Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sequester?

Sequester is private photo and video storage built around secure transfer, encrypted server-side storage, account recovery controls, and mobile app access.

Does Sequester require root or jailbreak access?

No. Sequester does not require root access, jailbreaking, developer mode, or operating-system modification. The web app works in a normal browser, and the mobile apps are intended to run on standard Android and iOS devices.

How much storage is included?

Free accounts include 2 GB of storage. Premium plans may provide additional storage depending on the plan available in the app or account settings.

What file types are supported?

Sequester is currently focused on private photo and video storage. Supported uploads include common image and video formats used by browsers and mobile devices. Additional file categories may be evaluated later, but they are not the current focus of the service.

How are my files protected?

Uploads and downloads use HTTPS. After upload, Sequester encrypts file content before it is stored. Stored vault files are not kept as ordinary viewable photos or videos on disk, and they are not expected to open in standard image or video preview tools outside the Sequester access flow.

At a high level, Sequester uses strong symmetric encryption for file content at rest and separates encrypted file data from the account and metadata used to manage access. We do not publish operational details of the encryption mechanism because those details are part of the platform's security posture.

What is Advanced Protection Mode?

Advanced Protection Mode (APM) is a mobile app safety state that limits what can be done with vault content when Sequester cannot confirm that your account session is still valid online. It is designed to reduce exposure if the network is unavailable, the service is unreachable, or your session has been revoked.

When APM is active, the app applies stricter local restrictions such as blocking exports and sharing, limiting screenshot capture where the operating system allows, applying watermarking where supported, and locking intrusion-detection evidence from ordinary access. To return to normal use, reconnect to the internet and let the app complete its online session check.

APM is an additional layer on top of your account password, device lock, and app PIN. It does not replace those controls.

When does Advanced Protection Mode turn on?

APM may activate when the app cannot reach the Sequester service, when an online session validation fails, or when other client-side security checks require protected mode. A temporary network outage by itself does not revoke your account on the server; the app simply stays in APM until it can confirm the session again.

If your session is still valid once connectivity returns, the app should exit APM after a successful online check. If the session was revoked or is no longer valid, you will need to sign in again.

Are there limits to Advanced Protection Mode?

No mobile protection can block every form of capture on every device. Operating-system behavior differs between Android and iOS, and some capture methods are controlled by the platform rather than the app.

Sequester continues to improve APM over app updates. Recent releases strengthen protection on both platforms, including improvements to screen-recording handling on iOS in version 1.1.3. APM reduces casual leakage and unauthorized use, but it should be used together with a strong device passcode, a private app PIN, and good account hygiene.

Do you store my password?

Sequester does not need to store your password in plain text. Passwords are stored using one-way password hashing so the account can verify a login attempt without keeping a readable copy of the password.

What does authenticator protection do?

Users can enable authenticator-based one-time codes for stronger account security. When enabled, compatible authenticator apps generate time-based codes used during protected login or password reset flows, depending on the security options selected by the user.

What if I lose my authenticator?

If you saved a backup code, use it once to recover access. Backup codes are meant to be stored somewhere private and separate from the authenticator device.

If you do not have the authenticator or a backup code, Sequester uses a delayed recovery process instead of a staff override. The recovery flow starts with email verification, then waits 36 hours before allowing the reset to continue. During that waiting period, warning emails are sent periodically so the account holder has time to cancel the request if it was not authorized.

Can support bypass authenticator protection?

No. Standard support cannot bypass authenticator protection for customer accounts. Support can help explain the recovery process, but the normal options are authenticator code, backup code, or delayed recovery. Legal requests are handled through a separate process and are not ordinary support overrides.

Can I reset my password by email?

Yes, password reset can start by email. If you have enabled stronger reset protection, the reset may also require an authenticator code, backup code, or delayed recovery before a new password can be set.

Can I delete my account?

Yes. Account deletion can be requested from an authenticated account session. Sequester uses a pending-deletion period to reduce accidental or unauthorized deletion. More details are available on the Account Deletion page.

Can I delete individual files?

Yes. You can delete individual files or folders without deleting the entire account. Deleted content is removed from ordinary account access, although residual encrypted backup copies may remain temporarily until backup retention expires.

Where can I get help?

Use the Support page or email support@sequester.app.