Tutorials
How to Import Photos into Safety Photo+Video Safely
Import photos and videos into Safety Photo+Video with a test batch, verify every vault copy, understand what happens to originals, and avoid accidental loss.
Import media into Safety Photo+Video in small, verifiable batches. Start with ordinary test files, confirm that every vault copy opens correctly, and learn whether the Photos-library originals remain. Only consider removing originals after you have tested export and created an independent recovery copy.
Import is not backup
Moving media into a private vault can improve separation and access control, but it does not automatically create a second recoverable copy.
Prepare a test batch
Select ten non-sensitive photos with different dates and formats plus one short video and one long video. Note the number of items and, if important, their filenames or capture dates. Avoid beginning with the only copies of private or irreplaceable media.
Create a clearly named test album in the vault. A dedicated test album prevents the first import from disappearing inside an existing library.
Import and inspect each type
Use the current in-app import workflow and grant only the photo access needed for the selection. After the import:
- Compare the vault count with the selected count.
- Open an old and a recent photo.
- Zoom in to check expected quality.
- Play both videos completely and confirm audio.
- Check orientation and dates.
- Lock and reopen the vault.
If any item is missing or damaged, keep the originals unchanged and investigate before importing more.
Find out what happened to the originals
Return to the system Photos library. Importing may create a vault copy while leaving the original in place. Some workflows may offer to remove imported media, but the wording and behavior can vary by platform and version.
Treat these as separate decisions:
- Import: create or move a copy into the vault.
- Verify: prove that the vault version works.
- Back up: create a recovery path outside the working vault.
- Remove: delete another copy only when it is intentionally no longer needed.
If an original is deleted from Apple Photos or Google Photos, consider whether that deletion will sync to other devices and how long the item remains recoverable.
Test the exit path
Export the test album from the vault to a controlled destination. Open the exported files outside Safety Photo+Video and compare count, quality, video duration, and dates. This proves that you can leave the vault without trapping your media.
For irreplaceable photos, retain a verified backup separate from the phone. A sync service may propagate deletion; a backup should support recovery after loss or error.
Feature names, permissions, backup options, and purchase requirements can change. Check the official Safety Photo+Video site and the current store listing for your platform before a large import.
Frequently asked questions
Does importing automatically delete the original photo?
Do not assume it does. Check the current app prompt and your Photos library. Treat removal of the original as a separate action after the vault copy is verified.
How many photos should I import first?
Begin with about ten ordinary photos and one video. A small, non-sensitive batch makes it easy to compare counts, quality, dates, and export behavior.
Should I empty Recently Deleted after importing?
Only after the vault copy and a recovery copy are verified. Emptying Recently Deleted removes an important short-term recovery path.
About the author
The Sixbytes Team writes from product documentation and current platform guidance. Product-specific guides disclose the Sixbytes relationship and link to official sources when behavior can change by operating system, app version, or storefront.
About Sixbytes