Introduction
NordLocker is transitioning to a new, modern architecture. In the past year, we have moved from an old locker-based file structure to a new journaling approach. This major upgrade lays the foundation for rapid future development and brings significant improvements to speed, security, and file management flexibility.
This article explains how the upgrade works, what you need to prepare, and what changes to expect.
Before you start
Preparation (Action Required)
- Know Your Credentials: Make sure you remember your Cloud Password or have a valid Recovery Key saved.
- You can restore your Recovery Key using biometrics on your mobile app before the upgrade, or using Cloud Password
- Restore Recovery Key using biometrics on mobile apps before the upgrade hits your account
- If you don't remember your Cloud Password, you can change it using a valid Recovery Key.
- You can restore your Recovery Key using biometrics on your mobile app before the upgrade, or using Cloud Password
Biometrics after the upgrade
- Android users: Biometrics will not transfer. You will need to install a brand new NordLocker Android app from the Play Store. After unlocking the new app with your Cloud Password (or a newly set Cloud Password via Recovery Key), you will need to set up biometrics again.
- iOS Users: Biometrics will transfer. You will be able to unlock the new generation NordLocker iOS app using your existing biometrics.
- Web Access users: the first unlock with biometrics will work only for iOS app users. Android app users will need to set up biometrics again.
Loss of Access (Action Required)
- We strongly recommend you confirm your Cloud Password and Recovery Key before the upgrade, even if your iOS biometrics will transfer.
- If you cannot ensure you will be able to provide your Cloud Password or a valid Recovery Key, you must download all your files to your device before the upgrade begins.
- If you cannot authenticate after the upgrade, an account reset will be required. This results in the deletion of your existing account and all its data, followed by new account creation under the same email.
Technical Notes & Limitations
- Large Accounts: If you have a significant number of files, we strongly recommend performing the upgrade via the Windows application.
- iOS Offline Files: Any files saved for offline use on iOS will be reset after the upgrade and need to be re-downloaded.
- Thumbnails: Due to legacy technology, some older files may be missing thumbnails after the upgrade. Re-uploading such files will generate new thumbnails.
- System Requirements: The new mobile apps require Android 10+ or iOS 17+. For Windows users, we recommend running the NordLocker application on Windows 11+.
Here’s what to expect
How the Upgrade works
The upgrade will be rolled out gradually over approximately one month. Here is what to expect:
- Automatic Start: When you unlock your NordLocker application, the upgrade will check if your account is eligible. If it is, the process will begin automatically.
- Progress Tracking: You will see a progress bar and percentage indicating the status of the upgrade:
- View-Only Mode: While the upgrade is in progress, you will be in View-Only mode. You can view and download your own files, but you cannot upload, share, or edit files until the process reaches 100%.
- Interruptions: If you close the app or lock it before the upgrade finishes, the upgrade will pause. It will resume from where it left off the next time you unlock any NordLocker application. You must reach 100% completion to access the new features.
- Completion: Once finished, you will be prompted to relaunch the application to access the new generation NordLocker:
- Android app users will specifically be required to install a brand new app.
- Windows app users will be required to additionally complete structure changes after the initial upgrade. During this period, you will not be able to view your files. These Windows-specific structure changes cannot be completed on other applications. After both the upgrade and structure changes are finished, you can relaunch and access the new generation NordLocker app.
Note: If you see an information banner about the upgrade but no progress bar, the upgrade has not yet been enabled for your specific account. You can continue using the app as normal and check again after a couple of days:
Changes to Sharing
Due to the architectural changes enabling more flexible sharing in the future, current shares and links will be reset:
- Shared Files: You will lose access to files shared with you, and others will lose access to files you shared. You must ask file owners to re-share items with you after the upgrade. Access to shared files with you will be lost from the moment the upgrade process starts.
- Secure Links: All existing secure share links and request file links will be deleted. You will need to generate new links.
- Cross-Version Incompatibility: For a short period, you will not be able to share files between an upgraded user and a user who has not yet upgraded.
What’s New: Features & Improvements
Once you have upgraded, you will enjoy a faster, more responsive experience:
- Performance: Significantly faster upload and download speeds, improved app responsiveness, and enhanced security in general.
- Flexible File Management: Upload files directly to the "My Files" level and move files between folders without restriction.
- Expanded Sharing Options (Web & Mobile):
- Share individual files and folders with other users from any level
- Web Access Exclusive Features:
- Generate secure share links for specific files and folders.
- Control link settings, including security code and expiration date.
- Unified search across "My Files" and "Shared."
- Mobile Design: enjoy newly updated and sleek mobile designs, including Dark Mode.
Note: File request link generation will be coming soon to Web Access. Secure share link generation will be coming soon to Mobile apps. The Windows app will also soon introduce flexible file sharing with users.
