Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 4, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how PrivateSMS ("the app", "we", "us") collects, uses, and protects information when you use it. The app is a personal SMS messaging application developed by Bruno Samky that can also act as your device's default SMS handler.

By installing or using the app, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the app.

1. Information We Access

The app requests certain Android permissions in order to function as a default SMS app. We access this data only to provide the app's features, and only on your device.

SMS and MMS messages

To send, receive, and display your text messages, the app reads and writes to your device's SMS/MMS storage (via Android's Telephony provider). Your messages are stored by Android itself, the same as with any SMS app you have used before — the app does not create a separate copy of your message content on any external server.

Contacts

The app reads your device Contacts to show sender names instead of raw phone numbers, and to let you pick recipients when composing messages or building message groups. Contacts data is read locally and is not uploaded anywhere by the app.

Phone state and call log (where the optional companion Phone app is installed)

If you choose to install the optional companion Phone app, it may request phone and call log permissions to display call history, handle incoming/outgoing calls, and support call-related features. This is entirely optional and separate from the core SMS app.

Location (optional, only with your explicit action)

If you choose to use the "Share my location" feature inside a conversation, the app will ask for location permission and your explicit confirmation each time before obtaining your device's current location and inserting it into a message you send. The app never accesses or shares your location in the background, and never attempts to determine another person's location.

Microphone (only if you use call recording, companion Phone app)

If enabled in the optional companion Phone app and permitted on your device and under applicable law, call recording uses the microphone only during an active call you choose to record. We do not record calls automatically or without a clear on-screen indicator.

Notifications

The app posts notifications for incoming messages. You can control what is shown in these notifications (including hiding message content or sender identity) from within the app's settings.

2. Information We Do Not Collect

• We do not upload the content of your SMS/MMS messages to any server we operate.
• We do not sell your personal data to third parties.
• We do not track your location in the background or without your explicit, per-use confirmation.
• We do not access another person's device or location through their phone number.

3. Locked / Private Conversations

The app includes an optional feature that lets you mark certain conversations as private, protected by a PIN or biometric unlock. This data (which conversations are private, your PIN, and related settings) is stored only on your device, is not transmitted anywhere, and is not accessible to us. If you forget your PIN or lose your device, we cannot recover this data.

4. Advertising

The app displays advertisements through the following third-party advertising networks: Google AdMob, AppLovin, and Meta Audience Network. These networks may collect device identifiers (such as your advertising ID), general device information, and approximate location to serve and measure ads, in accordance with their own privacy policies:

• Google AdMob: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• AppLovin: https://www.applovin.com/privacy/
• Meta Audience Network: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/

You can remove ads by purchasing the optional "Remove Ads" subscription described below.

5. Subscriptions and Payments

The app offers an optional "Remove Ads" subscription (monthly or yearly), processed entirely through Google Play Billing. We do not receive or store your payment card details — these are handled by Google Play. Your purchase is tied to your Google account and can be restored on any device signed into that account using the "Restore Purchase" option in the app.

6. Data Storage and Security

Sensitive settings (such as your PIN) are stored using Android's encrypted storage mechanisms. Your messages remain in Android's standard SMS storage on your device, protected by your device's own lock screen and security settings. Because standard SMS is not end-to-end encrypted at the network level, we recommend not sending highly sensitive information via SMS to recipients using other apps or carriers.

7. Your Choices and Controls

• You can uninstall the app at any time, which removes all app-specific settings from your device.
• You can revoke any permission (Contacts, Location, Microphone, etc.) at any time from your device's Settings — some features will stop working if you do.
• You can clear the app's stored preferences from within its own Settings screen.
• You can block or filter unwanted senders using the app's built-in blocking and keyword-filter features.

8. Children's Privacy

The app is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your country), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided information through the app, please contact us using the details below so we can address it.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the app after changes are posted means you accept the updated policy.

10. Contact Us