Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 2026-02-13
1. Introduction
PlantPal ("we", "our", "the App") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
2. Information We Collect
Information You Provide
- Account information (email, name) when you sign up
- Plant records (name, species, location, notes)
- Watering records and care schedules
- Plant photos
- Goal settings (watering frequency, care preferences)
Information Collected Automatically
- Device information (device model, OS version)
- App usage analytics (anonymized)
- Crash reports (anonymized)
Plant Photos and Processing
- Plant photos are stored locally on your device by default
- Photos are uploaded to cloud backup only if you enable backup
- We do not process photos through external recognition services in the current version
3. How We Store Your Data
| Data Type | Storage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Plant records | Local (device) | Your device only |
| Plant photos | Local (device) | Stored on your device, optional cloud backup |
| Account info | Firebase Auth | Encrypted, Google Cloud |
| Cloud backup | Firebase Firestore | Premium users only, opt-in |
| Analytics | Firebase Analytics | Anonymized, no personal data |
Local-First Architecture: All plant data is stored on your device by default. Cloud backup is optional and available only for Premium subscribers.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide App functionality (plant tracking, watering reminders, logs)
- Send notifications you have enabled (watering reminders)
- Improve the App (anonymized analytics)
- Process subscription payments (via App Store/Play Store)
We do NOT:
- Sell your personal data to third parties
- Share your plant data with advertisers
- Use your data for purposes other than described above
5. Third-Party Services
| Service | Purpose | Data Shared |
|---|---|---|
| Firebase Auth | Authentication | Email, auth tokens |
| Firebase Firestore | Cloud backup (Premium) | Encrypted plant data |
| Firebase Analytics | App improvement | Anonymized usage data |
| Firebase Crashlytics | Crash reporting | Anonymized crash data |
| RevenueCat | Subscriptions | Purchase status, no plant data |
| Google AdMob | Ads (free users) | Device ad ID, no plant data |
6. Advertising
- Free users see ads served by Google AdMob
- AdMob may use your device's advertising ID for personalized ads
- Plant data is NEVER shared with AdMob
- You can opt out of personalized ads in your device settings
- Premium subscribers see no ads
7. Data Retention
- Your data is retained as long as you use the App
- Upon account deletion, all data is permanently removed within 30 days
- Anonymized analytics data may be retained for App improvement
8. Your Rights
- Access: View all your data within the App
- Export: Export your data via Settings > Data Export
- Delete: Delete your account and all data via Settings > Account > Delete Account
- Modify: Edit or correct your records at any time
- Revoke: Revoke camera and photo permissions in device settings
9. Children's Privacy
PlantPal is not intended for use by children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
10. Data Security
- Data encrypted in transit (TLS/SSL)
- Firebase security rules for cloud data
- Local data protected by device security (passcode, biometrics)
- No plain-text storage of sensitive information
11. International Data Transfers
If you use cloud backup, your data may be transferred to Google Cloud servers outside your country. Google Cloud complies with applicable data protection regulations.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be notified via the App. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
13. Contact Us
For privacy-related questions or data requests: pixellogic.app@gmail.com