Charles Hall ("we," "our," or "us") operates the TxTTone mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App.
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use the App.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Contact Information
We access your device's contact list to allow you to assign custom ringtones and notification sounds to specific contacts. This information is stored locally on your device and is never transmitted to our servers.
1.2 Notification Metadata
TxTTone uses the Android Notification Access permission to detect incoming message and call notifications. The app reads only notification metadata (sender name and originating app identifier). It does not access, read, store, or transmit message content or notification bodies. All notification processing occurs locally on your device and no data is retained after processing. TxTTone does not collect this data — it is processed in real time and discarded.
1.3 Audio Files
The App allows you to select and use audio files as ringtones and notification sounds. These audio files are stored locally on your device. We do not upload, transmit, or store your audio files on our servers.
You may also record or import custom audio clips directly within the App. These user-created or user-imported sound files are stored locally on your device in the App's private storage directory. They are never transmitted to our servers, shared with third parties, or used for any purpose other than playback within the App. You can delete these files at any time by removing them within the App or by clearing the App's data via Android Settings → Apps → TxTTone → Clear app data.
1.4 Usage and Diagnostic Data
TxTTone itself does not collect usage data. However, third-party SDKs integrated into the App collect the following on our behalf:
- Crash reports and error logs — via Firebase Crashlytics (stack traces and device state only, no personal data)
- App usage statistics and analytics — via Firebase Analytics
These SDKs operate under their own privacy policies, linked in Section 4.
1.5 System Settings
When the Custom Ringtones feature is enabled by the user, TxTTone uses the WRITE_SETTINGS permission to temporarily set the system ringtone to a silent audio file. This prevents the device's native dialer from playing the default ringtone over TxTTone's custom sound. Your original ringtone is saved locally on your device and restored automatically when the feature is disabled. You can also restore your ringtone manually at any time via the Restore button in Settings. No system setting changes are transmitted externally.
2. How We Use Your Information
- To provide and maintain the App: Enable core functionality including contact-based sound assignments
- To improve user experience: Analyze usage patterns to enhance features and performance
- To fix bugs and crashes: Use crash reports to identify and resolve technical issues
- To display advertisements: Show relevant ads to support the free version of the App
- To process purchases: Handle in-app purchases for the ad-free premium version
- To communicate with you: Respond to support requests and send important updates
- To comply with legal obligations: Meet legal and regulatory requirements
3. Data Storage
3.1 Local Storage
Contact associations, audio selections, and app settings are stored locally on your device. This data is not transmitted to external servers.
3.2 Backup
TxTTone includes an optional local backup feature that exports your settings and sound library to a zip file on your device. This backup file is stored wherever you choose to save it on your device or cloud storage of your choice. We do not operate any cloud backup service. The backup file contains only sound files and app settings — no notification content or contact details.
3.3 Security Measures
We implement appropriate technical measures to protect your information. Third-party SDKs (AdMob, Firebase) use encrypted data transmission (HTTPS). No method of electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
4. Third-Party Services
4.1 Advertising
We use Google AdMob to display advertisements in the free version of the App. AdMob may collect device identifiers, IP address, and usage data.
AdMob Privacy Policy
4.2 Analytics
We use Firebase Analytics to understand app usage and improve our services.
Firebase Privacy Policy
4.3 Crash Reporting
We use Firebase Crashlytics to collect crash reports and diagnostic information. Crash reports contain no notification content, contact names, or personal data.
4.4 In-App Purchases
We use Google Play Billing to process in-app purchases.
Google Play Terms of Service
5. Permissions
- BIND_NOTIFICATION_LISTENER_SERVICE: To detect incoming message and call notifications so custom sounds can be played at the right moment
- READ_CONTACTS: To access your contact list for assigning custom sounds to specific contacts
- WRITE_SETTINGS: To set the system ringtone to a silent audio file when Custom Ringtones is enabled. This is required for the feature to function, is user-initiated, and is fully reversible
- READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE / READ_MEDIA_AUDIO: To access audio files on your device for use as custom sounds
- POST_NOTIFICATIONS: To post notifications on Android 13 and above
- INTERNET: To display advertisements and send crash/analytics reports
- ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE: To determine network connectivity
6. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances: with your consent, with service providers who perform services on our behalf, when required by law, or in connection with a business transfer.
7. Children's Privacy
The App is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. TxTTone does not directly collect any personal information from any user, including children. If you are a parent or guardian with concerns, please contact us at devtexttone@gmail.com.
8. Your Rights and Choices
You can delete your data by uninstalling the App, contacting us at devtexttone@gmail.com, or using Android Settings → Apps → TxTTone → Clear app data. You can opt out of ads by purchasing the premium version or adjusting ad personalization settings on your device.
9. Data Retention
- Local Data: Stored on your device until you uninstall the App or clear app data
- Analytics Data: Retained for 12 months then automatically deleted
- Crash Reports: Retained for 90 days for debugging purposes
10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have the right to know what personal information is collected, opt-out of its sale, request deletion, and not be discriminated against for exercising your rights. We do not sell your personal information. Contact us at devtexttone@gmail.com.
11. GDPR Rights (European Users)
If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, port, and object to processing of your personal data. Contact us at devtexttone@gmail.com.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of changes by posting the new Privacy Policy in the App and updating the "Last Updated" date.
13. Contact Us
Email: devtexttone@gmail.com