Valv
What Valv is
Valv is a free Android app for storing photos, GIFs, videos, and text files in an encrypted gallery vault on a device. You can organize items into folders, add notes or text, and create multiple vaults protected by different passwords. Vault access can use a password or PIN, and one vault can be unlocked with biometrics. Valv uses ChaCha20 encryption, with keys derived using PBKDF2 and HMAC-SHA512. The default PBKDF2 count is 50,000 iterations and can be changed. Encrypted files remain on the device and can be backed up or transferred between devices; the app does not offer cloud backup. The project says the app requires no permissions, while the Google Play listing declares that it collects no data or shares data with third parties. Valv requires Android 9.0 or newer. It is published by Arctosoft AB, based in Östersund, Sweden, and is available through Google Play, F-Droid, and as an APK from GitHub releases.
Who it suits
Valv suits Android users who want to keep selected photos, videos, and other supported files in password-protected local vaults. It is a fit for people comfortable managing their own on-device backups rather than using cloud backup.
What it does well
- Stores images, GIFs, videos, and text files.
- Supports folders, notes, and multiple vaults.
- Uses ChaCha20 with PBKDF2 and HMAC-SHA512.
- Available through Google Play, F-Droid, and GitHub.
What to know first
- Requires Android 9.0 or newer.
- Encrypted files stay on-device; cloud backup is unavailable.
Limits
Valv is free. It has no cloud backup, and biometric unlocking is available for one vault.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Valv | Android app · Android 9 or newer | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Install Valv through Google Play or F-Droid, or download its APK from GitHub releases.
- Use an Android device running Android 9.0 or newer.
- Set a password or PIN to protect the gallery.
- Create vaults and organize supported files into folders.
Verdict
Valv offers encrypted local storage with organization options and several distribution routes. Its Android 9.0 minimum and lack of cloud backup are important considerations.
Questions
How much does Valv cost?
Valv is free; its listed plan is free.
Which devices does Valv support?
Valv runs on Android 9.0 or newer.
What files can I store?
Valv supports images, GIFs, videos, and text files.
Does Valv back up files to the cloud?
No. Encrypted files are stored on the device and can be backed up or transferred between devices.
Is Valv open source?
F-Droid lists Valv under the GNU General Public License version 3.0 only.
How can I get Valv?
It is available through Google Play, F-Droid, and as an APK from GitHub releases.
Facts from Valv's own pages
- Android requirement
- The listed release requires Android 9.0 or newer. · f-droid.org, 10 Oct 2026
- Authentication
- Valv lets users protect the gallery with a password or PIN code. · play.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Biometrics
- Version 2.3.1 added biometric unlocking for one vault, including fingerprint or face authentication. · f-droid.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The project requires Android 9 or newer. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Data safety
- Google Play lists the developer's declarations as no data collected and no data shared with third parties. · play.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The app is available through F-Droid and as an APK from the project's GitHub releases. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Download
- The maker links to Google Play, F-Droid, and the GitHub source repository for Valv. · arctosoft.com, 10 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- Files are encrypted with ChaCha20, and keys are derived using PBKDF2 with HMAC-SHA512. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- F-Droid build
- F-Droid says its listed build is built and signed by the original developer and corresponds to the source tarball. · f-droid.org, 10 Oct 2026
- File types
- It supports images, GIFs, videos and text files. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Östersund, Sweden · github.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Key settings
- The encryption documentation says PBKDF2 uses 50,000 iterations by default and that the count can be changed. · github.com, 10 Oct 2026
- Latest listed release
- The GitHub release page identifies v2.4.1 as the latest release and dates it April 13. · github.com, 10 Oct 2026
- License
- F-Droid lists the app under GNU General Public License v3.0 only. · f-droid.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Local files
- Encrypted files are stored on disk for backups and transfers between devices. · github.com, 10 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The app is published by Arctosoft AB. · play.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Multiple vaults
- Different passwords can be used to access multiple vaults. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Organization
- Users can organize files into folders and add notes or text to files. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Permissions
- The project README says the app requires no permissions. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Valv is an encrypted gallery vault for Android devices. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Storage and backups
- Encrypted files are stored on-device, which the app says allows backups and transfers between devices. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Google Play lists [email protected] as the support email. · play.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
Where Valv stands on Freedom251
- Photo Vault Apps#25 of 32