HomeBell — Android Privacy Policy
1. Who we are
HomeBell is an hourly chime application for Android published by Bitmate (“we”, “us”, “our”). This privacy policy explains how HomeBell handles information when you use the Android version of the app.
Contact: andrea.pravato@gmail.com
Website: https://www.bitmate.it
2. Summary
HomeBell is designed to work primarily on your device. We do not operate user accounts, advertising, analytics, or crash-reporting services in the app. We do not sell personal data. Settings needed to run hourly chimes are stored locally on your phone and are not transmitted to our servers.
3. Information we process
HomeBell stores the following app settings locally on your device (for example in an on-device configuration file):
- Whether chimes and background operation are enabled
- Quiet hours and interval reminder preferences
- Custom sound file paths you choose, if any
- Scheduler state such as “skip next chime” or test chime schedules
- Whether chimes should respect silent / Do Not Disturb mode
This information relates to how the app functions. It is not used to identify you, and we do not collect your name, email address, phone number, contacts, photos, precise location, or similar personal profile data through the app.
While the app is running, it may read device audio state (for example whether the device is on silent or vibrate) solely to honour your “respect silent mode” setting. That state is checked on the device and is not sent to us.
4. How information is collected and used
All settings above are collected directly from your use of the app interface and saved on your device by the app itself. We use this information only to:
- Schedule and play hourly and interval chimes
- Restore your preferences after you close or restart the app
- Reschedule alarms after device restart
- Show an optional persistent notification while the chime service is active
- Apply quiet hours and silent-mode behaviour you configure
We do not use your information for marketing, profiling, or purposes unrelated to the app’s core functionality.
5. Legal basis (EEA / UK users)
If you are in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, we process the limited data described above on the basis of performance of a contract (providing the app you requested) and, where applicable, legitimate interests in operating a reliable local alarm/chime service. Because processing stays on your device and is necessary for the app to work, we do not rely on consent for core functionality.
6. Sharing with third parties
We do not share, sell, or rent personal data to third parties. HomeBell does not integrate third-party analytics, advertising, or social-login SDKs that collect personal information.
Standard platform providers (such as Google as operator of Google Play) may process information according to their own policies when you download, update, or pay for the app through their stores. That processing is outside HomeBell’s control.
7. Android permissions
To provide its features, the Android app may request or use the following permissions. We use each permission only as described:
- Schedule exact alarms / Use exact alarms — to fire chimes at the times you configure
- Post notifications — to show the optional persistent service notification and chime controls while the scheduler is running
- Receive boot completed — to restore scheduled chimes after the device restarts
- Wake lock — briefly keep the device awake so a chime can play reliably when an alarm fires
- Internet — used by the app framework; HomeBell does not transmit your settings or personal data to our servers
HomeBell does not request access to your camera, microphone, contacts, SMS, calendar, or device storage for media beyond what is needed to read sound files you explicitly select.
8. Data retention and deletion
Your settings remain on your device until you change them, clear the app’s data, or uninstall HomeBell. Uninstalling the app removes locally stored app data from your device under normal Android behaviour.
We do not retain copies of your on-device settings on our systems because we do not receive them.
9. Security
Because data stays on your device, its security also depends on your device protections (screen lock, OS updates, and whether others can access your phone). We design HomeBell to minimise data collection and avoid unnecessary network transmission.
10. Children’s privacy
HomeBell may be used by people aged 6 and older. The app does not require a name, email address, account, or other personal profile information to work.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from users of any age, including children. Any settings saved by the app stay on the device and are used only to operate chimes as described in this policy.
If a child uses HomeBell, we recommend that a parent or guardian supervises setup and device permissions. If you believe a child has provided personal information to us through the app, please contact us at andrea.pravato@gmail.com and we will assist with deletion where applicable.
11. Your rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing of personal data, and to data portability or to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
Because HomeBell stores settings locally and we do not hold a copy, you can review and change most information directly in the app, or remove it by clearing app data or uninstalling. For any privacy request, contact us at andrea.pravato@gmail.com.
12. International users
HomeBell is offered globally. Local settings remain on your device in the country where you use the app. We do not transfer your app settings to Bitmate servers.
13. Changes to this policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time, for example when app features or legal requirements change. When we do, we will revise the effective date at the top of this page. Material changes may also be communicated in the app or on the Google Play listing where appropriate.
Continued use of HomeBell after an update means you accept the revised policy. If you do not agree, please stop using the app and uninstall it.
14. Contact
Questions about this privacy policy or HomeBell’s data practices can be sent to andrea.pravato@gmail.com.