Changing the password for your eyes only folder in apps like Snapchat can sometimes make it seem like everything in the folder has been deleted or lost. This understandably causes concern for many users who have private content stored that they don’t want to lose. However, in most cases, changing your eyes only password does not actually delete the contents of the folder. The contents remain stored in the app’s database, but the access to them is revoked when the password is changed. Here’s a more detailed look at how eyes only folders work and why changing the password doesn’t delete everything.
How Eyes Only Folders Work
Eyes only folders use encryption to secure and privatize content. When you first set a password for the folder, it generates an encryption key based on that password. This encryption key is then used to encrypt all the files stored in the eyes only folder. That way, if someone else accesses your account, they can’t view the content without knowing the password.
When you change your eyes only password, it invalidates the previous encryption key and generates a new one based on the new password. This new key can’t decrypt the content encrypted with the old key. That’s why it appears that everything disappeared – the app no longer has access to decrypt and display the content. However, the encrypted content itself still exists in the app’s database.
Why Changing the Password Doesn’t Delete Content
The app developers understand that users may need to change their eyes only password from time to time if they feel it has been compromised. They don’t want to punish users by permanently deleting all their private content just because they changed their password.
So even though the old encryption key is invalidated when the password changes, the encrypted content remains stored. If you change your password back to the original, it will once again be able to access and display all the content that was previously in your eyes only.
Recovering Eyes Only Content After a Password Change
If you did change your eyes only password and now want to recover your previous content, all hope is not lost. Here are a few tips:
Log Back In With the Original Password
If you can remember your original eyes only password, log back in with that. This will once again grant access to the content encrypted with that original key. You can then recover anything important before setting a new password.
Use Password Recovery Options
Some apps with eyes only folders give you password recovery options. For example, Snapchat lets you enter your account email or phone number to send a reset link if you forgot your eyes only password. Use these built-in account recovery flows to reset your eyes only password and regain access.
Contact Customer Support
As a last resort, you can try contacting the app’s customer support team. Explain that you changed your eyes only password and lost access to important content. They may be able to help reset your password or manually recover encrypted content. However, this is not guaranteed since eyes only content is meant to be private.
Protecting Eyes Only Content When Changing Passwords
To avoid unintentionally losing access to your private content, keep these tips in mind when changing your eyes only password:
Don’t Change Your Password Unless Necessary
Avoid changing your eyes only password on a whim. Only change it if you have reason to believe it has been compromised or as part of regular security maintenance.
Record Your Original Password
Keep your original eyes only password written down somewhere secure in case you ever need to revert back to it. This will make it much easier to recover lost content.
Back Up Important Content First
Before changing your eyes only password, copy any irreplaceable or super important content to a secure location. This guarantees you won’t permanently lose access to content that matters most.
Log In With Original Password First
After changing your password, log back in with your original password first while you still remember it. This will allow you to confirm everything is still accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about how changing your eyes only password impacts content:
Does changing my eyes only password delete photos?
No, changing your eyes only password does not delete the photos stored in the eyes only folder. The photos are still contained in the app’s encrypted database. However, the app can no longer decrypt and display them until you enter the correct password again.
Can my eyes only photos be recovered if I forgot my password?
It is possible to recover eyes only photos if you forgot your password, but it depends on the app. Some apps like Snapchat provide password recovery options that can help you reset and regain access. You may also be able to manually recover photos by contacting customer support.
What happens if I change my password multiple times?
Changing your eyes only password multiple times does not delete or overwrite content. Each password change generates a new encryption key, but the encrypted content remains in storage. The latest password will decrypt the latest version of content added. But old content can be recovered if you log in again with a previous password.
Is there a time limit to recover eyes only content after a password change?
There is typically no time limit for recovering eyes only content after changing your password, as long as you can still log in with the original password. The encrypted content persists in storage until the app provider deletes it. However, password recovery options may expire after a certain period of time.
Can someone hack my eyes only folder by changing my password?
If someone else changes the password for your eyes only folder, they will not gain access to the content. They would need your original password to decrypt the content. However, changing your password without consent could lock you out until you reset it.
Summary
Changing your eyes only password does not permanently delete or overwrite the encrypted content stored in the folder. While it will hide content from view in the app, everything remains recoverable if you log back in with your original password. To prevent accidental data loss when changing your password, remember your original password, back up important content, and log in with your old password first to confirm. With proper precautions, you can securely change your eyes only password without worrying about losing your private data.