Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 15, 2026

Introduction

SteepMate (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application SteepMate: Tea Timer (the “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.

Information We Collect

SteepMate is designed with privacy in mind. We collect minimal data necessary to provide you with a functional tea timing experience.

Information Stored Locally on Your Device

The following information is stored locally on your device and is never transmitted to our servers:

  • Your tea brewing preferences and custom timing settings
  • Infusion history and tracking data
  • App settings and preferences
  • Favorite teas and personalized configurations

This data remains on your device and is not accessible to us. If you delete the App, this data will be permanently removed from your device.

Information We Do Not Collect

SteepMate does not collect, store, or transmit:

  • Personal identification information (name, email address, phone number)
  • Location data
  • Contacts or address book information
  • Photos, videos, or media files
  • Financial or payment information
  • Health or fitness data
  • Browsing history or search queries
  • Device identifiers for advertising purposes

No Account Required

SteepMate does not require you to create an account or provide any personal information to use the App. All features are available without registration, login, or authentication of any kind.

Offline Functionality

SteepMate is designed to work entirely offline. The App does not require an internet connection to function, and no data is transmitted over the internet during normal use. All tea brewing data, timers, and preferences are processed and stored locally on your device.

Analytics and Crash Reporting

To improve the App and fix issues, we may collect anonymous, aggregated analytics data and crash reports. This may include:

  • App performance metrics (launch times, response times)
  • Crash logs and error reports
  • General usage statistics (which features are used most frequently)
  • Device type, operating system version, and App version

This data is anonymized and cannot be used to identify you personally. You may opt out of analytics collection through your device settings or within the App settings.

Third-Party Services

The App may utilize the following third-party services:

Apple App Store

The App is distributed through the Apple App Store. Apple may collect certain information as described in their privacy policy. We encourage you to review Apple's Privacy Policy at https://www.apple.com/privacy/

Apple Push Notification Service

The App uses Apple Push Notification Service to deliver timer alerts. These notifications are processed locally on your device, and notification content is not transmitted to or stored on our servers.

Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect any information processed by the App. Since all user data is stored locally on your device, the security of this data is primarily managed by your device's built-in security features, including device encryption, passcode protection, and biometric authentication. We recommend keeping your device software up to date to ensure you have the latest security protections.

Children's Privacy

SteepMate is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Since the App does not collect personal information from any users, there is no risk of collecting such information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

Data Retention

All user data is stored locally on your device. We do not retain any personal data on our servers. Local data persists until you either delete the App or clear the App's data through your device settings. Anonymous analytics data, if collected, is retained for a maximum of 24 months before being automatically deleted.

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal data, including:

  • Right to Access: You can access all your data directly within the App, as it is stored locally on your device.
  • Right to Deletion: You can delete all your data by uninstalling the App or clearing the App's data in your device settings.
  • Right to Portability: Your data is stored locally and can be backed up through your device's standard backup mechanisms (e.g., iCloud Backup).
  • Right to Opt-Out: You can opt out of analytics collection through the App settings or your device settings.

International Data Transfers

Since SteepMate stores all user data locally on your device and does not transmit personal data to external servers, there are no international data transfers of personal information associated with the use of this App.

California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). However, since SteepMate does not collect, sell, or share personal information as defined by the CCPA, these provisions generally do not apply to your use of the App. We do not sell personal information to third parties.

European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland, you may have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Since SteepMate does not collect personal data, most GDPR provisions regarding data processing do not apply. However, we are committed to respecting your privacy rights and will respond to any inquiries regarding your data.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy within the App and updating the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

SteepMate

Email: ben.karst@gmail.com

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days.