Privacy Policy
Overview
HomeTally ("we," "our," or "the app") is a privacy-first home inventory application for iOS. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how HomeTally handles data and the choices available to you.
The short version: HomeTally stores your inventory on your device by default. If you enable Premium iCloud Sync, Apple CloudKit syncs it across your devices. The HomeTally developer does not operate an inventory server, collect app analytics, or access your private inventory records.
Data Collection and Storage
On-Device Data
HomeTally stores your inventory locally on your device using Apple's SwiftData framework. App preferences and some organizational settings use local app storage. This includes:
- Item information (names, descriptions, values, categories, serial numbers, etc.)
- Photos taken within the app (item photos and receipt photos)
- Property and room configurations
- Tags, notes, and organizational data
- Valuation data, depreciation calculations, and risk assessments
- App preferences and settings
This data remains on your device unless you explicitly enable iCloud Sync (Premium feature), export or share a report, or use an iOS sharing feature.
Data We Do NOT Collect
The HomeTally developer does not collect, access, or use the following:
- Personal identifying information
- Usage analytics or telemetry data
- Crash reports (unless you opt into Apple's crash reporting)
- Location data (GPS coordinates are recorded only when you enable location documentation and may sync through the private CloudKit database associated with your Apple Account if iCloud Sync is enabled)
- Advertising identifiers
- Device fingerprinting data
Image and Photo Storage
Photos and receipt documents you add to HomeTally are stored in the app's local data container:
- They are not sent to HomeTally-operated servers
- On-device image analysis uses Apple's Vision framework
- If iCloud Sync is enabled, Apple CloudKit may sync inventory photos and receipt documents across your devices
- If you export or share a report, iOS sends the content only to the destination you choose
Third-Party Services
Apple In-App Purchases
HomeTally uses Apple's StoreKit 2 for subscription management. Purchase transactions are handled by Apple according to their privacy policy. We do not have access to your payment information.
iCloud Sync (Optional, Premium)
If you enable iCloud Sync, your inventory records, photos and receipt documents sync through Apple's CloudKit infrastructure using the iCloud account signed in on your devices. Custom categories, risk settings and tags also use Apple's iCloud key-value storage. This data is governed by Apple's privacy and security practices. The HomeTally developer does not operate these Apple services or access your private inventory records. You can disable iCloud Sync in the app settings; the app will ask you to restart for the change to take effect.
No Other Third-Party Services
HomeTally does not integrate with any third-party analytics, advertising, crash reporting, or tracking services. We do not use Firebase, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or any similar SDK.
Device Permissions
HomeTally may request the following device permissions:
- Camera: Used to capture photos of items and receipts for your inventory. Photos are stored locally and may sync through Apple CloudKit if you enable iCloud Sync.
- Photo Library: Used to import existing photos for items and receipts. Access is limited to photos you explicitly select.
- Location (Optional): Used to record where an item photo was captured when you enable location documentation. Coordinates are stored with that item and may sync through Apple CloudKit if iCloud Sync is enabled. You may deny this permission without affecting core functionality.
Data Security
Your data is protected by the security measures built into iOS and your device:
- Data is stored in your app's sandboxed container, inaccessible to other apps
- Device encryption protects data at rest
- If iCloud Sync is enabled, data is encrypted in transit and at rest by Apple
- No inventory data is transmitted to HomeTally-operated servers because we do not operate any
Data Retention and Deletion
Your data is stored on your device for as long as you use the app. You can delete individual items, rooms, properties, or all inventory data within the app. Deleting the app removes its local data from that device. If iCloud Sync was enabled, synced data may remain in iCloud or on other devices until you remove it through the app or your iCloud settings.
Children's Privacy
HomeTally does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. The app does not require a HomeTally account and the developer does not access private inventory or iCloud records.
International Users
HomeTally does not operate an inventory server. If you enable iCloud Sync, Apple CloudKit may process synced data in accordance with Apple's privacy practices and applicable law.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: