Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how Puzzle Stats (“we,” “us,” or “our”) handles information when you use the Puzzle Stats mobile application (“the App”) available at puzzlestats.app. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.
Summary
Puzzle Stats is designed to work offline first. Your puzzle collection, solve times, markers, ratings, photos, and videos are stored locally on your device by default. We do not require you to create an account. We do not sell your personal information.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide
When you use the App, you may enter or generate the following data, which is stored on your device:
- Puzzle details — titles, manufacturers, piece counts, types, UPC codes, notes, and status
- Solve data — timestamps, elapsed times, pause counts, session types, flip completion times, and notes
- Markers — milestone timestamps, titles, types, and notes recorded during solves
- Ratings — difficulty, fun, and overall ratings you assign to solves
- Photos — box photos and completed puzzle images you capture or import
- Videos — solve recordings or timelapses you choose to capture
- Settings preferences — timer sounds, countdown length, theme, marker templates, and similar app configuration
Information Collected Automatically
The App uses TelemetryDeck, a privacy-focused analytics service, to understand aggregate product usage. TelemetryDeck does not receive your name, email, or other account identifiers. Client identifiers are hashed before leaving the device. We may receive anonymous signals such as app opens (with app version), and when a puzzle is added or a solve is completed (including an optional puzzle UPC code when present). The App does not use advertising SDKs and does not collect precise location for analytics.
Device Permissions
The App may request access to the following device features. You can deny any permission; the App will continue to work with reduced functionality:
- Camera — to scan puzzle barcodes, capture photos, and record solve videos
- Photo Library — to import existing photos of your puzzles
- Microphone — only when you enable audio for solve video recordings
How We Use Your Information
We use the information described above solely to provide App functionality:
- Display and manage your puzzle catalog
- Time and record solve sessions
- Calculate statistics, personal records, and improvement trends
- Store photos and videos associated with your puzzles and solves
- Prefill puzzle details from barcode scans
- Process in-app purchases through Apple’s App Store
- Understand aggregate product usage via TelemetryDeck so we can improve the App
We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or marketing.
Data Storage
Local Storage
All core App data is stored locally on your device using Apple’s on-device storage frameworks. Puzzle photos and solve videos are saved in the App’s documents directory on your device. This data remains on your device unless you delete it, delete the App, or enable iCloud Sync.
iCloud Sync (Optional)
If you enable iCloud Sync in Settings, your puzzle metadata, solve sessions, markers, and marker templates are synchronized across your own Apple devices using Apple’s CloudKit private database (iCloud.app.puzzlestats.puzzlestats). This sync uses your Apple ID and is governed by Apple’s privacy policy. Photos and videos are not currently synced via iCloud.
iCloud Sync is optional and can be disabled at any time in the App’s Settings. A restart may be required for changes to take effect.
Third-Party Services
TelemetryDeck
The App uses TelemetryDeck to collect privacy-focused product analytics (for example, app opens with version, puzzle adds, and completed solves with optional UPC). Signals are sent over the internet when a connection is available. TelemetryDeck hashes client identifiers and is not used for advertising. See also TelemetryDeck’s privacy documentation at their website.
Barcode Lookup (UPCitemDB)
When you scan a barcode that is not found in the App’s bundled puzzle catalog, the App may send the UPC code to UPCitemDB to retrieve suggested product information (title, brand, description). This request requires an internet connection and transmits only the barcode number — no personal information is sent. You can always edit or discard suggested data before saving.
Apple Services
The App uses the following Apple services, each governed by Apple’s terms and privacy policies:
- App Store / StoreKit — to process in-app purchases and subscriptions
- CloudKit / iCloud — for optional cross-device sync (see above)
- VisionKit — for on-device barcode scanning
Data Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We do not share your data with third parties except as described in this policy (TelemetryDeck analytics, barcode lookup, and Apple platform services). We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights.
Accounts
Puzzle Stats does not currently require or offer user accounts. All data is associated with your device (and optionally your Apple ID via iCloud). Future account features, if introduced, will be covered by an updated version of this policy.
Children’s Privacy
The App is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will take steps to delete it.
Data Retention and Deletion
You control your data:
- Delete individual items — remove puzzles, solves, photos, or videos within the App
- Delete all data — uninstalling the App removes locally stored data from your device
- iCloud data — disabling iCloud Sync stops future syncing; existing CloudKit data can be managed through your Apple ID settings
For assistance with data deletion, contact us at puzzlestatsapp@gmail.com.
Security
Your data is protected by your device’s operating system security, including encryption at rest where supported by iOS. iCloud Sync data is stored in your private CloudKit container. We do not operate servers that store your puzzle or solve data.
International Users
If you are located in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, or California, you may have additional rights regarding your personal data, including the right to access, correct, or delete your information. Because your data is stored locally on your device, you can exercise most of these rights directly within the App. Contact us for any requests we can assist with.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. Material changes will be communicated through the App or this website. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Website: https://puzzlestats.app
Support: https://puzzlestats.app/support.html