A mobile app privacy policy template must include eight core sections: what data your app collects, how it uses that data, which third-party SDKs receive data, how data is stored and secured, how users can delete their account and data, whether children can use the app, your contact information, and the effective date. For Apple App Store compliance, your policy must align with the privacy nutrition labels you submit in App Store Connect. For Google Play, it must match the data safety form. Both platforms will reject apps whose policies do not match their actual data collection behavior.
Writing a privacy policy from scratch for your mobile app is tedious. You need to cover Apple App Store requirements, Google Play data safety rules, third-party SDK disclosures, push notification practices, analytics tracking, in-app purchases, and potentially GDPR and CCPA compliance. Missing any of these can get your app rejected during review or removed from the store after publication.
This page provides a complete, free template that you can copy, customize for your specific app, and publish today. The template covers every section both app stores expect, follows Apple App Store privacy requirements and Google Play privacy requirements, and includes optional GDPR and CCPA sections for apps with users in regulated regions.
If you want to understand the full 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 and showing you how to customize it.
What Your Template Must Include
Every mobile app privacy policy needs to cover specific areas. Both Apple and Google review teams check for these sections, and missing any of them is one of the most common reasons apps get rejected. Here is the complete checklist of required sections.
- Data collection statement: What personal data your app collects, including data from user input, device sensors, contacts, photos, location, and any other device APIs your app accesses.
- Third-party SDKs: Every third-party SDK integrated in your app and what data each SDK collects. This includes analytics (Firebase, Amplitude), crash reporting (Crashlytics, Sentry), advertising (AdMob, Facebook SDK), push notifications (OneSignal), and payments (RevenueCat).
- Analytics and tracking: What analytics tools your app uses, what events are tracked, and whether any data is used for cross-app tracking or advertising purposes.
- Push notifications: Whether your app sends push notifications, what data is collected for notification delivery (device tokens), and how users can opt out.
- In-app purchases: Whether your app offers in-app purchases or subscriptions, what payment data is processed, and which payment provider handles transactions (Apple, Google, or a third-party processor).
- Account deletion: How users can delete their account and all associated data. Apple requires apps that offer account creation to also offer account deletion. Google Play has similar requirements.
- Children's data: Whether your app is directed at children under 13, whether it complies with COPPA, and what age restrictions apply. Both stores have strict rules about apps that collect data from children.
- Contact information: A way for users to reach you with privacy questions. An email address is the minimum requirement on both platforms.
Did you know?
Apple requires every app to submit privacy nutrition labels in App Store Connect that detail exactly what data the app collects. If your privacy policy contradicts these labels, Apple will reject your app during review. Google Play has a similar data safety section. Your template must cover every data type you declare on both platforms, and your declarations must match your policy exactly.
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 available on [iOS / Android / both platforms] through the [Apple App Store / Google Play Store / both stores]. By downloading, 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., "Name and email address when you create an account"]
- [Data type 2, e.g., "Device identifiers and operating system version"]
- [Data type 3, e.g., "Usage data including screens viewed and features used"]
- [Data type 4, e.g., "Push notification device token"]
The App does NOT collect: [list data types you do not collect, e.g., "precise location, contacts, photos, health data, or financial information"].
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 send push notifications about [specific content]"]
- [Purpose 3, e.g., "To analyze usage patterns and improve the App"]
- [Purpose 4, e.g., "To process in-app purchases and subscriptions"]
4. Third-Party Services and SDKs
The App integrates the following third-party services:
- [SDK 1, e.g., "Firebase Analytics for usage tracking"]
- [SDK 2, e.g., "Crashlytics for crash reporting"]
- [SDK 3, e.g., "OneSignal for push notification delivery"]
- [SDK 4, e.g., "RevenueCat for subscription management"]
Each of these services has its own privacy policy governing how it handles data. We encourage you to review their privacy policies. [Include links to each third-party service's privacy policy.]
5. Data Storage and Security
[Option A: "All data is stored locally on your device. No personal data is transmitted to external servers."]
[Option B: "Data is stored on secure servers provided by [hosting provider, e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Firebase]. Data is encrypted in transit using TLS and at rest using [encryption standard]."]
6. Push Notifications
The App may send push notifications to your device. To deliver notifications, we collect your device token through [Apple Push Notification service / Firebase Cloud Messaging / OneSignal]. You can disable push notifications at any time through your device settings.
7. In-App Purchases
[Option A: "The App does not offer in-app purchases."]
[Option B: "The App offers [subscriptions / one-time purchases]. Payments are processed by [Apple / Google / RevenueCat]. We do not store your payment card details. We receive confirmation of your purchase status to unlock premium features."]
8. Account Deletion
You can delete your account and all associated data by [describe method, e.g., "going to Settings > Account > Delete Account within the App" or "contacting us at [your email]"]. Upon deletion, all your personal data will be permanently removed from our servers within [timeframe, e.g., 30 days].
9. Children's Privacy
[Option A: "The App is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we learn that we have collected data from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly."]
[Option B: "The App is designed for users of all ages and complies with COPPA. We collect only [describe limited data] from users under 13, with verifiable parental consent."]
10. 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].
11. 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.
12. 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 next section walks you through exactly how to customize each section for different types of mobile apps.
Q: Can I remove sections from the template that do not apply to my app?
Yes. If your app does not offer in-app purchases, you can remove section 7. If your app does not send push notifications, remove section 6. However, keep the third-party SDK section even if you think your app has no third-party services. Most apps include at least one analytics or crash reporting SDK. When in doubt, keep the section and state what your app does or does not do.
Q: Should I add sections not covered in this template?
If your app does something unusual, like processing biometric data, accessing health records, handling financial transactions directly, or collecting precise location data continuously, you need additional sections. This template covers the standard mobile app use cases. Apps with specialized data handling should add sections specific to their needs and consider legal review.
How to Customize for Your App
The template above is a starting point. Different types of apps collect different data and use different SDKs. Here is how to customize the template based on your app type.
Games
Game apps typically integrate ad networks (AdMob, Unity Ads, ironSource), analytics for player behavior, and in-app purchase systems. Your policy needs to disclose advertising identifiers (IDFA on iOS, GAID on Android), ad personalization, and any data shared with ad partners. If your game has social features, disclose how player profiles and interactions are stored. If it targets a younger audience, add detailed COPPA compliance sections.
Social apps
Social apps collect significant personal data: user profiles, photos, messages, contacts, and location. Your policy must clearly explain what content is stored on your servers, who can see it, and how messages are handled (end-to-end encrypted or not). Disclose if you access the user's contact list for friend suggestions. Detail your content moderation practices and how reported content is handled.
Health and fitness apps
Health apps are subject to extra scrutiny from both Apple and Google. If your app accesses HealthKit (iOS) or Health Connect (Android), you must disclose exactly what health data is read and written. Apple prohibits using HealthKit data for advertising. Your policy should state this explicitly. If your app stores health data on servers, detail your encryption and access controls. Consider whether HIPAA applies to your app.
Finance apps
Finance apps handle sensitive data including bank account information, transaction history, and identity documents. Your policy must detail how financial data is encrypted, who has access to it, and your data retention periods. If you use third- party services like Plaid or Stripe, disclose them and link to their privacy policies. Financial apps may also need to comply with additional regulations like PCI DSS for payment data.
Utility apps
Utility apps (weather, calculator, file manager, scanner) often collect less personal data, but many still integrate analytics and advertising SDKs. Your policy should be straightforward about what the app accesses. If your utility app requests permissions like camera, microphone, or file access, explain exactly why each permission is needed and what happens with the data. Many utility apps can use a simpler version of this template.
Did you know?
Apple introduced the App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework in iOS 14.5, requiring apps to ask permission before tracking users across other apps and websites. If your app uses any form of cross-app tracking, your privacy policy must explain this and your ATT implementation. Apps that track without implementing ATT will be rejected during Apple's review process.
SDK Disclosure Table
Include a table like this in your privacy policy to map each third-party SDK your app uses to the data it collects and why. This transparency is required by both Apple and Google and helps your app pass review faster.
| SDK | Data Collected | Purpose | Data Shared With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firebase Analytics | Device ID, app usage events, screen views, session duration, OS version | Usage analytics and app performance monitoring | Google (Firebase) |
| AdMob | Advertising ID (IDFA/GAID), device info, IP address, interaction data | Serving personalized or contextual advertisements | Google (AdMob) and ad partners |
| Facebook SDK | Device ID, app events, IP address, advertising ID | Attribution, analytics, and ad targeting | Meta Platforms |
| Crashlytics | Crash logs, device state, OS version, app version, stack traces | Crash reporting and stability monitoring | Google (Firebase) |
| OneSignal | Device token, device type, OS version, app usage data, notification interactions | Push notification delivery and engagement tracking | OneSignal Inc. |
| RevenueCat | Purchase history, subscription status, device ID, app user ID | Subscription and in-app purchase management | RevenueCat Inc. |
| Amplitude | User events, device properties, session data, user ID, IP address | Product analytics and user behavior tracking | Amplitude Inc. |
| Sentry | Error logs, stack traces, device info, OS version, app state at time of error | Error tracking and performance monitoring | Functional Software Inc. (Sentry) |
Only include the SDKs your app actually uses. Delete rows for SDKs not in your project. If you use SDKs not listed here, add them with the same level of detail. Check each SDK's documentation for the most current list of data it collects, as this can change between SDK versions.
For a deeper understanding of app privacy requirements across platforms, see the privacy policy for apps guide.
App Store Compliance Checklist
Before submitting your app, run through this checklist to confirm your privacy policy meets requirements for both platforms.
Apple App Store Requirements
Privacy policy URL is entered in App Store Connect under App Information
Privacy nutrition labels in App Store Connect match your policy disclosures exactly
App Tracking Transparency (ATT) is implemented if your app tracks users across other apps or websites
Policy discloses all data types listed in the privacy nutrition label categories
If your app offers account creation, it also provides an account deletion mechanism
HealthKit data (if used) is disclosed and your policy states it is not used for advertising
Google Play Requirements
Privacy policy URL is entered in Google Play Console under App content > Privacy policy
Data safety form in Google Play Console matches your privacy policy disclosures
Policy lists every type of personal and sensitive user data your app collects
Policy discloses all third-party libraries and SDKs that collect user data
If your app targets children, it complies with Google Play Families Policy requirements
Account deletion is available if your app allows account creation, with clear instructions in your policy
Did you know?
Both Apple and Google now re-review existing apps for privacy compliance, not just new submissions. Google Play sends data safety form reminders and can restrict app visibility if the form is incomplete or inaccurate. Apple can remove apps that have outdated or missing privacy policies. Keeping your policy current is not optional. Treat it as part of your release checklist alongside testing and QA.
For platform-specific templates, see the iOS app privacy policy template and the Android app privacy policy template.
Common Template Mistakes
Using a template saves time, but only if you avoid these common mistakes that cause apps to get rejected during app store review.
Mistake: Not disclosing third-party SDKs
The most common reason for privacy-related app rejections. Developers integrate Firebase, Crashlytics, or an ad network but forget to mention them in the privacy policy. Both Apple and Google require you to disclose every third-party service that receives user data. Check your Podfile, build.gradle, or package.json for every SDK dependency and make sure each one appears in your policy.
Mistake: Privacy nutrition labels do not match the policy
Apple's privacy nutrition labels and Google's data safety form must match your privacy policy. If your policy says you collect location data but your App Store listing does not declare it, or vice versa, your app will be flagged. Fill out the store forms and write your policy at the same time, using one to verify the other.
Mistake: No account deletion option
If your app allows users to create an account, both Apple and Google now require that you also provide a way to delete that account and its data. Many developers include account creation but forget to build the deletion flow. Your privacy policy must explain how users can delete their account. If the deletion option is missing from your app, it will be rejected regardless of what your policy says.
Mistake: Using a website privacy policy for a mobile app
A website privacy policy covers cookies, web forms, and server logs. It does not cover device permissions, push notifications, in-app purchases, SDK integrations, or platform-specific requirements like Apple's ATT framework. Mobile apps have fundamentally different data access patterns than websites. Your policy must be written specifically for a mobile app, not adapted from a website template.
Mistake: Leaving placeholder text in the published policy
Developers copy a template, replace some placeholders, and miss others. Your published policy ends up with text like "[Your App Name]" or "[describe your data types]" still visible. App store reviewers check for this. Search your final policy for every bracket character before publishing. If any placeholder text remains, your app will be rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a free mobile app privacy policy template legally valid?
A free template can be legally valid if you customize it to accurately describe your app's actual data practices. The legal validity depends on accuracy and completeness, not on whether you paid for the template. A well-customized free template is better than no policy at all. Apps handling sensitive data like health or financial information should have their policy reviewed by a legal professional.
What must a mobile app privacy policy template include?
Your template must include: what data your app collects, how it uses that data, which third-party SDKs receive data, how data is stored and secured, how users can delete their account and data, whether children can use the app, your contact information, and the effective date. For Apple compliance, you need to align with privacy nutrition labels. For Google Play, you need to match the data safety form.
Do both free and paid apps need a privacy policy?
Yes. Both Apple and Google require a privacy policy for all apps, regardless of whether the app is free or paid. Apple requires a privacy policy URL for every app. Google Play requires one for any app that accesses sensitive user data. In practice, every app should have one because even basic analytics or crash reporting involves data collection.
How do I customize this template for my specific app?
Start by listing every SDK and third-party service your app uses. Then identify all data your app collects. Replace every placeholder with your specific details. Remove sections that do not apply. Verify that your final policy matches both the Apple privacy nutrition label and the Google Play data safety form.
Can I use one privacy policy for both iOS and Android?
Yes, if both versions collect the same data and use the same SDKs. Most developers maintain a single policy for both platforms. If your iOS and Android versions use different SDKs or collect different data, create separate policies or clearly indicate which sections apply to which platform.
What happens if my app is rejected for privacy policy issues?
Apple provides specific rejection reasons under guideline 5.1.1 or 5.1.2 explaining what is missing. You can fix the issue and resubmit. Google Play sends a policy violation notice with a deadline. Repeated violations can lead to app removal and account restrictions. The most common rejection reasons are missing SDK disclosures, no account deletion option, and policies that do not match actual data collection.
How often should I update my mobile app privacy policy?
Update it whenever your app's data handling changes: new SDKs, different analytics providers, new features that collect data, push notifications, or in-app purchases. Also update when Apple or Google change their privacy requirements. At minimum, review your policy with every app update that modifies permissions or data flows.
Related Resources
Privacy Policy for Apps
Complete guide to app privacy policy requirements
Privacy Policy for Mobile Apps
Everything mobile developers need to know
Do Mobile Apps Need a Privacy Policy?
When and why mobile apps require a privacy policy
Apple App Store Privacy Requirements
Apple-specific privacy compliance for iOS apps
Privacy Policy for Google Play
Google Play data safety and policy requirements
iOS App Privacy Policy Template
Template tailored for Apple App Store submissions
Android App Privacy Policy Template
Template tailored for Google Play submissions
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