Last updated: 19 May 2026

Summary

BetterTracks records your location in the background and sends it to a server you configure. The developer does not operate that server, does not receive your location data, and has no access to it. There are no
accounts, no analytics, and no third-party tracking inside the app.

If you do not configure a server, no data leaves your device.

Who is responsible for your data

  • The developer of BetterTracks is responsible for the app itself — the code running on your iPhone.
  • You are responsible for the server you configure to receive your location data. Once data is uploaded to that server, this privacy policy no longer governs it; the privacy practices of that server (whether
    self-hosted or operated by a third party you’ve chosen) apply instead.

What the app collects on your device

While tracking is enabled, BetterTracks records and stores the following on your device using Apple’s SwiftData framework:

  • Location data: latitude, longitude, altitude, horizontal and vertical accuracy, speed, course, and timestamp.
  • Device metrics recorded alongside each location point:
    • Battery level and charging state
    • Network type (Wi-Fi, cellular) and cellular generation (e.g. 5G, LTE)
    • Low Power Mode status
    • Device model and iOS version
    • Barometric pressure and relative altitude (where the device has a barometer)
  • App configuration: your server URL, optional API key, upload interval, and tracking on/off state.

All of the above is stored locally. Location points are automatically deleted after 24 hours, regardless of whether they were uploaded.

What the app sends, and where

If you configure a server URL, BetterTracks sends the location and device-metric data listed above to that URL over HTTPS as JSON POST requests, on the upload interval you choose.

  • The destination URL is set by you.
  • The optional API key is set by you and is included only in the Authorization header of requests to your server.
  • No data is sent to the app developer.
  • No data is sent to any analytics, advertising, or third-party service.

If you do not configure a server URL, no network requests containing your data are made.

Permissions the app requests

  • Always-on location access: required for background tracking. Without it, the app cannot function as designed. iOS itself manages this permission; you can revoke it at any time in Settings → Privacy &
    Security → Location Services.
  • Motion & Fitness (where applicable for barometer/altitude readings): used only to enrich location points with pressure and relative altitude data.

The app does not request access to contacts, photos, microphone, camera, or the network beyond the server URL you configure.

Data retention

  • On your device: location points are kept for 24 hours and then deleted automatically. You can also clear all stored data immediately from the Settings tab.
  • On your server: the developer has no control over this. Whatever you (or the third party operating that server) choose to retain is your responsibility.

Your rights and controls

You can, at any time:

  • Stop tracking from the Settings tab
  • Clear all locally stored location data from the Settings tab
  • Remove the configured server URL to stop all uploads
  • Revoke location permission entirely from iOS Settings
  • Delete the app, which removes all data the app stored on your device

Children

BetterTracks is not directed at children under 13 and does not knowingly collect data from them.

Changes to this policy

If this policy changes, the updated version will be posted at the same URL with a new “Last updated” date. Material changes will be summarized at the top.

Contact

Questions about this policy or the app:

bettertracks-privacy@jc.me.uk