TileShell — Privacy Policy

Effective date: 2026-06-18  ·  Last updated: 2026-06-20

Summary

TileShell is a launcher (home-screen replacement) for Android. It does not have a server backend, does not create user accounts, and does not transmit personal data to the developer. All personalisation data (layout, settings, photos) stays on your device.

1. What data TileShell accesses

TileShell requests the following permissions. Each is optional — the relevant feature simply stays inactive when a permission is denied.

PermissionWhat it readsWhere the data goes
READ_CONTACTSContact names and profile photos for the People live tileStays on device
READ_CALENDARUpcoming calendar events for the Calendar live tileStays on device
ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATIONDevice coarse location (city level) for the Weather live tileSent to Open-Meteo (see §2)
NOTIFICATION_LISTENER (special access)Notification titles and snippets for badges and Mail/Messages live tilesStays on device
INTERNETWeather forecast fetches, news RSS feedsSent to Open-Meteo and RSS sources (see §2)
BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE (optional)Used only to issue the "lock screen" action when you long-press the settings iconNot read; no data transmitted

TileShell does not access call logs, SMS/MMS bodies, microphone, camera, or files beyond photos you explicitly pick for the wallpaper and live-photos slideshow.

2. Third-party services

Open-Meteo (weather)

When you grant coarse location for the Weather live tile, TileShell sends your approximate GPS coordinates to Open-Meteo to retrieve a weather forecast. The request contains latitude/longitude only — no device identifiers, no account information. Open-Meteo's own privacy policy applies to data they receive.

RSS news feeds

The Feed page fetches articles from RSS/Atom feeds you have enabled. Each request is a standard HTTP GET to the feed URL; no personal data is included. The feed providers' own privacy policies apply.

Google Search

Tapping the search pill on the Feed page opens a Google Search query in your default browser. TileShell does not intercept or log these queries.

3. On-device storage

TileShell stores the following data locally on your device (using Android Room and DataStore):

None of this data is backed up to the developer's servers. Android's standard auto-backup to Google may back it up according to your device's backup settings.

4. Children's privacy

TileShell is not directed at children under 13 and does not knowingly collect personal information from children.

5. Changes to this policy

Material changes will be noted in the app's release notes and reflected by updating the "Last updated" date above.

6. Contact

Questions about this privacy policy: vivek.sovani@gmail.com