Get to know a match without giving out your number

Why your phone number reveals more than you think

A phone number isn't just a way to reach you. It is often linked to your messaging accounts, your profile photos in other apps, and sometimes your name. Giving it to someone you have only just matched with hands over more than a way to chat.

Keeping your personal number until you trust someone gives you room to decide how much they learn about you, and when.

When to move off the dating app

• Stay in the dating app's own chat while you are still getting a feel for someone.
• Move when you want to keep talking outside the app, for example before or after a first date.
• Share a number you can walk away from without changing your phone number.

How to use Vaultlix with a match

1. Create your number. Choose the username your match will see. Vaultlix gives you a permanent Vaultlix number. No phone number, email or real name needed.
2. Share your Vaultlix number. Send it in the dating app chat, or share your vaultlix.com link.
3. Approve the connection. Your match enters your exact number and sends a request. A conversation appears after you accept.
4. Talk your way. Message, voice call or video call one-to-one.

Your match needs Vaultlix too: a Vaultlix number isn't a cellular number and can't receive SMS or ordinary calls.

Stay in control

• You decide who connects. Nobody can search for you. Someone needs your exact Vaultlix number, and you accept or ignore their request.
• Erase it for both people. When the conversation is over, close it with a deliberate action that removes it for you and your match.
• Report and block. Stop contact and report abuse from the conversation.
• App Lock and Quick Lock. Protect Vaultlix with its own passcode, and hide the active conversation immediately when privacy matters.
• Private by design. Messages are end-to-end encrypted, and call media is encrypted between your devices.

A few safety habits before you meet

• Meet somewhere public for the first time, and plan your own way there and back.
• Tell a friend where you are going and who you are meeting.
• Don't share your home address, workplace or financial details early on.
• Be cautious of anyone who asks for money, verification codes or to move quickly to another app.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, end the conversation, and report and block the person.

Common questions

Will my match see my real phone number?

No. Vaultlix doesn't collect your phone number, so there is nothing to show. Your match sees your chosen username and Vaultlix number.

Does my match need to download anything?

Your match needs a Vaultlix account. Vaultlix works on the web at vaultlix.com; see Get Vaultlix for the iPhone and Android apps.

Can I stop someone contacting me?

Yes. You can erase the conversation for both people, and use Report and block to stop contact.