Last updated: May 6, 2026
ScreenBuddy is a screen time management app that helps you build healthier phone usage habits through a credit scoring system. Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains what data the app accesses, how it is used, and how it is stored.
The short version: All your data stays on your device. We do not collect, transmit, or store any personal information on external servers. We have no analytics, no tracking, and no ads.
All data generated by ScreenBuddy is stored locally on your device using an on-device database. This includes:
This data never leaves your device. There are no servers, no cloud storage, and no accounts. When you uninstall ScreenBuddy, all data is permanently deleted.
ScreenBuddy requires certain Android permissions to function. Here is a transparent explanation of each permission and why it is needed:
Usage Access (PACKAGE_USAGE_STATS) This permission allows ScreenBuddy to read how long you have used each app today. It is the core of the app’s functionality — without it, ScreenBuddy cannot measure your screen time or compare it against your daily budgets. ScreenBuddy only reads usage data for apps you have explicitly chosen to track.
Display Over Other Apps (SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW) This permission allows ScreenBuddy to show the lock screen overlay when you exceed your daily budget for a tracked app. The overlay presents your credit score, the cost of requesting an extension, and the option to stop using the app. Without this permission, ScreenBuddy cannot intervene when a budget is exceeded.
Query Installed Apps (QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES) This permission allows ScreenBuddy to display a list of installed apps so you can select which ones to track and set budgets for. It is only used in the Settings screen when you add a new app to track. No information about your installed apps is stored beyond the ones you explicitly select.
Notifications (POST_NOTIFICATIONS) This permission allows ScreenBuddy to send you a daily credit score summary notification and to display the persistent notification required for the background monitoring service. You can disable notifications at any time through your device’s notification settings.
Foreground Service (FOREGROUND_SERVICE) This permission allows ScreenBuddy to run a background service that monitors your app usage in real time. This is what enables the app to detect when you have exceeded a budget and show the lock screen. The service runs locally on your device and does not communicate with any external servers.
Run at Startup (RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED) This permission allows ScreenBuddy to automatically restart its monitoring service after your device reboots, so your budgets remain enforced without you needing to manually reopen the app.
Accessibility Service (optional) If enabled, this service provides faster detection of which app is currently in the foreground. It only reads the package name of the active app and does not access any screen content, text, or personal information. This service is entirely optional and the app functions without it.
ScreenBuddy does not integrate with any third-party services, SDKs, or APIs that collect user data. The app operates entirely offline after installation.
ScreenBuddy is intended for users aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect any information from children.
If we update this privacy policy, the changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at:
Email: phax202604@gmail.com
This privacy policy applies to the ScreenBuddy Android app available on the Google Play Store.