Knowledge Base & Escalation
Honest answers for VaultPhone deployment and field operation.
What is VaultPhone, exactly?
VaultPhone is a Google Pixel hardened at the distribution level. We do not modify the kernel; we ship a custom distribution with stock apps removed, Tor routing enforced at the OS level, Signal preinstalled as the default messenger, eSIM provisioned in privacy-friendly jurisdictions, and a software kill switch.
How does the Tor routing work?
All standard IP traffic is routed through Tor at the OS level. There is no user-facing toggle: it is configured at the distribution layer so there is no misconfiguration path. DNS is also forced through Tor.
Does the device use hardware encryption?
No. The filesystem is encrypted in software. We do not market hardware-attested cryptography, because the device does not provide it. If your threat model requires hardware-level encryption, this is not the right device for you.
Why no PGP?
PGP is not part of the product. Encrypted messaging is handled by Signal. Order communication, support, and operational alerts are also handled over Signal. We removed every PGP claim from the site so the product description matches reality.
What does the kill switch actually do?
The kill switch is a software-triggered emergency wipe. It destroys the keys protecting the encrypted filesystem, rendering data unrecoverable. There are no physical circuit-cutting switches on the device — the hardware is a Pixel. See the kill switch guide for activation, scope, and recovery.
How does eSIM in 'ghost countries' work?
Connectivity is provisioned via eSIM in jurisdictions that do not share subscriber data with requesting parties. Combined with Tor and the device's anti-IMEI-exposure design, the result is a network footprint that is much harder to attribute. See the eSIM guide for the activation walkthrough.
Can I install standard applications?
Stock Google and OEM apps are removed. You can sideload signed APKs in sandboxed containers, but we restrict permissions tightly. This device is built for anti-detection use, not for general app convenience.
Urgent Tactical Support
If your device has been compromised or seized, contact support over Signal — do not use standard email or SMS. After a kill-switch event, see the kill switch guide for the re-provisioning flow.