ArkVaultThe Failsafe Timer
Guides
The Failsafe Timer
The failsafe timer is the core mechanism behind ArkVault. It ensures your vault is automatically released to your trusted contacts if you ever become inactive — no manual intervention, no admin overrides, no exceptions.
What Is the Failsafe Timer?
When you create a vault, you choose a check-in interval — the maximum amount of time that can pass without you confirming you're still active. If the interval passes without a check-in, ArkVault releases your vault to your trusted contacts.
This is what makes ArkVault different from a password manager or encrypted note: your secrets don't stay locked forever. They reach the people who need them, automatically, at the right time.
Check-In Intervals
You choose your interval when creating a vault. The available options are:
| Interval | Best For |
|---|---|
| 6 months | Frequently updated vaults, or if you want the shortest release window |
| 1 year | A balanced default for most users |
| 2 years | Infrequently accessed vaults, or if you travel for extended periods |
You can change your interval at any time from your dashboard. Changing the interval resets the timer.
Vault Statuses
ArkVault calculates your vault's status dynamically based on your last check-in:
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Secured | You checked in within your chosen interval. Your vault is locked and only you can access it. |
| Approaching Deadline | Your deadline is less than 7 days away. You'll receive daily email reminders. |
| Released | The deadline passed without a check-in. Your trusted contacts can now recover the vault. |
Email Reminders
You'll never miss a deadline by accident. ArkVault sends 7 reminder emails before your check-in expires:
- 3 months before the deadline
- 2 months before the deadline
- ~45 days before the deadline
- 4 weekly reminders in the final month (once per week)
Each email includes a one-click check-in link — you don't even need to open your dashboard.
How to Check In
Checking in is simple and resets the timer back to your full interval:
- From your dashboard — click the "Check In" button on any vault.
- From an email reminder — click the one-click check-in link in any reminder email.
That's it. One click and your timer resets.
What Happens When the Timer Expires
If you don't check in before the deadline:
- Your vault is released — the status changes to "Released" immediately. There is no grace period.
- Trusted contacts are notified — they receive an email with instructions to recover the vault.
- Recovery becomes available — your trusted contacts can visit arkvault.app/claim and use the recovery key you gave them to decrypt the vault in their browser.
- 14-day destruction countdown — once a trusted contact successfully recovers the vault, a 14-day countdown begins. After 14 days, the vault is permanently destroyed from ArkVault's servers.
During the destruction countdown, the vault owner can still log in and check in to re-secure the vault if the release was unintentional.
Tips
- Set a calendar reminder as a backup — even though ArkVault sends email reminders, a personal calendar event adds an extra safety net.
- Choose the right interval — if you're unsure, start with 1 year. You can always change it later.
- Check in early — you don't need to wait until the deadline is near. Check in anytime to reset the timer.
- Keep your email current — reminders only work if ArkVault can reach you. Update your email address if it changes.
- Multiple vaults share the same check-in — checking in from your dashboard resets the timer on all your vaults at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the timer be paused or extended? No. The timer cannot be manipulated in any way. You can only reset it by checking in. This is by design — it ensures the system works reliably even if you're unable to interact with it.
What if I check in on the last day? The timer resets completely. If your interval is 1 year and you check in on the last day, you get a full year before the next deadline.
What if I lose access to my email? You can still check in by logging into your dashboard directly at arkvault.app/dashboard. Email reminders are a convenience, not a requirement.
Can my trusted contacts see the vault before the timer expires? No. The vault is cryptographically locked until the timer expires. Even ArkVault cannot access your vault contents — the server only stores encrypted data that requires the recovery key to decrypt.