How We Use Data
Plain-language explanation of why StepGate needs certain permissions.
Why app usage access is needed
StepGate reads usage data only to show a list of apps with approximate usage time, help you choose apps to control, then track time in selected apps, and know when access is exhausted.
Why steps / activity are needed
StepGate can count steps with the phone sensor when Activity Recognition is granted.
Health Connect is optional. If you connect it yourself, StepGate reads only step count from Health Connect. StepGate does not write to Health Connect and does not use background Health Connect access; sync may still be delayed by source apps.
If you manually enter estimated steps during first-day setup, StepGate stores that estimate locally only to calculate access for that day.
Why display over other apps is needed
StepGate uses display-over-apps permission only to show the limit screen over selected controlled apps. It does not read messages, screen text, keyboard input, or app content.
Why notifications and background work are needed
A persistent notification helps show that protection is running in the background while Android allows background monitoring. Battery/autostart settings can help the protection restart after reboot or continue in the background on some devices.
Does data leave the device?
No. StepGate stores this data locally and does not send app usage time, the app list shown for selection, selected app lists, steps, or Health Connect data to StepGate servers. StepGate has no Internet permission, so this data cannot leave your device.
Local StepGate data is protected by Android app sandboxing. StepGate does not sell, share, or transfer this data to third parties. StepGate does not use ads, trackers, analytics SDKs, crash-reporting SDKs, Firebase, Sentry, or AdMob.
To delete local StepGate data, uninstall the app or clear the app data in Android settings.
Legal pages are opened in your external browser.
What if permission is not granted?
App usage access is required to set up and use StepGate: without it, StepGate cannot see which app is open or measure time in selected apps, so app limiting does not work and setup cannot be completed. The other permissions are optional and can be enabled later. Without display-over-apps permission, the limit screen is not shown over selected apps. Without step data, step-based access updates are unavailable.
What StepGate does not access
- Messages or chat contents
- On-screen text in other apps
- Keyboard input or passwords
- Photos, files, or contacts
Contact
Questions: burteloffluther@gmail.com