# FAQ - Secret Space Encryptor

How can I migrate my data to a new device?
Password Vault:
- The Password Vault has an export/import function (you can choose between a compressed, fully encrypted .pwv file format and an unencrypted, editable .xml format).
- For Android 5.0 and higher, standard (system-provided) backup/restore features can also be used.
Manual Transfer:
Show more ... 1. Export the vault to a .pwv file using the "More..." button in the Password Vault application. It will appear in the application's Import/Export directory.
(Default: `[Internal Storage]/SSE/` or `[Internal Storage]/Android/media/com.paranoiaworks.unicus.android.sse/` - location may depend on system/application versions).
2. Copy the file to the Import/Export directory on your new device.
3. Import the file: Start Password Vault → cancel the password dialog → tap Help me get in! → choose Import Vault → select the file you want to import from the list (names in the list correspond to file names in the Import/Export directory—if you cannot find your .pwv file, it is not located in the correct directory).
Text + File Encryptor:
These applications work with files, so you can back up/transfer them like any other file. The Text Encryptor's default directories are `[Internal Storage]/SSE/Texts/` or `[Internal Storage]/Android/media/com.paranoiaworks.unicus.android.sse/Texts/` and `../Steganograms/`. The File Encryptor, by default, saves a new archive into the same directory where the original (unencrypted) file is located. The destination can be changed in Settings → File Encryptor: Encrypted Files Destination.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) You can check/change the current Import/Export directory in the application settings (Settings → Common Settings: Import/Export Path).
2) `../Android/

(data)
media

/com.paranoiaworks.unicus.android.sse` directories will automatically be deleted (a system feature) when the application is uninstalled (make a backup beforehand, if required).

I forgot my password. Can you help me?
No, there is no backdoor. That's the purpose of the application. All data is encrypted (mathematically altered) using the password. Without the password, you cannot reverse the process and reconstruct the original data. We cannot help you. Nobody can. The correct password is the only way.

Why doesn't the application use fingerprints for file/text encryption and Password Vault access?
All data is fully encrypted (mathematically altered), and there must be an exact encryption key match to perform decryption. Without a 100% correct key, you cannot reverse the process and reconstruct the original data. Fingerprints are typically used for authentication—originals are stored somewhere and compared during authentication, but the data itself is only hidden behind this process, not encrypted by the fingerprint. There is no reliable way to use fingerprints directly for encryption (i.e., generating a robust encryption key from fingerprints)—only a few unreliable experiments exist. Moreover, fingerprints are not secret and cannot be changed. If someone obtains a copy of your fingerprints (which is relatively easy for someone determined, since you leave your "password" on everything you touch), all your data (past, present, future) could become accessible to them. S.S.E. will NEVER use biometric data (directly or indirectly) for ENCRYPTION purposes.

Why can't I use other applications that work with the same ciphers (e.g., AES) to decrypt files/texts created by SSE?
It involves more than just the encryption algorithm. Many other components are involved: encryption mode (CBC, CFB, PCBC, OFB, CRT, CWC, EAX, etc.), password processing (KDF - Key Derivation Function), integrity checks, file archive type, compression, etc. Detailed format specifications can be found here.

I can't decrypt my data. The application says "Invalid password or corrupted data," but I'm 100% sure my password is correct.
A) Probability—more than 99.9%: Your password really is invalid. Avoid typos when setting/entering your password and remember the correct password for each piece of data. Typing errors are easy to make on a software keyboard. If you encounter an "incorrect password" situation, check for missing/swapped/doubled letters, letters replaced by neighboring keys, or extra neighboring keys added. Try combinations of keys near your intended key (one by one). This can be laborious, but it's possible to recover data if there's only a single character error. Many users have successfully recovered data this way. Many "100% sure users" have also eventually recalled the correct password (if they tried, of course—those who believe they never make mistakes often prefer to give up rather than reconsider their password).
B) Probability—low: A hardware failure could be the cause. The application verifies (decrypts) all data (Password Vault and Text Encryptor) and the header of .enc files after encryption to detect calculation or memory errors. Most hardware errors (which are unfortunately unpreventable) are caused by storage failures. SD cards are usually much less reliable (especially certain device/SD card combinations) than internal memory (internal memory can also fail, but the probability is lower with decent devices). Android is an open platform, and many unreliable devices exist. If you value your data, avoid them. Also, be sure to always safely unmount SD cards (and other external storage) before removing them.

The application can be easily "cracked" (meaning, gain PRO version features) by various automatic "patchers". Where are the strong ciphers?
The "strong ciphers" and all encryption capabilities of the application have absolutely nothing to do with anti-piracy protection of the PRO version. There isn't (and will not be) any special anti-piracy protection in this application because it's generally ineffective and counterproductive for this type of app. Security applications must be trustworthy, and their strongest attributes are being open source, having non-obfuscated builds, being fully offline if possible, etc. All of these conflict with typical anti-piracy protections but make the application much more reliable. Do not mistake strengths for weaknesses. This isn't primarily a "money-making" project (it would have ended before it began). If someone wants to rely on cracked security apps and has a rooted device full of "crackers and patchers," that's their choice—there's no accounting for taste.

PRO version license: Can I reuse my purchased SSE license, or do I need to buy it again?
A) Google Play Version: The license is lifetime and can be used on an unlimited number of your devices, as the purchase is bound to your Google (Google Play) account. It will work on any device where you are logged in with the purchasing account. The application should activate automatically on first start. If not, go to Other Utilities → Upgrade to Pro Version and tap the Upgrade to Pro Version button. A message like "You already own this item" should appear, and the application will be activated. You can also activate an unlimited number of desktop versions (more info) on all devices you own.
B) "F" Flavor Version (distributed outside Google Play, activated with a key): Similar to the Play Store version—you can use it on all devices you own (Android + desktop).
If you experience any problems with activation, please contact us.

Clipboard Cleaner doesn't work — Why?
This issue is addressed here.

How do I charge my phone? How do I run applications? What should I do if my phone fell into the toilet? etc.
Please use DuckDuckGo, Google, or another search engine for these types of questions. We are neither a service/training center for Android and third-party applications, nor the manufacturer of your phone.

## File Encryptor Specific

My file(s) are still visible after encryption. Does the application not work, or am I doing something wrong?
The SSE File Encryptor works like an archiver (a new .enc file is created). You can delete/wipe the original file(s) after the encryption process completes, or this can be done automatically via: Settings: File Encryptor → Wipe Source After Encryption.

My images/videos (or other documents) have been encrypted/deleted, but I can still see thumbnails in my picture viewer/gallery application. What should I do?
There are many gallery/picture viewer applications, so there isn't a universal solution. When a picture file is deleted, your gallery software might still retain its own "shrunk" copy (thumbnail). Updating this status depends on the gallery software itself. Thumbnails may be stored (cached) within the gallery software's private data space, inaccessible to other applications. A similar issue can occur with other documents if the corresponding application keeps AutoSave copies, for example.

Android 4.4 and higher: External SD card (or USB drive) is read-only (or not visible). Message: EACCES (Permission denied).
Android 4.4+ restricts direct write access to external SD cards for all apps except those preinstalled by the device or system image manufacturer. The only solution on Android 4.4 is to root your device and change permissions. On Android 5+, use SAF Mode.

- Button or

Use Google for more info - search for something like: `android 4.4 external card read only`
☯ Alternatively ☯
Use (or create if it doesn't exist) the following directory on your external SD card:
`Android/data/
com.paranoiaworks.unicus.android.sse`
or
`Android/media/
com.paranoiaworks.unicus.android.sse`
These folders belong to the application, and it should have write permissions within them.
Note: If you uninstall the application, the content of these folders will be automatically deleted (make a backup beforehand if needed).

## Text Encryptor Specific

The text decrypts even when I change the algorithm in the application settings. How is that possible?
You set the ENCRYPTION algorithm in settings. The decryption algorithm is detected automatically, as information about the used algorithm is part of the application's data format.

The application produces a completely different output (using the same input) whenever I tap the encrypt button. How is that possible?
Two words for DuckDuckGo, Google, or another search engine:
`cryptographic salt`
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