Define the repair-photo decision
The same repair photograph may exist in the camera roll, messaging thread, email attachment, contractor portal and laptop download. Importing one copy into a vault does not remove the others.
Locate originals, edited versions, message attachments, downloads and synchronized gallery copies before import.
Run the control sequence
- 01Inventory the phone gallery, downloads, messages, email and cloud-photo locations.
- 02Identify the highest-quality original and required edited copy.
- 03Mark copies already shared with a contractor, insurer or household member.
- 04Avoid deleting anything until a separate verified backup exists.
- 05Record which plaintext copies remain after vault import.
Preserve enough evidence
Record the repair project, image group, original location, vault album, backup location, authorized recipients, export date, phone and Android versions, recovery evidence and next review date. Do not put passwords, addresses or unnecessary household details in the decision record.
Keep the photo manifest, vault album, backup result, export recipient, tested device environment and recovery notes together without duplicating sensitive household details.
Keep surrounding controls visible
Vault import does not prove source deletion, cloud deletion, secure erasure or removal from recipients’ devices.
Repair photos can remain in the camera roll, messages, email, cloud galleries, downloads, contractor portals and exported folders after one copy enters a vault. Review those copies separately, keep a verified backup outside the phone and test the current app on the exact Android version before relying on it. Record what was imported, what remained outside, who received an export and how recovery was verified. Recheck the workflow after app, Android, phone or backup changes, and never delete the only original to create the appearance of privacy.
Questions to ask
Does importing a photo remove every gallery or cloud copy?
No. Audit and reconcile camera-roll, message, email, cloud and exported copies separately.
Does a vault replace a separate backup?
No. Keep full-resolution originals in a separately controlled, tested backup before migration or deletion.
Primary references
References support specific controls and do not imply endorsement.