Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often.
General
What is YourKeep?
YourKeep is a local-first backup application that encrypts your data, splits it into backup fragments, and lets you store those fragments wherever you choose.
Does YourKeep provide cloud storage?
No. YourKeep is software, not a cloud storage service. You keep using storage providers you already trust.
Do I need an Internet connection?
Only when accessing online storage providers or activating your license. Recovery itself can be performed completely offline if your backup fragments are available.
Security
Can YourKeep read my files?
No. Files are encrypted locally before backup fragments are created.
Can YourKeep recover my recovery password?
No. There are no master keys or backdoors.
Who owns the encryption keys?
You do. Your encryption keys never leave your device.
Backup
Where can I store backup fragments?
Anywhere you choose, including Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud Drive, NAS, USB drives, and local storage.
Can I move backup fragments later?
Yes. Moving fragments does not affect the encrypted data itself.
Can I use multiple cloud providers?
Yes. Using independent storage locations is recommended.
Recovery
What do I need to recover my files?
Your recovery password and the required backup fragments.
Can I recover without Internet?
Yes. Recovery works offline if all required backup fragments are available.
Can I recover without YourKeep?
Yes. The Recovery Protocol is publicly documented, allowing compatible recovery tools to be implemented independently.
Licensing
Is YourKeep subscription-based?
No. YourKeep is sold as a one-time purchase.
Does my license expire?
No. Your license is perpetual for the version purchased. Upgrade policies for future major versions may apply.
Why does desktop activation require a machine ID?
Machine activation helps prevent license abuse while keeping activation simple for legitimate users.
Future
What happens if YourKeep is no longer developed?
Your encrypted backups remain yours. The Recovery Protocol is public, allowing compatible recovery tools to continue restoring your data.
Will my backups still work in future versions?
Backward compatibility is an important design goal. Whenever format changes are introduced, previous recovery specifications will remain publicly available.
Still Have Questions?
If your question isn't answered here, please contact us.
Contact Support