1. Who this policy is for
This Privacy Policy applies to the HourTide iOS app, the HourTide widget, and the HourTide website. It describes how HourTide handles information when you use the app to track work shifts, set a workplace, add breaks, review timesheets, or contact support.
2. Information HourTide stores in the app
HourTide stores the information needed to provide its core time-tracking features. This may include shift start and end times, whether a shift was started manually or automatically, break lengths, optional notes, monthly and daily totals calculated from your records, your saved workplace name, workplace coordinates, radius setting, optional hourly wage, notification preferences, appearance preference, Pro access state, and onboarding state.
This information is stored locally on your device using Apple-provided app storage. It is also shared with the HourTide widget through the app group container so the widget can display useful totals without opening the app.
3. Location permission
HourTide uses location permission so iOS can detect when your device enters or leaves the saved workplace area. This is what allows the app to start or stop a shift without you remembering to open it.
HourTide is designed around a saved workplace geofence. It does not need to record a continuous route or timeline of everywhere you go. You can change the workplace location and radius in Settings, or disable automatic logging at any time.
If you do not grant Always Location permission, automatic background start and stop may not work reliably. You can still use manual shift controls where available.
4. Notifications
If notifications are enabled, HourTide may send alerts when a shift is saved, when automatic tracking starts or stops a shift, or when it is useful to remind you to add a break. You can disable HourTide notifications in the app or in iOS Settings.
5. Widget data
The HourTide widget uses locally shared app data to show current totals, status, and recent tracking information. Widget data is provided through Apple’s widget system and is not a separate account or cloud service run by HourTide.
6. Purchases, free trials, and subscriptions
HourTide Pro purchases, free trials, subscriptions, cancellations, refunds, and payment processing are handled by Apple through the App Store. HourTide does not receive or store your payment card details.
The app may store a local Pro access state so it can show unlocked features after Apple confirms an active purchase or subscription. You can manage subscriptions in your Apple Account or App Store account settings.
7. Support emails
If you contact support, your email address and the information you include in your message will be used to respond to your request. Please avoid sending unnecessary sensitive information in support messages.
8. Website information
The HourTide website is intended to provide product information, privacy information, and support details. If analytics, hosting logs, contact forms, or cookie-based tools are added in the future, this policy should be updated before release to explain what those services collect and why.
9. Backups and device restore
HourTide stores app data locally. Depending on your iOS backup settings and Apple’s backup behavior, local app data may be included when you back up and restore your iPhone. HourTide does not currently provide its own separate cloud sync account.
10. Data sharing
HourTide does not sell your personal data. HourTide does not send your shift history, workplace location, break history, or notes to an HourTide server as part of the current app design. Data may be handled by Apple systems that are necessary for iOS features such as app installation, crash diagnostics, device backups, App Store services, notifications, and widgets.
11. Your controls
You can change location permission, notification permission, and app settings at any time. You can edit or delete shift records inside the app. You can also remove the app from your device, which removes locally stored app data subject to normal iOS behavior and backup settings.
12. Children
HourTide is a work-hour utility and is not directed at children. It should not be used by anyone who is not permitted to use work-related time tracking tools under the laws or policies that apply to them.
13. Changes to this policy
This policy may be updated as HourTide changes. If a future version adds accounts, cloud sync, analytics, direct payment handling, or other services, the policy should be updated before those features are released.
14. Contact
For privacy questions or support, contact support@hourtide.app.