Tech Translator

Vault Apps

Explained for parents by The Digital Childhood.

What it means

An app that looks like a calculator, a game or some other plain tool, but opens a hidden folder when you type in a passcode. Kids use them to keep photos, videos and even other apps out of sight, and anything saved in one doesn't show up in the camera roll. Calculator Vault and Secret Calculator are two common ones, and there are lots of copies in both app stores.

How to bring it up with your kid

"Have you ever heard of those calculator apps that are really a secret folder?" Ask it like you’re just curious. Most kids hide things because they're embarrassed, so let them know they won't be in trouble for showing you, and that if anyone ever asks them to send or save a picture, they can come straight to you.

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