Frequently Asked Questions

What makes ShieldFive different from other cloud storage?

Most cloud storage keeps a readable copy of your files on its servers. ShieldFive encrypts each file on your device before upload, so our servers only hold the encrypted version. We still see sign-in and operational metadata; the Security page lists exactly what.

Is ShieldFive really secure?

The web client and the Android app use ML-KEM-1024 and XChaCha20-Poly1305 hybrid encryption by default for new uploads, with a documented AES-256-GCM fallback. Android reads both formats. See Security for the formats and limitations. Your password never reaches our servers. The browser turns it into a separate login value (Argon2id) and sends only that; the key that opens your vault is derived separately and stays on your device. The app code is delivered by us, so you still trust the client we serve on each visit.

What happens if I forget my master password?

Keep your recovery key separately. It restores the existing vault when you reset a forgotten password. A password reset without the required key does not restore access to existing encrypted files.

Can I use ShieldFive for free?

Yes! The free plan includes 5 GB of storage and 20 GB of monthly transfer. It's perfect for trying ShieldFive or storing important documents. You can upgrade anytime for more storage and bandwidth.

Do I need technical knowledge to use ShieldFive?

No. Pick a strong master password, save the recovery key shown at signup, and start uploading. ShieldFive handles encryption, key wrapping, and storage automatically.

Can I share files with people who don't have ShieldFive accounts?

Yes. Generate a share link from any file in your dashboard. You can optionally protect the link with a share password (separate from your master password) and set an expiration date, a download limit, or country restrictions. Anyone with the link — and the share password if you set one — can download the file, no account required.

How long does encryption take?

It depends on file size and your device:

• Small files (under 100 MB): A few seconds
• Medium files (100 MB - 1 GB): 30 seconds to a few minutes
• Large files (over 1 GB): Several minutes

Keep your browser tab open during encryption for best performance.

How does the vault key work?

Your vault has a random root key. A password-derived key protects its encrypted wrapper (Argon2id for current accounts, PBKDF2 for legacy wrappers). The root key protects per-file keys. Unlocking your vault enables local decryption; it does not require a separate password for each file.

Can anyone operating ShieldFive access my files?

Your password never reaches our servers. The browser turns it into a separate login value (Argon2id) and sends only that; the key that opens your vault is derived separately and stays on your device. The app code is delivered by us, so you still trust the client we serve on each visit. The web and Android apps default to the ML-KEM-1024 + XChaCha20-Poly1305 hybrid for new uploads, with an AES-256-GCM fallback.

What file types can I upload?

Any file type — documents, photos, videos, archives, databases. The storage bucket supports very large files; the practical per-file ceiling today is set by the in-browser upload UX we are still polishing rather than by your plan.

How do I download my encrypted files?

Use the download action while your vault is unlocked. The client decrypts the file locally and lets you save it. Copies saved or shared into another app are outside ShieldFive’s private cache.

Is my master password stored anywhere?

Your password never reaches our servers. The browser turns it into a separate login value (Argon2id) and sends only that; the key that opens your vault is derived separately and stays on your device. The app code is delivered by us, so you still trust the client we serve on each visit.

Can I use ShieldFive on mobile devices?

The web client works in modern mobile browsers. The Android app is currently in Google Play testing, with foreground photo backup and a 2 GiB per-file limit. It is not yet a public production release.

What if I need more storage than 5 TB?

Contact us! We offer custom enterprise plans for organizations with larger storage needs. We can work with you to create a plan that fits your requirements.

How do I cancel my subscription?

Go to Settings → Billing and click "Cancel Subscription." You'll keep access until the end of your billing period, then automatically move to the free plan. No data is deleted when downgrading.

Are there any bandwidth limits?

Each plan includes a monthly transfer quota that counts downloads and shared-link delivery; uploads count against your storage quota, not transfer. Free plan: 20 GB/month. Paid plans range from 1 TB to 5 TB per month. View your current usage in Settings → Billing.