====================================================================== SECURE STORAGE - MOBILE DEVICE INSTRUCTIONS ====================================================================== IMPORTANT: Mobile access has limitations compared to desktop. Read carefully to understand what's possible on your device. ====================================================================== ANDROID DEVICES ====================================================================== REQUIREMENTS: • Android 5.0 or newer • EDS (Encrypted Data Store) app - REQUIRED • USB OTG adapter (to connect USB device to phone) • File manager app (most phones have one built-in) REQUIRED APP: • EDS Lite (Free & Open Source) • Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sovworks.eds.android • Direct link if Google Play doesn't work: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sovworks.projecteds ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SETUP: Using EDS Lite (RECOMMENDED) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Step 1: Install EDS Lite • Open Google Play Store • Search for "EDS Lite" or "EDS (Encrypted Data Store)" • Install the app (it's FREE) • Or use the direct link above Step 2: Connect your USB device • Connect USB device using OTG adapter • Android should show "USB device connected" notification Step 3: Open EDS Lite app • Tap "Open container" • Navigate to your USB device • Look for the partition WITHOUT a filesystem/label • Select the encrypted partition Step 4: Enter password • Select encryption: VeraCrypt • Enter your password • For PIM: enter 2000 or 5000 (whatever you set) • Tap "OK" Step 5: Access your files • Files will appear in EDS Lite • You can view, copy, or share files • Some apps can open files directly from EDS IMPORTANT - Safely Close: • Tap "Close container" when done • Wait for confirmation before unplugging • Only then remove USB device ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ALTERNATIVE: VeraCrypt for Android (Advanced Users) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ℹ️ NOTE: EDS Lite (above) is easier to use and recommended. Only use VeraCrypt if you're familiar with it. Step 1: Install VeraCrypt for Android • Download from: https://github.com/veracrypt/veracrypt • Or install from F-Droid store • Enable "Unknown sources" if needed Step 2-5: Follow similar steps as EDS Lite above • The interface is similar to desktop VeraCrypt • Process is the same: select partition, enter password, mount ====================================================================== iOS DEVICES (iPhone/iPad) ====================================================================== ✅ SOLUTION: Crypto Disks App (Paid) RECOMMENDED APP: • Crypto Disks - Store Private Files Securely • App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/crypto-disks-store-private/id889549308 • Price: ~$4.99 (one-time purchase) • Supports VeraCrypt containers! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SETUP: Using Crypto Disks on iOS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Step 1: Purchase and Install Crypto Disks • Open App Store on your iPhone/iPad • Search for "Crypto Disks" • Or use the direct link above • Purchase and install (~$4.99) Step 2: Transfer Encrypted Container ⚠️ LIMITATION: iOS doesn't support direct USB access like Android You have two options: OPTION A: Copy via Computer (Easier) 1. Connect USB device to your Mac/PC 2. Mount the encrypted partition with VeraCrypt 3. Create a smaller VeraCrypt container file inside 4. Transfer that container to your iPhone via: - AirDrop (Mac to iPhone) - iCloud Drive - iTunes File Sharing 5. Open in Crypto Disks app OPTION B: Use Wi-Fi File Transfer 1. Use Crypto Disks' built-in file transfer 2. Transfer container file from computer 3. Open in app Step 3: Mount in Crypto Disks App • Open Crypto Disks app • Select "Add Disk Image" • Choose your transferred container • Enter password and PIM • Access your files ⚠️ IMPORTANT iOS LIMITATIONS: • Cannot directly mount USB partition (Apple restriction) • Must use container FILES, not raw partitions • Requires copying/transferring container to iPhone • Best for occasional access, not primary use ---------------------------------------------------------------------- iOS WORKAROUND: Emergency Access Only ---------------------------------------------------------------------- If you don't want to pay for Crypto Disks, here are free alternatives: Option A: Use a Computer as Bridge 1. Mount the encrypted storage on your Mac/PC 2. Copy files you need to iCloud or Files app 3. Access those files from your iPhone 4. Delete copies when done (IMPORTANT for security!) Option B: Use Remote Access 1. Mount encrypted storage on your home computer 2. Set up secure remote access (VPN + file sharing) 3. Access files remotely from iPhone 4. More complex but maintains security Option C: Take Photos of Documents 1. If you just need to VIEW travel docs in emergency 2. Take photos/screenshots on computer 3. Store in encrypted note app (Apple Notes with lock) 4. Delete after trip NOTE: These workarounds compromise security slightly. Crypto Disks app is the most secure iOS solution. ====================================================================== IMPORTANT SECURITY NOTES FOR MOBILE ====================================================================== ⚠ Screen Lock • Always have a PIN/password on your phone • If someone steals your phone while storage is mounted, they can access your files ⚠ App Permissions • Only grant necessary permissions to encryption apps • Be cautious with "file access" permissions ⚠ Public WiFi • Don't use public WiFi when accessing sensitive files • Or use a VPN if you must ⚠ Battery Concerns • Don't let your phone die while storage is mounted • Always properly close/dismount before battery runs out ⚠ Background Apps • Close the encryption app properly when done • Don't just switch to another app • Storage might stay mounted in background ⚠ Phone Updates • Close encrypted storage before major OS updates • Updates might interrupt and cause corruption ====================================================================== TROUBLESHOOTING - ANDROID ====================================================================== "Cannot find USB device" • Try a different OTG adapter • Check if your phone supports USB OTG • Some phones need USB settings changed (File Transfer mode) "Wrong password" (but password is correct) • Make sure you selected "VeraCrypt" as encryption type • Verify PIM value (2000 or 5000) • Some apps don't support all VeraCrypt settings "App crashes when mounting" • Try a different encryption app (EDS vs VeraCrypt) • Check if partition is already mounted • Restart phone and try again "Can't edit files, only view" • This is normal for some apps • Copy file to phone storage • Edit it there • Copy back when done "Storage disconnected unexpectedly" • Check USB connection • Some phones cut power to USB to save battery • Disable battery optimization for the encryption app ====================================================================== LIMITATIONS OF MOBILE ACCESS ====================================================================== Things that DON'T work well on mobile: ✗ Editing large files directly on encrypted storage ✗ Running programs/apps from encrypted storage ✗ Fast file operations (mobile is slower than desktop) ✗ iOS access (not supported at all) Things that WORK WELL on mobile: ✓ Viewing documents (PDFs, photos, etc.) ✓ Copying individual files to phone ✓ Sharing files to other apps ✓ Emergency access when no computer available ✓ Quick lookup of information RECOMMENDATION: Use mobile access for emergencies and viewing only. Use desktop (Linux/Windows) for actual file management. ======================================================================