# App Vault - Lock Private Photo — user reviews

> 50 indexed App Store user reviews of App Vault by Madduck, rated 4.00/5 from 298 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-vault-lock-private-photo/id1589919997/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-vault-lock-private-photo/id1589919997.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 204 · 4★ 18 · 3★ 11 · 2★ 5 · 1★ 60

## What do users think of App Vault?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 🔒 Effective app locking and privacy protection
- 📸 Successfully hides photo albums
- 👍 Easy to use with clear instructions
- 💰 Good value for money
- 🎯 Works well when instructions are followed properly

**Cons**

- 🐛 App frequently crashes or shows black screen
- ❌ Limited app compatibility - only works with pre-approved apps
- 😤 Difficult setup process and unclear instructions
- 💸 Paid app with subscription model despite misleading advertising
- 🚫 Non-functional locking feature for many users
- 📧 Poor customer support and refund denial
- ⚠️ Misleading marketing claims about functionality

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Black screen on app launch
- Error message: 'App not found' when attempting to lock apps
- Error message: 'Could not run lock app; an error has occurred'
- Automation errors during setup
- App stops working after initial period
- Vault verification loop preventing access to protected apps
- White blank screen upon use
- Locking fails for email and mail apps

**Most requested features**

- Support for more third-party apps (Discord, Safari, etc.)
- Ability to lock downloaded apps, not just native apps
- Password protection feature
- Logo customization options
- Better error handling and user guidance

## Newest reviews (10 of 50)

### 4/5 — Just got this hopefully won’t  get bad

*2024-02-11*

So far so good

**Developer response:** Thank you! We are happy to hear that you liked our app ❤️

### 1/5 — Horrible

*2023-01-15*

App Does the Exact opposite of what you need it to. Makes you take several Steps and still doesn’t Work.

**Developer response:** Hello, our app works smoothly as long as you follow the instructions. We would like to assist you, so please contact us at support@madduck.com

### 1/5 — No good

*2022-11-29*

This is not user friendly and requires shortcuts to be used

**Developer response:** Hello, sorry to hear that you had an unpleasant experience with our app. We would like to assist you. Please contact us at support@madduck.com.

### 1/5 — Error message

*2022-09-29*

I followed all the instructions, in the end I keep getting an error Message, “could not run lock app; an error has occurred: App not found”.
 Even after I purchased the app. What am I doing wrong?

**Developer response:** Hello, sorry for the late response. Please note that some apps may not be found, however if you contact us we can add those apps to our system. If the app is on our list, just following the instructions is enough. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@madduck.com.

### 1/5 — App doesn’t work

*2022-09-22*

I kept getting “Encountered an error:“ this app doesn’t even work! $10 down the drain! DONT purchase this app!

**Developer response:** Hello, sorry to hear that you had an unpleasant experience with our app. We would like to assist you. Please contact us at support@madduck.com.

### 1/5 — Limited use

*2022-08-20, version 1.0.3*

Unless you have one of the small number of “supported apps”, App Vault is useless.

### 1/5 — Works but needs more

*2022-07-17, version 1.0.3*

It won’t let me lock all my apps like Discord, safari and ect. So please app more

### 1/5 — Garbage

*2022-06-26*

This app is so hard to use instructions are unclear! Hard to understand how to set it up and hide anything good luck!!

**Developer response:** Hello, sorry to see your review. We are open to your feedbacks. If you need any clarification, you may contact us at support@madduck.com.

### 1/5 — It’s a scam

*2022-06-13, version 1.0.3*

When you buy it, it just tries to explain how to do it yourself using the shortcuts app. Btw the explanation is terrible. So don’t pay for this; just YouTube it yourself. It’s free, and it’s a better guide.
P.s I asked for a refund and was denied. I paid for the expensive one like a dummy lol 😂 kids don’t be like me lol

### 1/5 — App doesn’t work

*2022-03-24*

I have been charged 899 rs and yet the app doesn’t work. Please refund my money back.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — The worst app ever

*2025-11-01*

I do not recommend this app because when I lock a app it never locks it

### 1/5 — Scam

*2024-12-24*

i would not buy this. it does not work at all. i would give a 0 if i could. Total joke, money grab, and wont refund you. Stay Faaaaaaaaaar away from this app

**Developer response:** If you have any questions about the app, please send them to https://support.madduck.app/. We'd love to help.

### 1/5 — Not what I expected

*2024-07-20*

I purchased this to put all my financial apps in as an extra layer of security. You can only move apps they have on their list. They are dating and social media apps.  Requested a refund.

**Developer response:** Hello. Your feedback is very important to us and we should take it into consideration. If you don't like anything, you can report it to support@madduck.com. We will always update you with the news you need.

### 1/5 — Scam

*2024-04-17*

Purchased a lifetime access, but now not working. Keeps asking me to purchase a subscription even though I have and won’t allow me access to the features. Don’t waste your time and money with these scammers.

**Developer response:** Hello. Your feedback is very important to us and we should take it into consideration. If you don't like anything, you can report it to support@madduck.com. We will always update you with the news you need.

### 1/5 — Advert is misleading

*2023-11-21*

The app at a recurring annual fee implies you can lock apps on your phone. That is correct but only the standard apps like photos, notes, etc. 
you cannot lock apps that are downloaded and email requests for help are ignored. 
I fortunately joined on a months trial of some £4.99 .
Imagine thousands of people like me being duped. 
Right of reply welcome.

### 1/5 — Not working

*2023-11-13*

If there’s a zero star, I will not give. It does not hide anything. Not working

**Developer response:** Hello , We apologize for the inconvenience you're facing with our app on your device. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we're here to help resolve this matter for you as quickly as possible. Please contact our support team directly at support@madduck.com. Please be assured that we take your concern seriously. To expedite the process, we recommend reaching out to our customer support team directly. They will assist you in verifying your situation and initiating the necessary steps for a refund. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the support you need and that your concerns are addressed promptly. We apologize for any frustration this has caused and appreciate your patience as we work towards resolving this matter for you. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we're committed to making things right for you. Best regards

### 1/5 — Stopped working

*2023-09-28*

It suddenly stopped working after it’s been going smoothly before. Recently, once I open the app, it gives me a black screen. All the apps that are protected by the Vault cannot work consequently. Opening such apps will direct me to the vault for verification (which vault does not work). I am using Iphone 8, ios version 16.6.1.
Please help

**Developer response:** Hello, our app works smoothly as long as you follow the instructions. We would like to assist you, so please contact us at support@madduck.com

### 1/5 — REFUND

*2023-08-27, version 1.1.0*

please i need a refund. the app doesn’t work in my device. please make an action immediately.

### 1/5 — doesn't work

*2023-03-19*

followed all the steps, it doesn't lock apps like it said it would

**Developer response:** We're sorry you had a bad experience with locking your apps. We would like to investigate the issue. So, we need more details about your problem. You may contact us at support@madduck.com.

### 1/5 — APP NOT WORKING

*2023-01-15, version 1.1.0*

Stop charging people with not working apps.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — All apps

*2025-12-06, version 1.3*

All apps

### 5/5 — Qadiri

*2025-03-14, version 1.3*

Qadiri

### 5/5 — Does the job

*2024-02-22*

Great app easy to use tutorial

**Developer response:** Thank you! We are happy to hear that you liked our app ❤️

### 5/5 — Great app!! Recommended

*2023-12-19*

I can lock & hide my photo album easily. It’s possible to use this app to lock any other apps, works like an app hider as well. Great for my privacy.

**Developer response:** Thank you! We are happy to hear that you liked our app ❤️

### 5/5 — App hider for date app

*2023-12-16*

I downloaded my photo albums and my dating apps. It’s actually works. When my family take my phone, they never look my photos and apps. It’s amazing. Great privacy provided by hide app.

**Developer response:** Thank you! We are happy to hear that you liked our app ❤️

### 5/5 — The best

*2022-12-18*

I am very impressed on the step by step instructions and how great it is.

**Developer response:** Thank you! We are happy to hear that you liked our app ❤️

### 5/5 — Protect my privacy

*2022-12-15*

I can Keep my mobile apps Private and safely. I recommend

**Developer response:** Thanks for your kind comment ❤️

### 5/5 — It actually works

*2022-12-08*

It works if the instructions are followed properly. So, do not just tap the next button, do what they ask you to do. So, I recommend this app.

**Developer response:** Hello, Thanks for your kind review. You made our day! We wish you a lovely day ❤️

### 5/5 — Successful

*2022-12-06*

Totally worth the money, saved my life.

**Developer response:** Hello, Thanks for your kind review. You made our day! We wish you a lovely day.

### 5/5 — Great for Security

*2022-11-09*

Worth the money

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-30.*
