Transfer or copy a database to an iPhone/iPad without using the cloud

There are a number of ways to import or copy a local-only database to an iPhone or iPad, either from a Mac or another iOS device:

  • AirDrop – This might open Strongbox immediately to Add, or you may have to select Strongbox from the list
  • Transfer over local Wi-Fi or LAN – Tap + > More > Transfer over Local Network  and follow the instructions on screen.
  • Wi-Fi Sync: You can enable Wi-Fi Sync on macOS or iOS in Settings. Once you do this you can use Strongbox on another device to access databases. This is normally used for long term sync between devices which you may not desire. You can just use this once and make a copy once you've got the database on your device.~~~~
  • Email attachment (send an email to yourself with the database attached, and tap on the attachment, you’ll see an option to copy to Strongbox)
  • iOS Files app – You can copy it directly into Strongbox’s local documents (iOS Files > On My iPhone > Strongbox)
  • iTunes Files Sharing – You can copy directly to Strongbox’s local documents via iTunes File Sharing
  • URL – If you host the file on a web server you can have Strongbox copy locally from that URL. (Tap + > Add Existing… > Copy From URL)

Remember, if you are using a local database, it is stored only on the device. Any loss of that device could then mean catastrophic data loss. Be sure to make regular backups.

Encrypted Messaging Apps

It's also possible to send your database to and from an iOS device using an encrypted messaging app, such as Signal. This isn't a local-only transfer, but it may still be sufficiently secure depending on your security needs.

To do this:

  1. Send the database file to yourself
  2. Select the database file on iOS and tap the Share icon
  3. Tap the Strongbox app icon

If the Strongbox app icon isn't displayed, you can enable it like so:

  1. Swipe the row of app icons all the way to the right, and tap More
  2. Tap Edit in the top right of the screen
  3. Enable Strongbox
  4. Tap Done in the top right of the screen
Mar 15, 2024