How do shared vaults work?
By Chris Winfield-Blum
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August 18, 2026
A shared vault is a vault that someone else owns, but has granted you access as a recipient. You do not manage the vault's unlock rules or assets. You only see the contents after the vault has been unlocked.
There are two ways to become a recipient:
- The vault owner adds your email as a recipient. When the vault unlocks, you receive an email with a signed access link.
- Connect with a Vault ID and PIN if the owner has enabled an override code. Go to Shared Vaults → Connect to Vault.
Your Shared Vaults list at /shared-vaults only shows vaults that are active and already unlocked. Connecting with a PIN before unlock still registers you as a recipient so you will be notified when it unlocks.
You cannot connect to a vault that you own.