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How to Use Vault Messaging in UnoLock

Vault Messaging is UnoLock's in-app messaging system for secure, address-based communication. It is designed to keep conversations compartmentalized and metadata minimized, even in high-risk environments. Think of it as safe-to-safe communication without a global identity trail. It supports two address types:

  • Safe-to-Safe (legacy / EyesOnly): uses the legacy Safe Message ID.
  • Receive Address (VaultX): a shareable address with per-address keys and policies.

Receive Addresses are recommended for new conversations and anonymous intake because they keep raw addresses off the server and allow per-address controls.

Why Use Vault Messaging?

  • Address-based privacy: send to an address, not a global identity.
  • Post-quantum security: ML-KEM-1024 + AES-256-GCM protect messages.
  • Per-address control: usage limits, throttling, and attachment rules.
  • Anonymous intake: external senders can use the VaultX Drop Client.

Security Note

Always verify the recipient address before sending. For sensitive contacts, use a Receive Address rather than a legacy Safe Message ID.

Prerequisites

  • Sending: Sovereign or HighRisk tier.
  • Receiving: all tiers can receive; Free/Inheritance can reply using bound reply-only addresses.
  • Recipient address: a Receive Address (recommended) or legacy Safe Message ID.

Step-by-Step: Sending a Message (Safe App)

  1. Sign in Authenticate into your Safe.

  2. Open Messaging Click Messaging in the left-hand menu.

  3. Start a new message Click New Message.

  4. Enter the recipient address Paste a Receive Address or a legacy Safe Message ID.

  5. Check address policies If the recipient is a Receive Address, the app will show attachment rules and any rate limits.

  6. Compose and attach Write your message and add attachments if allowed.

  7. Send Click Send. The message encrypts client-side and is routed by the server.

Step-by-Step: Receiving a Message

  1. Open Messaging Incoming messages appear in your inbox, grouped by address.

  2. Open the thread Select the conversation or Receive Address label.

  3. Read and decrypt Messages decrypt locally inside your Safe.

  4. Save content (optional) Save messages as notes or store attachments in your Safe.

Anonymous Senders (VaultX Drop Client)

If you want to receive messages from people without a Safe, create a Receive Address and share the VaultX Drop Client link. See Using VaultX Receive Addresses.

Reply-only behavior

If a contact sends you a message and you reply, your reply address is bound to that sender. This prevents address reuse and keeps trust boundaries tight.

Troubleshooting

  • Invalid address: confirm the address with the recipient.
  • Throttled or expired: the Receive Address may be rate-limited or out of uses.
  • Attachments blocked: the recipient disabled attachments for that address.
  • Free tier cannot send: Free and Inheritance tiers can receive and reply only.

For a deeper dive, see Vault Messaging.