Privacy Policy

Thank you for using PinGuard! Your privacy and data security are extremely important to us. By using PinGuard, you agree to the practices detailed in this Privacy Policy:

Email

PinGuard allows users to link their Gmail accounts to enable direct email sending for security photos and, if applicable, audio recordings. This permission is required to avoid using third-party servers and can be revoked at any time through Google account permissions.

PinGuard only sends emails to the address set in your app preferences, which defaults to the Gmail account you logged in with. The app will only send emails in cases of security events or if certain premium features are activated. Your email address is not shared with any external parties or with PinGuard’s developers.

Camera

PinGuard requires access to the camera to capture images if a user-specified number of incorrect password, PIN code, or lock pattern attempts are made (default is 1). Outside of this specific function, PinGuard does not capture images or record video.

Captured photos are stored locally on your device and are never shared with PinGuard developers or any external party. If you enable the email feature, these photos can be automatically sent to your email address.

Microphone

PinGuard offers a premium feature allowing users to record audio clips when security photos are captured. Microphone access is only granted if you enable this feature.

Audio recordings are stored locally on your device and, if the email feature is enabled, can be sent directly to your email address. These recordings are kept private and are never shared with any external party or PinGuard developers.

Location

Why We Need Background Location Access

PinGuard requires background location access to help locate your device if it's lost or stolen. By accessing your location in the background, the app can capture your device's location immediately when it takes a picture of an unauthorized user trying to unlock it. This ensures we can provide accurate location details without delays, even if the app isn't actively open.

How We Use Your Location

• Location is accessed only when a photo is taken after a failed unlock attempt.

• PinGuard does not track your location at any other time.

How We Handle Your Location Data

• The location information is saved with the photo and emailed to you if the email feature is enabled in the app.

• We never share your location data with developers or any third parties.

Your privacy is our top priority, and we use location data strictly to help you recover your device.

SMS (Emergency Alert)

Why We Need SMS Permission

PinGuard offers an optional feature that allows you to send emergency SMS alerts to a trusted contact when unauthorized access to your device is detected. This is especially helpful if your device is stolen and doesn't have an active internet connection.

When SMS Is Sent

SMS messages are only sent in the following situations:

• When an unauthorized unlock attempt is detected

• When you have enabled the “SMS Alert” feature in the app’s settings

• To the trusted contact number you explicitly entered

How We Handle SMS Data

• The app does not send any promotional or background messages.

• No messages are sent without your action and configuration.

• PinGuard does not read incoming SMS messages.

• The trusted contact number is stored locally and not shared with any external service or the developers.

• Sent messages include details such as timestamp, device status, and a predefined alert message — no sensitive data is included.

Your Control

• You can enable or disable the SMS alert feature at any time from the app’s settings.

• Granting SMS permission is optional and only required if you wish to use the emergency alert feature.

Phone State & Number

Why We Need Access to Phone State and Number

PinGuard requests access to your device's phone state and phone number to support certain security features, such as:

• Identifying your device and its active mobile subscription for internal verification and anti-tampering mechanisms.

• Enhancing the detection of unauthorized SIM changes or suspicious activity that could indicate theft.

How We Use This Information

• Phone state and number information is used locally within the app and is never transmitted outside your device.

• We do not store or share your phone number or carrier information.

• No calls are made or monitored by PinGuard.

Your Control

Granting phone-related permissions is optional. If declined, some advanced security features related to SIM detection and device verification may be limited.

Usage Analytics and Crash Reporting

PinGuard anonymously tracks usage statistics and crash reports through Firebase Analytics. This information helps us identify and resolve issues to improve the app experience. Users can disable this option in the settings menu by turning off "Improve PinGuard."

Data Protection

PinGuard takes your data security seriously.

• Local Storage Only: All user data, including emails, photos, audio recordings, and location information, is securely stored locally on your device.

• Encryption: Sensitive data is encrypted within the app’s local storage to prevent unauthorized access.

• No External Sharing: PinGuard does not transmit user data to external servers or share it with any third party.

• Restricted Access: Only authorized app functions can access the locally stored data.

Data Retention & Deletion

PinGuard retains user data only as long as the app remains installed on your device.

• Automatic Deletion: When you uninstall PinGuard, all data, including emails, photos, audio recordings, and location information, is permanently deleted from your device.

• User Control: You can also manually delete data (e.g., photos or audio recordings) from your device at any time through the app's interface or your file manager.

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may occasionally update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updated policies will be posted on this page and become effective immediately upon posting. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

All data collected is strictly for enabling and enhancing PinGuard’s functionality. PinGuard does not share personal data with any third party for advertising or other unrelated purposes.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out our support email.