# Storage of data

LockMyPix uses a persistent storage mechanism (Android only, iOS doesn't support that). The persistent mechanism ensures that you can uninstall and reinstall LockMyPix whenever you like without files being deleted.

### Can I format my phone?

Yes, but [take a backup](https://docs.lockmypix.com/helpdesk/backup-your-vault). A phone reset removes all files from your storage and may also from a plugged in sd-card.

### What happens if I uninstall LockMyPix?

**Android:** Your files persist. Reinstall LockMyPix any time to login and view your Vault.

**iOS:** Files of an app are deleted by default when uninstalling. Don't confirm the warning message unless you've created a [backup](https://docs.lockmypix.com/helpdesk/backup-your-vault#create-a-encrypted-backup-file).

### Can I clean my phone storage from time to time?

Sure. Just ensure that you don't delete any file that is stored under the path *`.LockMyPix`*.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Mind:** Cleaning tools are not intelligent. You may delete important files if you don't carefully check what will be deleted during a clean up.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip:** Always take a [backup](https://docs.lockmypix.com/helpdesk/backup-your-vault) from time to time. [Manually](https://docs.lockmypix.com/helpdesk/backup-your-vault#create-a-encrypted-backup-file) or [automatically](https://docs.lockmypix.com/helpdesk/backup-your-vault#use-the-encrypted-cloud).
{% endhint %}

### I'm logged in but my Vault is empty

Think carefully about what you last did on your device because files cannot automatically disappear.

* Phone reset?
* Cleaning tool used?
* Removed or resetted the sd-card?
* Removed or renamed a folder on your phone?

{% hint style="info" %}
LockMyPix protects your files and cannot delete anything without you giving the instruction. A file cannot disappear automatically
{% endhint %}

If you had the [Cloud](https://docs.lockmypix.com/helpdesk/backup-your-vault#restore-from-the-cloud) active, easily [restore](https://docs.lockmypix.com/helpdesk/backup-your-vault#restore-from-the-cloud). Otherwise it's required to find out what you did in order to restore. If you have used a cleaning tool and didn't check what is deleted during the clean up, send a mail to the support of the cleaning tool. They may have a fallback to restore files.

For the case you stored your Vault on the sd-card and pulled that out for some reason, simply [reimport](https://docs.lockmypix.com/helpdesk/use-the-sd-card#reimport-for-the-sd-card).

Just in case you have removed a folder from your phone using a file manager, that was maybe the LockMyPix data folder. Restore that somehow if you didn't have used any LockMyPix [backup](https://docs.lockmypix.com/helpdesk/backup-your-vault) option.

If you have reseted your device a [backup file](https://docs.lockmypix.com/helpdesk/backup-your-vault#restore-from-a-backup-file) or [Cloud backup](https://docs.lockmypix.com/helpdesk/backup-your-vault#use-the-encrypted-cloud) is required in any case.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Mind:** Due to the persistent storage method of LockMyPix (Android), all data is preserved even after uninstallation. Files cannot delete themselves automatically.
{% endhint %}

#### Use the built-in search option

Start LockMyPix and press for a second on the 0 (zero) in the login screen. If you use password authentication, press for a second on the login button. Select the option *search for files* from the bottom and LockMyPix will scan for all associated files and reimport them automatically.

**Mind:** This works only if the files have not been deleted manually or with cleaning tools. It's useful if you have moved the data folder *`.LockMyPix`* from it's original location accidentially.

## Restore data folder

You have a backup of the data folder *`.LockMyPix`* or the sub-folders *`.encrypt`* / *`.encrypt_prev`*?

Place the folder *`.LockMyPix`* on your phone storage. Directly on the root - not inside a folder. Overwrite if required.

The backup is now recovered. Login to view the content. If you don't see anything after login, ensure that you have placed the data folder *`.LockMyPix`* in the right location and log in into the Main 

> Final path: Storage/.LockMyPix


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.lockmypix.com/helpdesk/general/storage-of-data.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.