Google Play requires every Android app that collects personal or sensitive user data to have a privacy policy. Your policy must disclose what data your app collects, how it is used, how it is shared with third parties, and how users can request deletion. Your privacy policy must also be consistent with your Data Safety section declarations in the Play Console. Apps that target children must additionally comply with the Families Policy and COPPA requirements.
Building an Android app privacy policy from scratch is time-consuming. You need to account for Google Play Data Safety requirements, Android permissions disclosures, third-party SDK data collection, and potentially GDPR and CCPA compliance. Missing any of these can result in your app being rejected during review or removed from the Play Store after publication.
This page provides a complete, free template that you can copy, customize for your specific Android app, and publish today. The template covers every section Google Play expects, follows Google Play privacy requirements, and includes optional GDPR and CCPA sections for apps with users in regulated regions.
If you want to understand the broader context of why mobile apps need privacy policies and what triggers the requirement, read the do mobile apps need a privacy policy guide first. This page focuses specifically on giving you a ready-to-use template for Android apps on Google Play.
What Google Play Requires
Google Play requires a privacy policy for any app that accesses personal or sensitive user data. This includes data collected through Android permissions, third-party SDKs, and your own server-side collection. Your privacy policy must map directly to your Data Safety section declarations in the Play Console. Here is what Google expects.
Required Data Safety Disclosures
- Data collection: Declare every data type your app collects, including data collected automatically by third-party SDKs like Firebase Analytics, AdMob, and Crashlytics. Your policy must list each data type and explain why it is collected.
- Data sharing: Disclose whether your app transfers data to third parties. This includes analytics providers, advertising networks, crash reporting services, and any external APIs your app communicates with.
- Data handling practices: Describe whether data is encrypted in transit, whether users can request deletion, and your data retention periods. Google requires you to declare these in the Data Safety form and your policy must match.
- Purpose of data use: For each data type, explain the specific purpose. Google expects purposes to be tied to app functionality, analytics, advertising, fraud prevention, security, or account management.
- User data deletion: Provide a mechanism for users to request deletion of their data. Google Play now requires apps to offer a data deletion option, either in-app or through a web form linked from your store listing.
- Contact information: Include a way for users to reach you with privacy questions. An email address is the minimum requirement.
Recommended Additional Sections
- Android permissions disclosure: A table mapping each Android permission your app requests to what data it accesses and why your app needs it.
- GDPR compliance section: Legal basis for processing, data retention periods, and EU user rights including access, rectification, and erasure.
- CCPA compliance section: Categories of personal information collected and the right to opt out of data sales.
- Families Policy compliance: If your app targets children under 13, include COPPA disclosures, parental consent mechanisms, and a statement of compliance with Google's Families Policy.
Did you know?
Google Play uses both automated and manual review processes to compare your Data Safety section declarations against your privacy policy content. If your Data Safety form declares that you collect location data but your privacy policy does not mention location access, the mismatch will flag your app for review and potential enforcement action. Your privacy policy and Data Safety section must be consistent at all times.
Full Template Preview
Below is the complete privacy policy template with each section shown. Bracketed text like [Your App Name] indicates placeholders you need to replace with your specific details. Remove any sections that do not apply to your app.
Privacy Policy for [Your App Name]
Effective Date: [Date]
1. Introduction
This privacy policy describes how [Your App Name] ("the App") collects, uses, stores, and shares data. The App is an Android application available through the Google Play Store. By installing and using the App, you agree to the data practices described in this policy.
2. Data We Collect
The App collects the following types of data:
- [Data type 1, e.g., "Device identifiers and advertising ID"]
- [Data type 2, e.g., "Approximate location data for localized content"]
- [Data type 3, e.g., "App interaction data and usage statistics"]
- [Data type 4, e.g., "Crash logs and performance diagnostics"]
The App does NOT collect: [list data types you do not collect, e.g., "financial information, health data, emails, or text message contents"].
3. How We Use Your Data
We use the collected data for the following purposes:
- [Purpose 1, e.g., "To provide the App's core functionality"]
- [Purpose 2, e.g., "To improve app performance and fix bugs"]
- [Purpose 3, e.g., "To display relevant advertisements"]
- [Purpose 4, e.g., "To analyze usage patterns and improve the user experience"]
4. Third-Party Data Sharing
[Option A: "The App does not share your personal data with any third parties."]
[Option B: "The App shares data with the following third-party services:"]
- [e.g., "Firebase Analytics for usage analytics"]
- [e.g., "AdMob for serving advertisements"]
- [e.g., "Firebase Crashlytics for crash reporting"]
Each third-party service has its own privacy policy governing how it handles data received from our App.
5. Data Storage and Security
[Option A: "All data is stored locally on your device using SharedPreferences or a local Room database. No data is transmitted to external servers."]
[Option B: "Data is stored on secure servers provided by [hosting provider]. Data in transit is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS. Data at rest is encrypted using [encryption method]."]
We implement [describe security measures, e.g., "encryption in transit via HTTPS, Android Keystore for sensitive credentials, and server-side encryption at rest"] to protect your data.
6. Data Retention and Deletion
We retain your data for [retention period, e.g., "as long as you have the App installed" or "90 days after account deletion"].
You can delete your data by [describe deletion method, e.g., "uninstalling the App, which removes all locally stored data" or "using the delete account option in the App settings"]. To request deletion of server-side data, contact us at [your email] or visit [data deletion URL].
7. GDPR Compliance (EU Users)
If you are located in the European Union, we process your data under the legal basis of [legitimate interest / consent / contract performance]. You have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, and port your data. To exercise these rights, contact us at [your email].
8. Children's Privacy
[Option A: "This App is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, contact us and we will delete it."]
[Option B: "This App is designed for use by children and complies with COPPA and Google's Families Policy. We collect only [specify minimal data] and require verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information from children under 13."]
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted at this URL with an updated effective date. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about this privacy policy or the App's data practices, contact us at: [your email address].
This template gives you the foundation. The sections below walk you through the Data Safety form, Android permissions, and common SDKs to help you customize every detail.
Q: Can I remove sections from the template that do not apply to my app?
Yes. If your app does not share data with third parties, you should still include section 4 but state clearly that no data is shared. If your app does not target children, the children's privacy section can be simplified to a statement that your app is not directed at children under 13. When in doubt, keep sections and adjust the wording rather than removing them entirely.
Q: Should I include SDK-specific disclosures in my privacy policy?
Yes. Every third-party SDK in your app that collects user data must be disclosed. Firebase Analytics, AdMob, Crashlytics, Google Maps SDK, and similar libraries all collect data on your behalf. Your privacy policy should name each SDK, describe what data it collects, and link to its own privacy policy. This is also required for accurate Data Safety section declarations.
Data Safety Section Guide
The Data Safety section in the Google Play Console requires you to declare your data practices across specific data type categories. For each category, you must indicate whether your app collects that data type, whether it is shared with third parties, whether collection is required or optional, and the purpose. Here is how to fill out each category.
| Data Category | Data Types Included | Common Collection Triggers | Policy Must Mention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Approximate location, precise location | ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION, Google Maps SDK, IP-based location | What location data is collected, precision level, and why |
| Personal Info | Name, email, address, phone number, user IDs | Account creation, sign-in flows, contact forms, Firebase Auth | Which personal fields are collected and the purpose for each |
| Financial Info | Purchase history, credit info, payment info | Play Billing, in-app purchases, subscription management | What financial data is processed and how it is secured |
| Photos and Videos | Photos, videos | CAMERA permission, READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE, photo upload features | Whether media is stored locally, uploaded, or shared |
| App Activity | App interactions, search history, in-app actions | Firebase Analytics, custom event logging, screen tracking | What interactions are tracked and how analytics data is used |
| Device or Other IDs | Device ID, advertising ID, Android ID | AdMob, Firebase Analytics, crash reporting, attribution SDKs | Which identifiers are collected, by which SDKs, and the purpose |
| App Info and Performance | Crash logs, diagnostics, performance data | Firebase Crashlytics, Firebase Performance, ANR reporting | What diagnostic data is collected and whether it includes device info |
When filling out the Data Safety form, remember that data collected by third-party SDKs counts as data collected by your app. If Firebase Analytics collects device identifiers, you must declare device ID collection in your Data Safety section even if your own code never reads that data directly. Check each SDK's documentation for its data collection details.
Did you know?
Google provides a Data Safety form helper tool in the Play Console that shows you which data types are commonly collected by popular SDKs. Firebase, AdMob, and other Google SDKs now include pre-built Data Safety section guidance in their documentation. Check each SDK's documentation page for a "Data Safety section information" section that tells you exactly what to declare.
Android Permissions Disclosure
Include a permissions disclosure in your privacy policy to explain each Android permission your app requests, what data it accesses, and why your app needs it. This builds user trust and helps during Google Play review. Replace the example entries with your actual permissions.
| Permission | Data Accessed | Why We Need It | Data Leaves Device? |
|---|---|---|---|
| INTERNET | Network communication data | [e.g., "To fetch content from our servers and send analytics data"] | Yes (to app servers) |
| ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION | Precise GPS location coordinates | [e.g., "To show nearby points of interest on the map"] | [Yes/No, and where] |
| CAMERA | Photos and video from the device camera | [e.g., "To let users take profile photos or scan QR codes"] | [Yes/No, and where] |
| READ_CONTACTS | Contact names, phone numbers, email addresses | [e.g., "To help you invite friends to the app"] | [Yes/No, and where] |
| READ_PHONE_STATE | Device ID, phone number, call state | [e.g., "To pause media playback during incoming calls"] | [Yes/No, and where] |
| RECORD_AUDIO | Audio recordings from the device microphone | [e.g., "To enable voice search or voice messages"] | [Yes/No, and where] |
| READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE | Files, photos, and media on device storage | [e.g., "To let users select files or images to upload"] | [Yes/No, and where] |
| RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED | Device boot event notification | [e.g., "To restart scheduled background tasks after device reboot"] | No |
Only include the permissions your app actually requests. Delete rows for permissions your app does not use. If your app uses runtime permissions (requested at the time of use rather than at install), note that in your policy. Users should understand when and why each permission prompt appears. For a complete guide on app privacy requirements, see the privacy policy for apps guide.
Common Android SDKs
Most Android apps include third-party SDKs that collect data on your behalf. Your privacy policy must disclose each SDK, what data it collects, and its purpose. Here are the most common Android SDKs and what you need to declare for each.
| SDK | Data Collected | Purpose | Data Safety Declaration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firebase Analytics | App interactions, device info, advertising ID, screen views, session data | Usage analytics, audience insights, event tracking | App activity (collected, shared), Device IDs (collected) |
| AdMob | Advertising ID, device info, IP address, interaction data, approximate location | Ad serving, ad personalization, ad performance measurement | Device IDs (collected, shared), Location (collected), App activity (collected) |
| Crashlytics | Crash logs, stack traces, device model, OS version, app state at crash time | Crash reporting, stability monitoring, bug fixing | App info and performance (collected), Device IDs (collected) |
| Google Maps | Location data, map interaction data, device info | Map display, geocoding, directions, location-based features | Location (collected, shared), App activity (collected) |
| ML Kit | Images, text, or other input data processed by ML models | On-device machine learning (text recognition, face detection, barcode scanning) | Varies by API used; on-device processing may not require data sharing declaration |
| Play Billing | Purchase history, subscription status, transaction IDs | In-app purchases, subscription management, purchase verification | Financial info (collected), Purchase history (collected) |
| WorkManager | No user data collected directly; schedules background tasks | Background task scheduling, deferred work execution | No additional Data Safety declaration needed for WorkManager itself |
| Room | No user data sent externally; local SQLite database wrapper | Local data persistence, offline storage, structured data caching | No additional Data Safety declaration needed; data stays on device |
Check your build.gradle file for all SDK dependencies. Even if you did not add a data-collecting SDK directly, transitive dependencies from other libraries can include them. Run a dependency tree analysis to identify every SDK in your final APK. For Firebase-specific privacy policy guidance, see our dedicated guide.
Did you know?
Google now requires SDK developers to publish their own Data Safety guidance. Firebase, AdMob, and other major SDKs include a "Data disclosed by this SDK" section in their documentation that tells you exactly what data types to declare in your Data Safety form. Using this documentation as a checklist when writing your privacy policy ensures you do not miss any data collection by third-party code running inside your app.
Families Policy
If your Android app targets children under 13 or is listed in the "Family" section of the Play Store, you must comply with Google's Families Policy and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Your privacy policy needs additional sections to address these requirements.
COPPA and Families Policy Requirements
- No behavioral advertising: Apps in the Families program must not display behaviorally targeted ads to children. If you use AdMob, you must configure it to serve only child-directed ads using the tag for child-directed treatment.
- Minimal data collection: Collect only data that is strictly necessary for the app to function. Do not collect persistent identifiers like advertising IDs from children unless needed for the app's core purpose. Your privacy policy must state exactly what minimal data is collected and why.
- Verifiable parental consent: If your app collects personal information from children, you must obtain verifiable parental consent before collection. Your privacy policy must describe your consent mechanism and explain how parents can review, modify, or delete their child's data.
- Approved SDKs only: Apps in the Families program can only use SDKs that are self-certified as compliant with the Families Policy. Check Google's list of Families self-certified ads SDKs before including any advertising library.
- Privacy policy language: Your privacy policy must clearly state that the app is directed at children, what data is collected from children, how that data is used, and that parental consent is required. The policy should be written in plain language that parents can easily understand.
If your app has a mixed audience (both children and adults), you must still comply with the Families Policy for the portion of your audience that is under 13. Implement an age gate and apply child-safe data handling when the user is identified as a child.
Common Mistakes
Using a template saves time, but only if you avoid these common mistakes that cause Android apps to get flagged or removed from Google Play.
Mistake: Data Safety section does not match the privacy policy
The most common issue. Your Data Safety form in the Play Console declares one set of data practices, but your privacy policy describes something different. Google compares both and flags discrepancies. If your Data Safety section says you collect location data but your privacy policy does not mention location, your app will face enforcement action. Always update both simultaneously.
Mistake: Not disclosing third-party SDK data collection
Many developers forget that Firebase Analytics, AdMob, Crashlytics, and other SDKs collect data on their behalf. Your privacy policy must disclose every SDK that handles user data, what it collects, and why. Claiming "we do not collect data" when your app includes Firebase Analytics is inaccurate and will cause issues during review.
Mistake: Privacy policy URL is broken or requires login
Google Play requires your privacy policy to be accessible at a public URL without any authentication. If your privacy policy link returns a 404 error, is behind a login wall, or redirects to a generic homepage, your app will be flagged. Test your privacy policy URL in an incognito browser window before submitting your app. The link must remain active for as long as your app is published.
Mistake: No data deletion mechanism provided
Google Play now requires apps that collect user data to offer a way for users to request data deletion. Your privacy policy must describe the deletion process. This can be an in-app deletion option, a web form, or an email address where users can send deletion requests. Apps without a data deletion mechanism face removal from the Play Store.
Mistake: Using a generic website privacy policy for an Android app
A website privacy policy covers cookies, web analytics, and contact forms. It does not cover Android permissions, Data Safety section declarations, third-party SDK disclosures, or Google Play-specific requirements. Your Android app privacy policy must address mobile-specific data collection patterns. Use a template built for Android apps, like the one on this page, or check our mobile app privacy policy template for a cross-platform option.
How to Create Your Android App Privacy Policy
Follow these six steps to customize the template above for your specific Android app. Each step tells you what to look for in your app and what to change in the template.
Audit your AndroidManifest.xml permissions
Open your AndroidManifest.xml and list every permission declared with uses-permission tags. Each permission determines what user data your app can access. This list drives the content of your data collection and permissions disclosure sections. If you request ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, your policy must explain why your app needs precise location data.
Inventory all third-party SDKs
Check your build.gradle dependencies for every third-party SDK. Firebase Analytics, AdMob, Crashlytics, Google Maps, and similar libraries all collect data on your behalf. For each SDK, document what data it collects, where it sends data, and check its documentation for Data Safety section guidance.
Map your data flows from collection to storage
Trace every piece of user data your app touches. What does the app collect through the UI? What is collected automatically by SDKs? What is stored locally on the device? What is sent to your servers or third-party services? For each data flow, note the data type, its origin, its destination, and whether it leaves the device.
Replace all placeholders with your app specifics
Go through the template and replace every bracketed placeholder. Replace [Your App Name] with your actual app name. Replace example data types with the real data your app collects. If a section offers Option A and Option B, choose the one that matches your app and delete the other. Search for every bracket character before publishing to ensure no placeholders remain.
Fill out the Data Safety section in Play Console
Use your completed privacy policy as a guide to fill out the Data Safety form in the Google Play Console. For each data type category, declare whether your app collects it, whether it is shared, whether collection is required or optional, and your retention practices. Every declaration must match your privacy policy.
Verify consistency between policy and Data Safety form
Compare your finished privacy policy line by line against your Data Safety section declarations. Every data type in the Data Safety form must appear in your policy. Test your privacy policy URL in an incognito browser to confirm it loads without login. Mismatches between the two are the top reason for Play Store enforcement actions related to privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a free Android app privacy policy template legally valid?
A free template can be legally valid if you customize it to accurately reflect your app's actual data handling. The key is accuracy, not where the template came from. A template filled in with truthful, specific details is far better than no policy at all. Apps handling sensitive data like health, financial, or children's information should have their policy reviewed by a legal professional.
What sections does Google Play require in a privacy policy?
Google Play requires your privacy policy to cover what personal and sensitive data your app collects, how data is used, how data is shared with third parties, how users can request deletion, your data retention practices, and your contact information. The policy must be consistent with your Data Safety section declarations. Apps targeting children need additional COPPA and Families Policy disclosures.
How does the Data Safety section relate to my privacy policy?
The Data Safety section in the Play Console is a structured summary of your data practices that appears on your store listing. It must be consistent with your full privacy policy. Google reviews both and flags discrepancies. Always update your Data Safety form and your privacy policy at the same time when your data practices change.
Do I need a privacy policy if my Android app collects no data?
If your app truly collects no user data and uses no third-party SDKs that collect data, you may not be strictly required to have one. However, Google strongly recommends all apps have a privacy policy. If your app uses Firebase Analytics, AdMob, Crashlytics, or any similar SDK, those collect data on your behalf and you must have a policy. Most Android apps use at least one data-collecting SDK.
Can I use the same privacy policy for my Android and iOS app?
You can use a single policy that covers both platforms, but it must address the requirements of both Google Play and the Apple App Store. Google requires Data Safety section consistency, while Apple requires App Privacy Label accuracy. Your policy should mention platform-specific permissions and SDKs. Many developers maintain one policy with platform-specific sections. See the iOS app privacy policy template for Apple-specific guidance.
What happens if my privacy policy does not match my Data Safety section?
Google reviews both for consistency. Discrepancies can result in warning notices, app removal from the Play Store, or account suspension for repeated violations. Google uses both automated and manual review processes to compare your Data Safety form against your privacy policy content. Always update both simultaneously when your data practices change.
How often should I update my Android app privacy policy?
Update it whenever your app's data handling changes: new permissions, new SDKs, different storage methods, or new data types. Also review when privacy laws change or Google updates Play Store policies. At minimum, review with every app update that modifies data collection. Remember to update your Data Safety section at the same time.
Related Resources
Privacy Policy for Google Play
Complete guide to Google Play privacy requirements
Mobile App Privacy Policy Template
Cross-platform template for iOS and Android apps
Privacy Policy for Apps
App store requirements for mobile applications
Do Mobile Apps Need a Privacy Policy?
When and why your mobile app requires one
iOS App Privacy Policy Template
Apple App Store ready template for iOS apps
Apple App Store Privacy Requirements
Everything Apple requires for App Store compliance
Privacy Policy for Firebase
Firebase-specific privacy policy guidance and disclosures
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