item to inspect, while deletion removes one of the recovery paths.
With iCloud Photos enabled, deleting on one device deletes the item across devices using the same synced library. Apple retains it in Recently Deleted for 30 days, but that window should be treated as a last resort rather than the plan. Review Apple’s iCloud Photos guidance before starting.
Prepare storage, access, recovery, and space
- Confirm where the copied files will live and whether the destination has cloud backup or cross-device sync.
- Confirm that you can regain access without asking support to bypass encryption.
- Find the selected and complete-export workflows while your access is active.
- Save required recovery material somewhere outside the destination app.
- Check Settings → General → iPhone Storage for room to hold both copies during the move.
Calculator Lock requires Premium to add new vault content. Existing content remains accessible and exportable after Premium ends. It stores vault content locally and has no launch cloud backup or cross-device sync. Read the private photo vault overview before using it as a destination.
Copy a small batch and let the import finish
- Choose a few nonessential photos or videos you can inspect individually.
- Import them through the system picker.
- Wait for the destination to finish processing the batch.
- Resolve any interrupted-import notice before starting another batch.
Calculator Lock copies, encrypts, verifies, and then commits selected content. The Photos and Files originals remain unchanged. An interrupted import can be reviewed and retried from its encrypted recovery state, but that does not replace checking the finished media yourself.
Open photos, play videos, and test an export
| CHECK | WHAT IT CONFIRMS |
|---|---|
| Full-size photo | The destination can decrypt and render more than a thumbnail. |
| Video playback | The file is present and readable through the duration you inspect. |
| Metadata check | The date, file name, or folder is what you expect. |
| Selected export | You can create a readable copy outside the vault while access is active. |
Delete from Photos only after every check passes
- Confirm the expected number of copied items.
- Repeat the full-size, playback, and export checks on more than one item.
- Delete the selected originals from Photos.
- Check another synced device if iCloud Photos is enabled.
- Leave Recently Deleted alone until you are satisfied that the destination is usable.
The broader iPhone photo storage map shows why an item can have several copies with different deletion rules.
Recovery material and exports solve different failures
A Calculator Lock recovery key can support choosing a new calculator code. It cannot restore a vault removed when the app was uninstalled. An external export can preserve readable files, but it does not preserve the vault’s encrypted access model.
[ ] Destination and access model checked [ ] Recovery material saved outside the app [ ] Sample items opened and played [ ] Selected export opened from its destination [ ] Original copies retained until checks passed [ ] Recently Deleted reviewed last
Use the photo vault recovery and export checklist before uninstalling or switching apps.