hearthen-privacy

Privacy Policy for Hearthen

Effective date: April 25, 2026 Last updated: April 25, 2026

Hearthen (“we,” “our,” or “the app”) is a local-first Android application that helps you stay in touch with the people you care about. We built Hearthen with privacy as the default, not the upgrade. This policy explains what that means in practice.

Short version

• We do not collect any of your personal data.
• We do not transmit any of your data off your device.
• We do not have servers, accounts, or cloud sync.
• We do not use analytics, tracking, or advertising.
• We do not share anything with third parties — because there is nothing to share.
• Your relationships, notes, and history live only on your phone.

What data Hearthen stores on your device

Hearthen stores the following information locally on your device only, inside the app’s private storage area:

• The names, phone numbers (optional), and any notes you add for your contacts
• Contact frequency settings (how often you want to reach out to each person)
• Your interaction log (each call, text, or meet-up you record)
• Birthday and anniversary dates you choose to add
• Your app preferences (theme, notification settings, etc.)
• Circles (groupings) you create

This data is never transmitted off your device. It is not backed up to Google or any cloud service. If you uninstall the app, this data is deleted.

Permissions Hearthen may request

Hearthen requests two optional Android permissions. You can deny either or both — the app remains functional.

Read Contacts (android.permission.READ_CONTACTS)

• When requested: Only when you tap “Import from phone” inside the app.
• What it does: Lets you pick people from your phone’s contact list to add to Hearthen.
• What we do with the data: Read names and phone numbers locally so you can choose which to import. Selected contacts are stored locally as described above.
• What we do NOT do: We do not transmit, upload, sync, or share your contact list with anyone — including us.

Post Notifications (android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS)

• When requested: When you enable reminders in the app, or on first launch on Android 13+ devices.
• What it does: Lets Hearthen send you local reminder notifications when someone in your list is overdue for a check-in.
• What we do NOT do: No push notifications. No remote notification servers. All reminders are scheduled and delivered locally on your device.

Data sharing

We do not share any data with third parties, advertisers, analytics providers, social networks, or any other external service. Hearthen has no network code that transmits user data. Period.

Data retention and deletion

Your data is stored on your device for as long as you use the app. You can delete data at any time by:

• Removing individual contacts, interactions, or circles from within the app
• Clearing the app’s data via your device’s Settings → Apps → Hearthen → Storage → Clear data
• Uninstalling the app, which removes all Hearthen data from your device

You can also export all your data at any time as a JSON file via Settings → Export, giving you full control over a copy of your data.

Children’s privacy

Hearthen is not directed at children under 13 (or the equivalent minimum age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect data from anyone, including children. If you believe a child has used the app and you wish to discuss concerns, contact us at the email below.

Security

Because Hearthen does not transmit your data anywhere, the primary security risk is unauthorized access to your physical device. We recommend you use your device’s screen lock (PIN, password, biometric) to protect your data. App data is stored in Android’s per-app private storage area, which is isolated from other apps on your device.

Changes to this policy

If we update this policy, we will revise the “Last updated” date above and, where appropriate, notify users via the app. Material changes that affect how the app handles your information will be announced clearly within the app before taking effect.

Contact

Questions or concerns about this privacy policy?

Email: salmanmajeed169@gmail.com

Jurisdiction

This policy is governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the developer resides. By using Hearthen, you agree that any disputes related to this policy will be handled informally between you and the developer in good faith.