Your data, your phone.
TrailFree is built to be private by default. It has no account, no cloud, and no analytics. This page explains, in plain language, what that means.
A note before launch — TrailFree is still in development. This page is a working draft to be reviewed by a human (and to have a contact address added) before the app is published.
What we collect
Nothing. TrailFree has no sign-up and no user accounts, so there is nothing to send us — because there is no “us” to send it to. Your outings, routes, names, and settings are created and kept on your device.
Where your rides live
Every ride and hike you record is stored locally, in the app's own storage on your phone. It is not uploaded, backed up to a server, or synced to any cloud. If you uninstall the app, that data is removed with it — so export anything you want to keep first.
This on-device default is permanent. If we ever add optional features that need a server — such as a private club or an encrypted backup across your devices — they will be strictly opt-in, clearly marked, and off unless you turn them on. Using TrailFree on its own will never require an account or send your rides anywhere.
The one time TrailFree uses the network
To draw the map underneath your route, the app streams standard map tiles from OpenFreeMap (built on OpenStreetMap data). That request contains only what any map viewer needs to fetch the right tiles — it never includes your recorded tracks or personal data. Recording and your saved data work fully offline; only the map background needs a connection to fill in.
Permissions, and why
- Location — to record where your ride or hike goes. This is the core of the app.
- Foreground service (location) — to keep recording reliably while your screen is off and the phone is in your pocket.
- Physical activity — to count steps and help tell a ride from a hike. Optional; the app works without it.
- Notifications — for the recording status and any gentle reminders you choose to switch on. Off by default.
- Internet — only to stream the map tiles described above.
No trackers, no ads
There are no advertising networks and no third-party analytics or telemetry libraries in TrailFree. Your behaviour in the app is not measured, profiled, or sold.
You own your data
Any outing can be exported as a standard GPX file and shared wherever you like. Delete an outing and it's gone from your device. Your data is yours to keep, move, or remove at any time.
Changes
If this promise ever changes, the updated version will be posted here before it takes effect. Any new feature that touches the network will be opt-in, and we will not weaken the private, on-device default described above.
Contact
Questions about privacy? Reach us at hello@trailfree.app (placeholder — confirm before launch).