Cycle trackers hold very personal information. Before you enter your history, run through this list on the store page and in the privacy policy.
- What does it collect? Dates and symptoms are expected. Contacts, precise location and advertising IDs are not needed to track a cycle.
- Is data stored on your phone or on a server? Neither is automatically better, but the policy should say which and why.
- Is it shared with third parties? Look for sections on advertising, analytics and data sharing, and whether you can opt out.
- Can you delete your data? There should be a clear route, in the app or through a request form.
- Is there a passcode or biometric lock?
- Does it ask for more permissions than it needs? Check app permissions in Android or iOS settings.
- Is there a named company and a way to contact it? The store page should list a publisher and a support address.
- Is the policy readable and dated? Vague or missing policies are a warning.
On the app stores
The Google Play Data safety section and the Apple App Privacy details summarise what an app says it collects. Read them before installing.
After installing
Review permissions, turn off analytics or personalised ads options if offered, and enable a lock. See also how period trackers work and when a cycle change deserves a doctor’s visit.