How Family Vault works
A simple, private place for your family's stories — built to last.
1. Add a Memory
Choose a vault and write a story, recipe, or blessing.
2. Save Photos or Voice
Upload a photo or record your voice — right from your phone.
3. Keep It Private
Your vault stays on this device. Nobody else can see it.
How to share memories with your family
Family Vault does not use the cloud. Your memories stay on your device, and you share them by sending a small file — the same way you'd send a photo.
Step 1 — Tap “Send to family”
Open My Vault and find the memory. Tap Send to family. Your phone will offer Mail, Messages, WhatsApp, or AirDrop. On a computer, the file saves to your Downloads folder so you can attach it to an email.
Step 2 (optional) — Show a QR code
If you're in the same room and the memory is just words, tap QR. Your family member points their phone camera at the code and it opens right up. Photos and voice notes are too large for a QR code — send those as a file.
Step 3 — They open it
They go to this website, tap Receive a memory, and choose the file you sent. It's added to their own private vault.
Good to know
- • A memory with a photo can be 1–3 MB — fine for email or text, too big for a QR code.
- • Everyone keeps their own copy. Editing yours doesn't change theirs.
- • There is no automatic sync. Sharing is something you choose to do each time.
- • Use “Download my whole vault” to move everything to a new phone or computer.
Trusted resources
- AARP — Family Caregiving
Practical guides for caring for the people you love.
- StoryCorps — Great Questions
Beautiful prompts for recording family stories.
- National Institute on Aging
Tips for staying connected as we age.
- Library of Congress — Personal Archiving
How to preserve digital photos and documents.
- Senior Planet
Free classes and community for older adults.
- Family Caregiver Alliance
Support and resources for family caregivers.
Need a hand?
We're a small team of seniors and families. Reach out anytime.
Email us