Unlock photos in a browser
Go to: nowhere: you unlock where the photos are. (Or Profile → Photo keys.)
A browser keeps nothing when you sign out, so it needs unlocking. After that, refreshing or opening a new tab doesn't ask again.
First time on this computer:
- Unlock it once: Approve from my other device, Use my Recovery Kit, Open a backup file or Photo password.
- Tap Use Windows Hello or Touch ID next time.
- Confirm with your fingerprint, face, PIN or Mac password (sometimes twice: tap Continue on One more touch).
From then on: the first time a locked photo appears in a session, Windows Hello or Touch ID asks by itself. One touch, and the photos fade in.
If it doesn't ask (Safari asks only after a tap, or you cancelled), a bar slides down at the top: Photos are locked on this browser, with Unlock with Touch ID (or Windows Hello), Other ways and ✕ to hide it. You can also tap any locked photo to unlock. Other ways opens a panel right there: your passkey, your photo password, Approve from my phone or computer (the six words show in the panel), or your Recovery Kit. After unlocking another way, Vaultime offers Unlock with one touch next time?
Never installed the app? Profile → Photo keys → Set up with Windows Hello or Touch ID (or Use a photo password). Save the Recovery Kit it shows: it's your only way back if this computer is lost.
How long it stays unlocked: up to 12 hours, or until you sign out or tap Lock now. Photo keys shows This browser stays unlocked until….
Shared computer (several people use one Windows login, such as a front desk): tick This is a shared computer. No passkey is saved there, and the key is forgotten when the tab closes. Use a photo password or your phone.
Photo password: Profile → Photo keys → Set a photo password. At least 12 characters, not your email; a few random words work well. It can't be reset: if you forget it, use your Recovery Kit or another device, then set a new one. A passkey can't be guessed; a photo password is only as strong as you make it.
Passkeys: listed under Ways to unlock in a browser, with Remove. When passkey sign-in is on, a new passkey both signs you in and unlocks photos: manage it in Profile → Passkeys. Passkeys saved in iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager also work on your other computers.
Example: Kim works in Chrome on the office PC. On Monday she approves the browser from her phone, taps Use Windows Hello or Touch ID next time and touches the fingerprint reader. The rest of the week, one touch each morning unlocks the photos.