Prepare before importing
Create a space and save its recovery code somewhere separate from the phone. Use a small, nonessential sample first: a photo, a short video and a document. Keep the originals while you learn the workflow. The current Veil preview accepts individual files up to 100 MB.
Check the saved copy
Import from Photos or Files, then open each saved item. Play the video rather than relying on its thumbnail. Check orientation, visible detail and the complete document. Lock the space, unlock it and inspect the items again. If an import fails, review the result and retry only the unfinished items.
Make a backup before cleanup
An item opening now is useful evidence, but it is not a recovery plan for a lost device. Export an encrypted backup and test restoring a sample before removing valuable originals. Keep its matching recovery code separately. Repeat the backup after important additions.
Make deletion a separate decision
Veil imports copies. Its optional original-removal review applies to verified photo imports and still needs your confirmation. If access is denied or an original is unavailable, keep the copies and review Photos access. Changing permission does not delete anything by itself.
Understand the Photos side
With iCloud Photos, deletion also affects connected devices. Apple normally keeps deleted items in Recently Deleted for 30 days; permanently deleting from there removes that recovery option. Review Apple’s instructions and your backups before taking that final step.
Check other destinations
A copy sent through a message or exported to another app is separate from both Veil and Photos. Do not assume a deletion in one place removes it everywhere. Keep a simple record of the locations you use, including where you saved the encrypted backup.