> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://oten.gitbook.io/drive-support/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://oten.gitbook.io/drive-support/faq/pin-and-account-access.md).

# PIN & Account Access

**Q. What is the device PIN for?** A. It unlocks the app (and your Drive) on *this* device. It's a local gate only — it doesn't encrypt anything, isn't synced, and is never sent to the server.

**Q. I forgot my device PIN. Did I lose my files?** A. No. Set the app up again on that device and restore with your **User Recovery Key**. The PIN protects the device, not the data.

**Q. What's the difference between the PIN and a vault password?** A. The **PIN** gates the app on one device. A **vault password** is cryptographic — it's part of what actually unlocks a vault's files (and selects which Shadow Layer opens). See [PIN, Password & Panic](https://file+.vscode-resource.vscode-cdn.net/Users/mando/Silver%20Tiger/stealth-vault/product-docs/user-guide/concepts-in-1-minute/pin-password-panic.md).

**Q. Do I sign in with an account too?** A. Yes — you sign in with your **Oten account (Oten IDP)** for cloud sync, sharing, and workspace features. It's the same identity used across the Oten suite.

**Q. Can I use Face ID?** A. On iOS you can enable **Face ID** to unlock. On macOS the app uses your device PIN and vault passwords.

**Q. What happens when I switch workspaces?** A. The app asks you to confirm, then immediately locks all unlocked vaults so nothing carries over unlocked into another workspace.

**Q. Is the PIN synced to my other devices?** A. No. The PIN is per-device by design. Each device has its own.