Sanjay Gangwar ("we", "us", "the developer") built Minimal Launcher as a free Android application. This privacy policy explains how the app handles your data.
The short version: Minimal Launcher stores all data locally on your device. We do not collect, transmit, or share any personal data. There are no analytics, no tracking, no ads (in the current version), and no server-side components.
Data Collection
Minimal Launcher does not collect any personal data. Specifically:
- No user accounts or registration required.
- No analytics or crash reporting SDKs are included.
- No data is transmitted to any server.
- No cookies or tracking identifiers are used.
- No advertising SDKs are included in the current version.
Data Stored on Your Device
The app stores the following data locally on your device only. This data never leaves your device.
- Pinned apps and dock configuration — your home screen layout preferences.
- Hidden apps list — apps you choose to hide behind biometric authentication.
- Notes and checklists — any text you enter in the notes or checklist features.
- App settings — theme, haptic feedback, e-ink mode, and other preferences.
All local data is stored in Android's standard app storage and is automatically deleted if you uninstall the app.
Permissions and Why We Need Them
Minimal Launcher uses Android's AccessibilityService API solely to lock the device screen. Android does not provide a standard permission for instant screen locking, so AccessibilityService is required to perform this action. The service does not read screen content, does not collect personal data, and does not monitor user activity. The service is activated only after the user explicitly grants consent and can be disabled at any time from system settings.
- Launcher (HOME / DEFAULT) — Required to function as your default home screen launcher.
- Query All Packages — Required to display installed apps in the app drawer. The app list is processed locally and never transmitted.
- Biometric (USE_BIOMETRIC) — Used to authenticate access to hidden apps. Biometric data (fingerprint, face) is handled entirely by Android's BiometricPrompt API. The app never accesses, stores, or processes your biometric data directly.
- Device Admin — Optional. If enabled by the user, prevents accidental uninstallation of the launcher. Can be disabled at any time from Settings > Security > Device Admin.
- Calendar (READ_CALENDAR) — Used to display upcoming calendar events on the home screen. Calendar data is read locally and never transmitted.
- Accessibility Service — Used only for screen lock functionality. See the disclosure box above.
Third-Party Services
The current version of Minimal Launcher does not include any third-party SDKs, analytics, advertising, or tracking services.
Future versions may include advertising and subscription services (Google AdMob, RevenueCat). If added, this privacy policy will be updated before those changes are published, and any data collection by third-party SDKs will be disclosed here.
Children's Privacy
Minimal Launcher does not knowingly collect data from anyone, including children under 13. Since the app collects no data at all, there is no risk of children's data being collected or shared.
Data Security
Since no data is transmitted from the app, there is no network-related security risk. Local data is protected by Android's app sandboxing. Hidden apps are additionally protected behind biometric authentication via Android's BiometricPrompt API, which uses hardware-backed security.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy when new features are added (such as advertising or subscription services). Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
For questions or concerns about this privacy policy, contact:
Sanjay Gangwar
Email: contact@sanjaygangwar.dev
Website: sanjaygangwar.dev