Privacy Policy for Mobile Apps — iOS & Android Guide (2026)
If you're publishing a mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, a privacy policy isn't optional — it's a hard requirement. Both platforms will reject your app or remove it from the store if you don't have one. But beyond store requirements, privacy regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and COPPA also apply to mobile apps.
Platform Requirements
Apple App Store
Apple requires all apps to have a privacy policy, regardless of whether they collect user data. Key requirements:
- A privacy policy URL must be provided in App Store Connect
- You must complete App Privacy Labels ("nutrition labels") disclosing all data collection
- If you use App Tracking Transparency (ATT), you must explain why in your policy
- Apps targeting children must comply with Apple's strict data collection rules
Google Play Store
Google requires a privacy policy for all apps that:
- Handle personal or sensitive user data
- Access device permissions (camera, location, contacts, etc.)
- Use advertising SDKs or analytics tools
You must also complete Google's Data Safety Section, which is similar to Apple's privacy labels.
What Your Mobile App Privacy Policy Must Include
1. Data Collection
Be specific about what data your app collects:
- Account data: names, email addresses, phone numbers
- Device data: device model, OS version, unique device identifiers
- Location data: GPS, Wi-Fi-based location, IP geolocation
- Usage data: app interactions, session duration, feature usage
- Camera/microphone data: photos, videos, audio recordings
- Health/fitness data: if applicable (triggers additional regulations)
- Financial data: payment information, purchase history
2. Permissions
Explain why your app requests each permission:
- Camera — "to allow profile photo uploads"
- Location — "to show nearby results"
- Contacts — "to find friends using the app"
- Push notifications — "to send order updates"
3. Third-Party SDKs and Services
Mobile apps commonly integrate multiple SDKs that collect data independently. Disclose all of them:
- Analytics: Google Analytics, Firebase, Mixpanel, Amplitude
- Advertising: AdMob, Facebook Ads SDK, Unity Ads
- Crash reporting: Crashlytics, Sentry, Bugsnag
- Authentication: Google Sign-In, Apple Sign-In, Facebook Login
- Push notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging, OneSignal
4. Data Storage and Security
Explain where data is stored (on-device vs. cloud), encryption methods used, and how long data is retained.
5. Children's Privacy (COPPA)
If your app is directed at children under 13 (or under 16 in the EU), you must:
- Obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting data
- Limit data collection to what's strictly necessary
- Not use behavioral advertising
- Provide parents with access to their child's data
6. User Rights
Include clear instructions for users to:
- Access their data
- Delete their account and data
- Opt out of data collection (where applicable)
- Export their data (data portability)
Both Google and Apple now require apps to offer an account deletion mechanism directly within the app.
Where to Display Your Privacy Policy
- App store listing — required by both platforms
- Within the app — typically in Settings → Privacy Policy
- During onboarding — before collecting any data
- Your website — link from app to web version
Generate Your Mobile App Privacy Policy
Our free Privacy Policy Generator creates policies that cover mobile app requirements, including data collection disclosures for both iOS and Android. Just fill in your details and download your policy in HTML, PDF, or Word format.