Privacy Policy for Mobile Apps
Both Apple's App Store and Google Play require every app to have a privacy policy — and will reject your submission without one. Mobile apps collect significantly more data than websites: device identifiers, location data, camera and microphone access, contact lists, and health data. LegalForge generates a mobile-app-specific privacy policy that satisfies app store requirements and complies with GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy laws.
Generate for Free — No Signup RequiredApp Store Privacy Policy Requirements
Apple requires every app submitted to the App Store to include a privacy policy URL, regardless of whether the app collects data. Since iOS 14.5, Apple also requires apps to implement App Tracking Transparency (ATT) and declare all data collection in App Privacy Labels (the 'nutrition label' on your App Store listing). Google Play similarly requires a privacy policy for any app that accesses sensitive user data or device permissions, and mandates a Data Safety section describing what data is collected, shared, and whether it can be deleted. Your privacy policy must be consistent with these declarations — discrepancies can trigger app review rejections.
Types of Data Mobile Apps Collect
Mobile apps can access data far beyond what a website collects. Common categories include: device identifiers (IDFA on iOS, GAID on Android), precise and coarse location data via GPS and network triangulation, contacts and calendar entries, photos and camera access, microphone and audio recordings, health and fitness data (HealthKit, Google Fit), push notification tokens, crash logs and diagnostics, in-app purchase history, and usage analytics. Each data type accessed through device permissions must be disclosed in your privacy policy with a clear explanation of why the permission is needed and how the data is used.
Third-Party SDKs and Analytics in Mobile Apps
Most mobile apps integrate third-party SDKs that collect their own data. Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics collect device information, app usage patterns, and crash reports. Facebook SDK collects device identifiers and app events for ad targeting. Adjust, AppsFlyer, and Branch collect attribution data for install tracking. AdMob and Unity Ads collect device data for serving advertisements. Stripe and RevenueCat process payment information for in-app purchases. Each SDK is a data processor that must be named in your privacy policy. LegalForge prompts you for the SDKs your app uses and generates appropriate disclosure language.
Children's Privacy and COPPA Compliance
If your app is directed at children under 13 (or under 16 in the EU), you must comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the US and equivalent regulations elsewhere. COPPA requires verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information from children, limits data collection to what is strictly necessary, and prohibits behavioral advertising to children. Both Apple and Google have additional policies for kids' apps — Apple's 'Made for Kids' category and Google's 'Designed for Families' program impose strict data collection limits. Your privacy policy must clearly state whether the app is directed at children and describe your compliance measures.
Ready to Create Your Privacy Policy for Mobile Apps?
Answer a few simple questions and get a professionally worded document in seconds. Free, no account required.
Start Generating — It's FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a privacy policy for a free app that shows no ads?
Yes. Both Apple and Google require a privacy policy for all apps, even free ones with no ads. Your app almost certainly collects some data — device identifiers, crash logs, usage analytics, or push notification tokens at minimum. Apple will reject App Store submissions without a valid privacy policy URL. Google Play requires a privacy policy for any app that handles user or device data. A privacy policy is mandatory regardless of your monetization model.
Where do I add my privacy policy for an iOS or Android app?
For iOS, you enter the privacy policy URL in App Store Connect under App Information > Privacy Policy URL. This URL must be publicly accessible (no login required). For Android, add the privacy policy URL in the Google Play Console under Policy > App content > Privacy policy. Also include a link within your app itself — typically in a Settings or About screen — so users can access it without leaving the app. Both stores verify the URL is live during review.
What is Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT)?
App Tracking Transparency, introduced in iOS 14.5, requires apps to request user permission before tracking their activity across other companies' apps and websites. This applies to any use of the IDFA (Identifier for Advertisers). If a user opts out, you cannot use their IDFA for ad targeting, analytics attribution, or data sharing with ad networks. Your privacy policy must describe your tracking practices and respect the user's ATT choice.
Does my app need a privacy policy if it only works offline?
Yes. Even offline apps typically collect crash logs, device model information, OS version, and app usage data when they eventually connect to the internet. If your app requests any device permissions (storage, camera, location), those must be disclosed. Apple and Google require a privacy policy URL for all submitted apps regardless of online or offline functionality. An accurate privacy policy builds user trust even for simple utility apps.