What is Nextcloud?
Nextcloud is an open source platform for storing and syncing files. Think of it as a private Google Drive or Dropbox, but with full control over your data. Nextcloud also offers calendar, contacts, notes, video calls and many other features. It's used by governments, universities and millions of private users worldwide.
Is Nextcloud open source?
Yes, 100%. Nextcloud's source code is publicly available on GitHub. Anyone can review, audit and verify there are no backdoors or hidden tracking. This is a fundamental difference compared to closed solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox, where you have to blindly trust the provider.
Who is behind the Nextcloud project?
Nextcloud was founded in 2016 by Frank Karlitschek, who previously created ownCloud. Nextcloud GmbH is headquartered in Germany. The project is developed by hundreds of programmers worldwide - both the Nextcloud team and the open source community.
How is Nextcloud different from Google Drive?
The main difference is control over data. Google Drive stores your files on Google servers in the USA, scans them with AI algorithms and uses them for advertising profiling. Nextcloud allows you to host data on your own servers or with a trusted provider (like arkDisk) in a chosen location. Zero scanning, zero ads, full privacy.
How is Nextcloud different from Dropbox?
Similar to Google - Dropbox is a closed American service. Your data is on their servers, under their control, subject to US law (including CLOUD Act). Nextcloud gives you the choice of where to keep data and who has access to it. Plus Nextcloud has many more features - it's a complete productivity suite, not just a drive.
Is Nextcloud free?
The Nextcloud software itself is completely free - you can download and install it on your own server for $0. But you need a server, domain, configuration, backups, updates... This requires time and technical knowledge. That's why services like arkDisk exist - you get a ready, configured Nextcloud without the hassle.
How long has Nextcloud existed?
Nextcloud was created in 2016, so it's over 8 years old. But its roots go back to the ownCloud project from 2010. It's a mature, proven technology used by millions of people and thousands of organizations worldwide.
How many companies worldwide use Nextcloud?
According to Nextcloud GmbH, the platform is used by over 400,000 servers and hundreds of millions of users. Users include the German government, French government, Siemens, universities and hospitals. This is not a niche project - it's a serious enterprise tool.
What is arkDisk?
arkDisk is a European cloud file storage service based on Nextcloud. We give you all the benefits of Nextcloud without having to configure servers yourself. Your data is stored exclusively in the EU, we don't scan it with AI, don't sell it, don't show ads. Simple pricing, full privacy, European values.
Who is behind arkDisk?
arkDisk is a project of a European company based in Lithuania. We created it because we were frustrated by the lack of a simple, private alternative to Big Tech. We wanted a service that respects privacy, keeps data in Europe and doesn't treat users as a product to monetize.
Where is arkDisk headquartered?
The company is headquartered in Lithuania, in the European Union. User data servers are also located in Lithuania. The entire infrastructure is subject to European law and GDPR.
Is arkDisk a European company?
Yes, 100%. Lithuanian company, Lithuanian servers, European law. No connections to the USA, China or other jurisdictions outside the EU. This is important because it means your data is protected by GDPR and not subject to e.g. the American CLOUD Act.
Why was arkDisk created?
Because we were tired of giving our data to Big Tech. Google reads emails, scans photos, builds advertising profiles. Microsoft, Dropbox, Apple - they all collect data. We wanted a simple service: I pay, I get cloud storage, my data is mine. No catches, no tracking.
How is arkDisk different from other cloud providers?
Three main things: (1) Servers only in the EU - your data never leaves Europe, (2) Zero AI scanning - we don't analyze your files, (3) Open source - we use Nextcloud, so you can verify what the software does. Plus fair pricing with no hidden limits.
Does arkDisk offer technical support?
Yes, we offer support via email. We respond personally, without bots or automated replies. For business plans, we offer priority support with shorter response times.
How can I contact arkDisk?
The best way is via email at info@arkdisk.com. We respond personally to every message. For technical issues, please include as much detail as possible - what device, what browser, what you were trying to do. This helps us solve your problem faster.
What is the response time for support?
We aim to respond within 24 hours on business days. Often it's much faster - a few hours. For business plans, we offer priority support with guaranteed response times. Remember that we're a European company, so our working hours are CET/CEST.
Does arkDisk have a mobile app?
Yes! We use the official Nextcloud app, available for both iOS and Android. It's free and works great with arkDisk. You can automatically sync photos, access files offline, and manage your cloud from anywhere.
How do I install the Nextcloud app on my phone?
Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and search for 'Nextcloud'. Download the official Nextcloud app (blue icon with white triangle). Open it, enter the server address (your arkDisk address), and log in with your credentials. That's it!
Can I access my files through a web browser?
Absolutely! Just go to your arkDisk address in any web browser and log in. You get full access to all your files, can upload, download, share, edit documents - everything without installing any software. Works on any device with a browser.
Does arkDisk work on iPhone?
Yes, perfectly. You can use the Nextcloud app from the App Store or access via Safari browser. The app supports automatic photo backup, offline files, Face ID/Touch ID login, and all other features you'd expect from a modern cloud app.
Does arkDisk work on Android?
Yes, fully supported. The Nextcloud app is available on Google Play. It supports automatic photo backup, offline files, fingerprint login, and integrates well with Android's file system. You can also use any file manager that supports WebDAV.
Can I sync files on my computer?
Yes! There's a Nextcloud desktop client for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Once installed, you get a folder on your computer that automatically syncs with your cloud. Any file you put there is instantly available on all your devices.
How do I install the desktop client?
Go to nextcloud.com/install and download the client for your operating system. Install it, enter your arkDisk server address, log in, and choose which folders to sync. The client will create a Nextcloud folder on your computer that stays in sync with your cloud.
Can I set up selective sync?
Yes. In the desktop client settings, you can choose exactly which folders to sync to your computer. This is useful if you have a lot of data in the cloud but limited disk space locally. You can also use virtual files to see all files without downloading them.
What are virtual files?
Virtual files (also called 'Files on demand') show you all your cloud files in your local folder, but don't download them until you open them. This saves disk space while giving you full visibility of your cloud storage. Available on Windows and macOS.
What file formats are supported?
All of them! arkDisk stores files as-is, without any conversion or compression. Photos, videos, documents, archives, code, databases - whatever you upload is exactly what you get back. There are no restrictions on file types.
Is there a limit on single file size?
The default limit is 16GB per file, which covers virtually any use case - even long 4K videos. If you need to upload larger files, contact us and we can increase the limit for your account. For most users, this is never an issue.
Can I store videos on arkDisk?
Absolutely! Videos are just files, and we support all formats - MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, whatever you have. The web interface and mobile apps can play most video formats directly. There's no compression or quality reduction.
Does arkDisk compress my photos?
No, never. Your photos are stored exactly as uploaded - full resolution, original quality, all metadata preserved. Unlike Google Photos or iCloud, we don't reduce quality to save space. What you upload is what you get.
Can I share files with other people?
Yes! You can create share links for any file or folder. The recipient doesn't need an arkDisk account - they just click the link and download. You can also share directly with other arkDisk or Nextcloud users for collaborative access.
Can I password-protect a shared link?
Yes. When creating a share link, you can set a password that recipients must enter to access the content. You can also set an expiration date after which the link stops working. This gives you control over who accesses your shared files.
Can I share entire folders?
Yes. You can share folders just like files. Recipients can browse the folder contents and download what they need. You can also give editing permissions, allowing others to upload files to your shared folder.
Does the person I share with need an account?
No! Public links work for anyone - they just click and access. However, if you want to collaborate (both sides can edit), then both users need accounts. For federated sharing between different Nextcloud servers, both need accounts on their respective servers.
What is federated sharing?
Federated sharing lets you share files with users on other Nextcloud servers. It's like email - you can send to anyone, not just people using the same provider. You share using their Nextcloud ID (like user@their-server.com) and they see the shared folder in their own cloud.
How does the calendar app work?
Nextcloud Calendar is a full-featured calendar that syncs across all your devices. You can create multiple calendars, set reminders, invite people to events, and sync with your phone's native calendar app. It uses the CalDAV standard.
Can I import calendars from other apps?
Yes. You can import ICS files from Google Calendar, Outlook, Apple Calendar, or any other calendar app. Just export from your old app and import into Nextcloud. You can also subscribe to external calendars by URL.
Does the contacts app work with my phone?
Yes! Nextcloud Contacts syncs with your phone using CardDAV. On iPhone, add the account in Settings > Mail > Accounts. On Android, you might need an app like DAVx5. Once set up, your contacts sync automatically between all devices.
What is Nextcloud Talk?
Talk is Nextcloud's built-in chat and video conferencing app. Think of it as a private alternative to Zoom or Microsoft Teams. You can have one-on-one or group calls, share your screen, and chat - all within your Nextcloud, all encrypted.
Are video calls via Talk encrypted?
Yes. All Talk communications are encrypted in transit. For additional security, you can enable end-to-end encryption for calls. Talk uses WebRTC, the same technology that powers Google Meet and other browser-based video conferencing.
Does the Notes app work as a replacement for Google Keep?
Yes! Nextcloud Notes is a simple but powerful note-taking app. It supports markdown formatting, categories, and syncs across all devices. There are mobile apps for iOS and Android. Your notes are stored as plain text files in your cloud.
What is Nextcloud Office?
Nextcloud Office (powered by Collabora) lets you edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations directly in your browser. It's compatible with Microsoft Office formats. Multiple people can edit the same document simultaneously, seeing each other's changes in real time.
Can I edit Word documents on arkDisk?
Yes! Nextcloud Office opens and edits .docx, .xlsx, .pptx and other Microsoft Office formats. The formatting is preserved, so you can work on documents from colleagues or clients who use Microsoft Office. You can also export to PDF.
What do I need to use Nextcloud apps?
Just your arkDisk account! All the apps (Calendar, Contacts, Notes, Talk, Office) are included. Some features work in the browser, others have dedicated mobile or desktop apps. Check the Nextcloud app store for additional apps you can enable.
What pricing plans are available?
We offer simple, transparent pricing: Personal plan with 100GB for individual users, Personal+ with 500GB for power users, and custom Business plans for teams and companies. All plans include all features - no artificial limitations or upselling.
Is there a free trial?
Yes! We offer a 14-day free trial with full functionality. No credit card required to start. You get to test everything - all features, full storage - before deciding if arkDisk is right for you.
What happens after the trial period?
You'll be prompted to choose a paid plan to continue. If you don't subscribe, your account will be suspended but your data is safe - we keep it for 30 days so you can come back and subscribe. After 30 days, inactive trial accounts are deleted.
How much does the Personal plan cost?
The Personal plan with 100GB costs €4.99 per month. You can also pay annually at €49.99/year, saving about 2 months. This plan is perfect for individuals who want a private cloud for photos, documents, and personal files.
How much does the Personal+ plan cost?
The Personal+ plan with 500GB costs €9.99 per month, or €99.99/year for annual billing. This plan is ideal for photographers, videographers, or anyone with larger storage needs who wants plenty of space for media files.
Are there plans for businesses?
Yes! We offer custom Business plans with larger storage, multiple users, priority support, and additional features like admin controls. Contact us at info@arkdisk.com to discuss your needs and get a quote.
Are there discounts for annual billing?
Yes, you save about 17% (equivalent to 2 months free) when you pay annually instead of monthly. The discount is applied automatically when you choose annual billing during checkout or account upgrade.
What payment methods are available?
We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) through Stripe, our secure payment processor. We're working on adding more payment options including SEPA direct debit and PayPal.
Are payments secure?
Absolutely. All payments are processed by Stripe, one of the world's leading payment processors. We never see or store your full card number - all sensitive payment data is handled directly by Stripe using bank-level encryption.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes, no lock-in contracts. You can cancel from your account panel at any time. After cancellation, you keep access until the end of your billing period. Your data remains available for download for 30 days after that.
Can I upgrade or downgrade my plan?
Yes, you can change your plan at any time. When upgrading, you get immediate access to more storage and pay the prorated difference. When downgrading, the change takes effect at your next billing date.
Is there a refund if I'm not satisfied?
We offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. If you're not happy with arkDisk within the first 14 days of your paid subscription, contact us for a full refund, no questions asked. We want you to be confident in your choice.
Where are arkDisk's servers located?
Our servers are located in Lithuania, European Union. All your data stays in the EU at all times. We chose Lithuania for its excellent internet infrastructure, EU membership, and strong data protection regulations.
Why is data location in the EU important?
EU has the strongest data protection laws in the world (GDPR). Data stored in the EU cannot be accessed by foreign governments without proper legal process. Unlike US-based services, we're not subject to the CLOUD Act or similar surveillance laws.
Can my data be transferred to the USA?
No. Your data is stored only on our EU servers and never leaves the European Union. We don't use US-based cloud providers (no AWS, no Google Cloud, no Azure). This protects you from US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act.
Is arkDisk GDPR compliant?
Yes, fully. GDPR compliance is not optional for us - we're an EU company processing EU citizens' data. We collect minimal personal data, don't sell it, and you have full rights to access, export, and delete your data at any time.
What is GDPR?
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is the EU's comprehensive data protection law. It gives you rights over your personal data: the right to know what's collected, to access it, to correct it, to delete it, and to take it elsewhere. Companies face huge fines for violations.
Does arkDisk sell my data?
Absolutely not. We never sell, share, or monetize your data in any way. Our business model is simple: you pay for storage, we provide storage. Your data is yours. Period. We make money from subscriptions, not from selling user data.
Are my files scanned by AI?
No. Unlike Google, Microsoft, or Apple, we don't scan your files with AI or any other automated system. We don't analyze content, build profiles, or use your data for machine learning. Your files are private, stored as-is.
What data is needed to create an account?
Just an email address and password. We don't require your real name, phone number, or address. For paid plans, we need billing information (processed securely by Stripe), but we collect the minimum necessary for payment.
Who has access to my files?
Only you, unless you choose to share them. Our system administrators have technical access to servers but are bound by strict policies prohibiting access to user data. We use encryption and access controls to protect your files.
What happens if police request my data?
We comply with valid legal requests from EU authorities. However, we require proper legal process (court order) and notify users when legally permitted. We don't have access to end-to-end encrypted data anyway - only you have the key.
Is my IP address logged?
We log IP addresses temporarily for security purposes (detecting attacks, preventing abuse). These logs are automatically deleted after 30 days. We don't use IP addresses for tracking or profiling. It's purely for server security.
How can I delete my account and data?
You can delete your account from the settings panel. This permanently removes all your data from our servers. The process is immediate for files, while some metadata may take up to 30 days to be fully purged from backups.
How can I download all my data?
You can download everything at any time. Use the sync client to download all files to your computer, or download folders as ZIP files from the web interface. For a complete export including calendar, contacts, and settings, use the built-in export feature.
Are my files encrypted?
Yes, at multiple levels. All data in transit is encrypted with TLS 1.3. Data at rest is encrypted on our servers. You can also enable end-to-end encryption for maximum privacy - then even we cannot read your files.
What is end-to-end encryption (E2EE)?
E2EE means your files are encrypted on your device before being uploaded, and only you have the key to decrypt them. Even if someone accessed our servers, they'd only see encrypted data. It's the highest level of privacy available.
How do I enable end-to-end encryption?
In the Nextcloud desktop client, right-click on a folder and select 'Encrypt'. You'll be asked to set up a recovery key - save this safely! Once enabled, all files in that folder are encrypted before leaving your device.
What happens if I lose the encryption key?
Without the encryption key, your E2EE files are permanently inaccessible - even we cannot recover them. This is by design. That's why it's crucial to save your recovery key in a safe place when you enable E2EE.
Are connections to the server secure?
Yes. All connections use HTTPS with TLS 1.3 encryption. We also use HSTS and other security headers to prevent downgrade attacks. Your data is protected in transit between your device and our servers.
Does arkDisk have two-factor authentication (2FA)?
Yes! We strongly recommend enabling 2FA for your account. It adds an extra layer of security - even if someone learns your password, they can't log in without the second factor from your phone.
How do I enable two-factor authentication?
Go to your account settings and find the Security section. Enable TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password). Scan the QR code with an authenticator app on your phone. Save the backup codes in a safe place in case you lose your phone.
Which 2FA apps are supported?
Any TOTP-compatible authenticator app works: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, 1Password, Bitwarden, and many others. We recommend Authy or a password manager with TOTP support for easy backup and multi-device sync.
How does SFTP access work?
SFTP gives you direct, secure file transfer access to your arkDisk storage. Enable it in your account panel, and you'll get credentials to connect with any SFTP client. It's great for transferring large amounts of data or automated backups.
Which SFTP clients are recommended?
For Windows: WinSCP or FileZilla. For macOS: Cyberduck or Transmit. For Linux: FileZilla or the built-in file manager. All of these are free (except Transmit) and work great with arkDisk.
Can I use SSH keys instead of password?
Yes! SSH key authentication is more secure than passwords. Generate an SSH key pair, add the public key in your arkDisk panel, and configure your SFTP client to use the private key. This also enables passwordless, automated access.
What is HSTS and why is it important?
HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security) forces browsers to always use HTTPS when connecting to our site. This prevents downgrade attacks where an attacker tries to intercept your connection by redirecting to unencrypted HTTP.
Where can I see the account activity log?
Go to Settings > Security in your arkDisk panel. You'll see a log of recent login attempts, devices that have accessed your account, and security events. This helps you spot any unauthorized access to your account.
Can I limit access for certain apps?
Yes. In Settings > Security > Devices & sessions, you can see all apps and devices connected to your account. You can revoke access for any of them individually. You can also create app-specific passwords for services that don't support 2FA.
How do I protect myself from phishing?
Always check the URL before entering your password - make sure it's your real arkDisk address. Enable 2FA so stolen passwords are useless. Never click login links from emails - always navigate to arkDisk directly. We'll never ask for your password via email.
What storage system does arkDisk use?
We use enterprise-grade servers with ZFS file system on RAID 6 HDD arrays. This gives us data integrity verification, self-healing capabilities, and protection against multiple disk failures. It's the same approach used by large data centers.
Why HDD instead of SSD?
For long-term storage, HDDs are actually superior: better data retention without power, easier data recovery if something fails, proven technology with decades of reliability data. SSDs are faster but less suitable for archival storage.
What is RAID 6?
RAID 6 spreads your data across multiple disks with two levels of redundancy. This means any two disks can fail simultaneously without data loss. It's one of the safest storage configurations, protecting against hardware failures.
What is ZFS?
ZFS is an advanced file system that protects against data corruption. It checksums all data and can detect and repair errors automatically. If a disk sector goes bad, ZFS notices and recovers the data from redundant copies. Your files stay intact.
Why is HDD better for long-term data storage?
Several reasons: (1) Proven technology with decades of experience, (2) Possibility of data recovery on mechanical failure, (3) No degradation without power (SSD can lose data when left without power for long), (4) Predictable failure characteristics - HDDs usually "warn" before death. In data storage, stability and recoverability beat speed.
What happens to data on a damaged SSD vs HDD?
When HDD is damaged: magnetic platters are usually intact. Specialist companies can read data even from a drive that won't start - it's a matter of replacing electronics or reading in a cleanroom. When SSD is damaged: if the controller or memory chip fails, data is often lost forever. Flash cells cannot be read without a working controller. That's why we choose HDD for valuable data.
Is the transfer speed sufficient?
Yes. Our links are redundant multi-gigabit symmetric connections. This means upload is as fast as download. For a typical user, this is much more than needed - the bottleneck will rather be your home connection. Link redundancy also guarantees service continuity - if one link has problems, traffic automatically switches to the other.
Does arkDisk back up my data?
Currently, your data is protected by RAID 6 redundancy, which protects against hardware failure. This is the same model as the largest providers like Google or Dropbox. We're working on launching a backup service as an option for customers who want an additional layer of protection - backup to a second, geographically remote location. This service will be available as a paid option in the near future.
What is data redundancy?
Redundancy is storing data in a way that protects against failure. In our case, RAID 6 means each piece of information is written in a way that allows reconstruction even if two disks simultaneously stop working. Additionally, internet link redundancy guarantees you always have access to your files. It's like having spare house keys - the basis of security.
Can I back up my arkDisk data myself?
Yes, of course! You can download all your files at any time through the sync client, web interface or SFTP. We recommend having a local copy of the most important files - it's good practice regardless of which cloud provider you use. Nextcloud also allows syncing selected folders with your computer - that's automatic two-way backup.
Why will backup be a paid option?
Because real backup requires a second, independent infrastructure in a different geographic location. This doubles storage costs. We don't want to include this in the price for everyone, because not everyone needs backup to a second server room - for many users, RAID 6 plus their own local copy is enough. Optional paid backup will allow those who need the highest level of protection to purchase this service.
What is internet link redundancy?
It means we have more than one internet connection. If the main link has a problem - failure, maintenance, cut cable - traffic automatically switches to backup. For you, this means arkDisk is available even when the operator has problems. Our links are symmetric (upload = download) and multi-gigabit, so speed is not an issue either.
What encryption options does arkDisk offer?
Several levels: (1) TLS transmission encryption - default for everyone, (2) Server disk encryption - default for everyone, (3) End-to-end encryption (E2EE) of selected folders - optional, enable through desktop app. With E2EE, even the server administrator cannot see your files. We'll soon also offer browser-based encryption.
What happens when I enable end-to-end encryption?
Selected folders are encrypted with a key only you know. File and folder names are also encrypted. On the server, we see only encrypted data - random noise with no way to read it. This is maximum privacy. But note: if you lose the encryption key, data is unrecoverable. Even we cannot help - we don't have the key.
Why don't encrypted folders work via SFTP?
Because E2EE encryption happens on the client side - your computer encrypts before sending and decrypts after downloading. SFTP gives direct access to the file system on the server, where data is encrypted. Via SFTP you'll see encrypted file names that cannot be opened. This is normal and by design - E2EE is meant to protect data even from the server administrator.
Is it normal that I see encrypted file names?
Yes, completely normal with E2EE enabled. If via SFTP or admin interface you see folders/files with random names like "e2e-vault" or encrypted strings - it means encryption is working properly. These files are only readable through the Nextcloud app with your key. For everyone else, it's noise.
How do I choose what to encrypt and what not to?
Practical rule: encrypt with E2EE only the most sensitive data - medical, financial, legal documents, confidential contracts. Leave the rest with default arkDisk encryption which is sufficient for most uses. Why? Because E2EE has limitations - no SFTP access, no browser preview, risk of loss if key is lost. Not everything needs maximum encryption.
Does encryption slow down file access?
Minimally. TLS and disk encryption is hardware accelerated - you won't notice a difference. E2EE requires encryption/decryption on your device - for very large files it may take longer, but for typical documents and photos the difference is unnoticeable. Security is worth those milliseconds.
Can I disable E2EE encryption after enabling it?
Yes, but it requires decrypting all files in that folder. You need to have the encryption key and do it through the desktop app. The process can be time-consuming with large amounts of data. That's why we recommend thinking about what really needs E2EE before enabling it.
What is the recommended approach to encryption?
For most users: stay with default arkDisk encryption (TLS + disk encryption). This is sufficient protection for typical files. Enable E2EE only for a folder with the most confidential documents. Remember: (1) Save the recovery key in a safe place, (2) Encrypted folders don't work via SFTP, (3) Lost key = lost data. E2EE is a powerful tool but requires responsibility.
