How do unlock rules work?

Each vault type uses different unlock rules:

• Persistent and Spark — unlock after you have been inactive for a period you choose (hours, days, weeks, or months). The timer is based on your latest check-in / last_activity, not a calendar date. Using the website while signed in updates that activity automatically.
• Time Capsule — unlocks once, at the release date and time you set. That timestamp is stored in UTC.

You can also lock or unlock a vault manually from the vault page (or via the API). Recipients are notified when a vault unlocks. Spark vaults additionally deactivate 48 hours after they are activated, even if they have not unlocked.