Transferring your key file securely to your iOS device and keeping it safely offline is a three step process:

1. Getting the key file onto the iOS device
2. Using Strongbox to properly "Import" the key file
3. Cleaning Up

Step 1. Getting the Key File on Device

There are at least 3 methods you can use to transfer your key file to your iOS device securely and not using the cloud.

1. Apple File Transfer (in Finder) via USB

You can do this from your Mac using Finder, or on Windows. You simply transfer the key file to Strongbox under the Apps section of Finder. This will then be present in Strongbox's "Documents" folder, which is the public folder for Strongbox.

2. Airdrop via Bluetooth

Alternatively, and conveniently you can use AirDrop to transfer your key file. However care is needed here. AirDrop transfers your Key File into the "Downloads" folder by default. This would normally be OK, but Apple have recently made a change to where the Downloads folder is stored [1]. By default now, Downloads is stored on iCloud. There is much consternation about this online and we're not sure why Apple felt the need to make this change. Not to worry though, it is possible to fix this like so:

On your iOS device go to Settings > Safari > Downloads, and change it to "On My iPhone/iPad".

[1] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255224331

3. Our built-in "Transfer over Local Network"

We also provide a mini http server that runs on your iOS device. It means you can access your iOS device from anywhere on the local network via your web browser. You can use any web browser on any OS (e.g. Firefox on Linux) to do this. We provide a simple file upload interface through which you can transfer your key file. To start this mini http server:

Tap + > More > Transfer over Local Network

You will be presented with a URL which you can access through your web browser, and then upload your key file. Any files uploaded through this method end up in the Strongbox "Documents" folder.

Step 2 - Importing the Key File into Strongbox

At this stage your key file is on device. We now recommend you "import" the key file from the more public folder location to Strongbox's private key files location. To do this, go to:

Tap Settings (Gear icon) > Advanced > Key Files > Key Files Management

NB: If you transferred the file via method 1 or 3 above, you may immediately see your Key File has been detected in Strongbox's Documents folder. It is possible to use the key file from here but we recommend importing the key file even if it's available here. This is a more private way to give Strongbox access to your Key File.

If you see your key file directly on this screen under the "Documents Folder" section, you can import it by:

Slide Left on the Key File > Tap "Import"

However if you do not immediately see your key file, like because you used method 2 above, then you can import by:

Tap + > Import Key File > Navigate to and tap your key file (likely in Downloads)

That's it, your key file is now safely imported into Strongbox.

Step 3 - Cleanup

Now that you've successfully imported your key file, Strongbox has it stored in a private, protected location which is not visible to regular users or via the Files app. You can now remove the key file from it's previous location which is either in the Downloads folder or in the Strongbox Documents folder. Both can be found in the Files app and you should navigate there and find the key file. Choose to delete it.

A Note on Apple/iCloud Backups

Some users have been concerned that their key file will end up inside an Apple Backup which could also be configured to be stored on Apple's iCloud. Strongbox by default marks its private, protected key file location as "Not for Backup". This tells the system not to include anything within in any Apple backup. You can verify these settings are as you like by going to:

Tap Settings (Gear icon) > Advanced > Backup Settings > Backup Imported Key Files > OFF