Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

DataVault Password Manager for Android


Where can I get DataVault for Android?
DataVault for Android is available in freemium and paid versions exclusively from Google Play.

What are the difference between the free and paid versions of DataVault for Android?
The free version is ad-supported. Premium features such as Fingerprint Authentication, Enhanced Encryption, Backup to Dropbox and Synchronization with DataVault for Mac, Windows & iOS (sold separately), can be activated for a yearly subscription or buy buying the paid version.

How can I switch from the freemium version to the paid version of DataVault without losing my data?
- Run DataVault+ (free), open "Backup & Restore" menu and backup the data to Dropbox.
- Buy the paid version of DataVault from Google Play.
- Open DataVault paid version, setup the same master password as free version and restore from Dropbox using "Backup & Restore" > Restore.

How can I d get the latest information about Ascendo apps such as beta releases and new version updates?
Follow Ascendo on Twitter or Facebook for the latest announcements.

I bought DataVault for Mac, Windows or iOS. Does my license cover DataVault for Android?
No, each version of DataVault is sold separately.

I bought DataVault on another platform. Can I transfer my license to Android?
No, you would need to purchase DataVault in Google Play to use it on an Android device.

I can't backup to Dropbox. What's the problem?
Android Marshmallow changed the way app permissions are managed. To resolve this, go to Android Settings > Apps and select DataVault. Scroll down to Permissions and turn on Allow SD Card.

Is DataVault for Android compatible with a new device?
There are over 22,000 Android devices as of May 2020. We do our best to insure compatibility and we test on as many devices as possible but we can't test all of them. If you want to know for sure if DataVault runs on a new handset, download the free version before considering the purchase of the premium or paid versions.

When will DataVault be available on my new phone or tablet?
The device compatibility list is encoded into Android apps when they are submitted to Goolge Play. Developers cannot specify that apps are compatibile with devices that have not been released. We do our best to submit updates on a regular basis to support new devices but some delays are inevitable. We suggest following us on Twitter or Facebook for new announcements.

Do I need to a special version of DataVault for Mac or Windows to sync with DataVault for Android?
There is only one version of DataVault for Mac and DataVault for Windows. However, you may need to update to the latest version to synchronize with DataVault for Android.

I can't remember my master password. What are my options?
Try unmasking the master password to see it in clear text. Verify that you haven't inadvertently turned on caps lock or enterred a zero instead of the letter O. If you set a hint, you can use it to retrieve your password. If all else fails, you can reset your password by enterring it incorrectly until you have exceeded the Maximum Login Attempts. Doing so will erase your data so make sure to use this only as a last resort. See User Guide for more information.

When I start DataVault I see wrong password, 9 remaining attempts. What should I do?
Rebooting your device should allow you to log back in to DataVault. Updating to the latest version will resolve this issue for most users. In some cases, making sure to quit DataVault by tapping on the Android Back or Escape key may help to avoid the issue.
If you continue to see this alert, go to Android Settings > Developer Options and verify that Don't Keep Activities is unchecked. For Android 4.2 and above you may need to enable Developer Options to access them from Settings.

How can I move data from a different version into DataVault for Android?
The quickest way to import from DataVault for Mac, Windows or iOS is to use Dropbox synchronization. Wi-Fi synchronization may also be used to move data from DataVault for Mac or Windows to Android.
You can import information direcly from DataVault for iOS by backing up to a *.dvx file and restoring to DataVault for Android, see User Guide.

How can I switch to DataVault for Android from other password managers like Dashlane, Keeper and 1Password?
DataVault for Mac and DataVault for Windows can import data from standard formats such as Comma Separated Values (CSV) and Text Delimited (TXT). Look for options to export to one of these formats. Once your data has been imported into DataVault for Mac or Windows, you can sync it to DataVault for Android.
DataVault for Windows comes with a free trial period so you can use it to move data from another platform before purchase.

I am having trouble syncing DataVault for Android over Wi-Fi. What could be the problem?
Synchronization over Wi-Fi may require modifying several system settings. In addition, security applications such as Firewalls, VPNs and virus protection packages may block communicate over Wi-Fi. If you continue to have problems after trying the troubleshooting tips below, we recommend that you consider syncing using Dropbox as described in the User Guide.
1) Synchronization requires recent versions of the products. If necessary, backup your data and install the latest versions of DataVault for Mac or DataVault for Windows.
2) Synchronization requires that the master password used with DataVault for Android be the same as the master password used with DataVault Desktop. To verify your master password, unmask it while logging in. To change the master password, select Change Password from the DataVault for Android Action Bar.
3) Verify that you are following the correct sequence as described below.

  • Start DataVault for Mac or DataVault for Windows and select File > Synchronization from the menu bar. Do not close the synchronization window until synchronization has completed.
  • Start DataVault Android then tap on the Menu key and select Synchronize from the Action Bar. Verify the IP Address is the same used by DataVault Desktop then tap on Sync Now.

4) Make sure both your handheld device and desktop computer have Wi-Fi turned on and that they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, see instructions below.

  • Android: Tap on Settings > Wireless > Wi-Fi Settings.
  • Mac OS desktops: Click on AirPort icon in menu bar, select a network from list. A checkmark should appear to the left of the network name.
  • Windows 7 & Vista: Click on Start > Network > Network and Sharing Center > View wireless networks.
  • Windows XP: Right-click on the wireless network icon in the task bar then select View Available Wireless Networks.

5) Try setting the IP address manually into DataVault for Android. First, find the IP Address used by your desktop, see instrucitons below. Then start DataVault for Android and select Sync over Wi-Fi and enter the same IP Address.

  • Mac OS: Start System Preferences and click on Network icon. Your IP address is in the Status section.
  • Windows & Vista: Click on Start and type Run in the search field. Click on Run in the search results list to start the Windows command line, then type ipconfig and click on the return key to display your IP address.

6) If you are running a Firewall on your Mac or Windows Desktop, give DataVault permission to exchange information through the Firewall.
7) If you are using virtualization software such as VM Ware or Parallels, set the Network Adapter to Bridged Mode; then restart your computer. To do this with VMWare, select Virtual Machine > Settings > Network > Connect directly to the physical network (Bridged).
8) Check to see if other apps such as anti-virus software or VPNs are blocking Wi-Fi access & reconfigure if necessary. If that doesn't work, temporarily disable the VPN while syncing.
9) Reboot your handheld and desktop and try to synchronize again.
If you are still having problems, please email technical support including information about your environment, what you tried and what you observed.

Do I need to install Bonjour to sync with DataVault on my desktop?
Bonjour is an Apple discovery protocol used to sync DataVault desktops with DataVault for iOS. It is not necessary to install Bonjour to sync DataVault for Android with DataVault desktops.

Will the use of a VPN interfere with DataVault synchronization?
Yes, if you are running a VPN, disconnect it temporarily when synchronizing.

How do I setup an ad-hoc network to synchronize DataVault for Mac with DataVault for Android?
An ad-hoc network is a direct connection over Wi-Fi that doesn't require a network router or internet connection. To setup an ad-hoc network between your Mac and your iPhone, follow the steps below.

  • Click the Airport icon in the Mac menu bar and select Create Network.
  • Select and name for the network and set up an optional password to connect.
  • Join the new network from your iPhone or iPod Touch by tapping on Settings > Wi-Fi.
  • Open DataVault on both the handheld and desktop and proceed with synchronization.


What type of encryption has been implemented in DataVault?
DataVault encrypts data using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), a symmetric-key encryption standard adopted by several governments including that of the United States, as well as numerous industry leaders in security sensitive fields. The standard comprises 128-bit block size ciphers published under the name of the Rijndael algorithm. DataVault uses a 128-bit key. Experts have calculated that a 128-bit AES key would take a super computer 149 trillion years to crack. The AES ciphers have been analyzed extensively and are used worldwide. For more information, see Wikipedia.

Why did Ascendo choose Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) over other encryption methods?
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) chose the Rijndael algorithm as the new Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) over alternatives including Twofish (successor of Blowfish), Serpent, RC4 and MARS. The announcement concluded a multi-year effort working with government, industry and academia throughout the world. Proposed by two Belgian cryptographers, AES has emerged as the clear winner and has since been adopted as a worldwide standard. See links below for more information.

  • AES Questions and Answers (NIST), "When considered together, Rijndael's combination of security, performance, efficiency, ease of implementation and flexibility makes it an appropriate selection for the AES."
  • Advanced Encryption Standard (Wikipedia), "AES was announced by NIST... on November 26, 2001 after a 5-year standardization process in which fifteen competing designs were presented and evaluated..."
  • The importance of IV's, "Rijndael was chosen to be the new AES because it was deemed to be more secure than Blowfish. Keep in mind that Blowfish never even made it into the AES competition."






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