Cloud Storage in iKeePass iOS

iKeePass uses the native iOS Files dialog to securely store your KeePass database in various cloud services. This gives you full control and allows you to sync your database across all devices.

Supported Cloud Services

Cloud Service Status App Required
Apple iCloud Drive Natively integrated None
Nextcloud Supported Nextcloud App
Google Drive Supported Google Drive App
Microsoft OneDrive Supported OneDrive App
Dropbox Supported Dropbox App

Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure that:

  1. The corresponding cloud app is installed on your iPhone/iPad
  2. You are signed in to the cloud app
  3. The cloud app is enabled in iOS “Files”

Enable Cloud Service in “Files”

  1. Open the Files app on your iPhone/iPad
  2. Tap Browse (bottom right)
  3. Tap the … symbol (top right)
  4. Select Edit
  5. Enable the desired cloud service (e.g., Nextcloud, Google Drive)
  6. Tap Done

Step-by-Step Guide

Create a New Database in the Cloud

  1. Open iKeePass on your iPhone/iPad
  2. Tap Create New Database
  3. Enter a name and master password
  4. In the file dialog: Select your cloud service (e.g., iCloud Drive, Nextcloud)
  5. Navigate to the desired folder
  6. Tap Save

The database is now stored in your cloud and automatically synchronized.

Open an Existing Database from the Cloud

  1. Open iKeePass on your iPhone/iPad
  2. Tap Open Database
  3. The iOS Files dialog opens
  4. Select your cloud service in the sidebar
  5. Navigate to your .kdbx file
  6. Tap the file to open it
  7. Enter your master password

Cloud-Specific Instructions

Apple iCloud Drive

Benefits:

  • Natively integrated in iOS
  • Automatic synchronization
  • No additional app required

Setup:

  1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud
  2. Enable iCloud Drive
  3. In iKeePass: Select iCloud Drive in the file dialog

Nextcloud

Benefits:

  • Self-hosted option available
  • Full data control
  • Open source

Setup:

  1. Install the Nextcloud App
  2. Sign in with your Nextcloud account
  3. In the Files app: Enable “Nextcloud” (see above)
  4. In iKeePass: Select Nextcloud in the file dialog

Tip: Create a dedicated folder like /KeePass/ for your databases.

Google Drive

Benefits:

  • 15 GB free storage
  • Seamless integration with Google services

Setup:

  1. Install the Google Drive App
  2. Sign in with your Google account
  3. In the Files app: Enable “Google Drive”
  4. In iKeePass: Select Google Drive in the file dialog

Microsoft OneDrive

Benefits:

  • Integration with Microsoft 365
  • 5 GB free storage

Setup:

  1. Install the OneDrive App
  2. Sign in with your Microsoft account
  3. In the Files app: Enable “OneDrive”
  4. In iKeePass: Select OneDrive in the file dialog

Understanding Synchronization

How Does Synchronization Work?

+-------------------+          +-------------------+
|  iKeePass iOS     |          |  Cloud Service    |
|  (Database)       | <------> |  (Storage)        |
+-------------------+    iOS   +-------------------+
                      Files          |
                       API           |
                                     v
                          +-------------------+
                          |  Other Devices    |
                          |  (Mac, Windows,   |
                          |   Android, etc.)  |
                          +-------------------+
  1. iKeePass saves/reads through the iOS Files dialog
  2. The cloud app automatically synchronizes the file
  3. Other devices can retrieve the updated file

Conflict Handling

If you edit the database on multiple devices simultaneously:

Situation Behavior
Change on one device Automatic synchronization
Changes on multiple devices Cloud service creates conflict copy
Offline editing Sync on next connection

Recommendation: Close the database on one device before opening it on another.

Security Notes

Your Data is Safe

  • The database is AES-256 encrypted before reaching the cloud
  • Only you know the master password
  • The cloud provider cannot read your passwords

Best Practices

Recommendation Why
Strong master password Protects the encrypted file
Use Argon2id KDF Makes brute-force attacks harder
2FA for cloud account Protects against unauthorized access
Regular backups Protects against data loss

Troubleshooting

Cloud Service Doesn’t Appear in File Dialog

  1. Check if the cloud app is installed
  2. Open the Files app and enable the service (see above)
  3. Restart iKeePass

Synchronization Doesn’t Work

  1. Check your internet connection
  2. Open the cloud app and wait for sync
  3. Check if there’s enough storage space

Database is Read-Only

  1. Check permissions in the cloud app
  2. Make sure you’re not offline
  3. Check if the file is open on another device

More Information