Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how Messages: SMS Texting & MMS ("the App") handles your information. By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
The App operates primarily as a Default SMS and MMS Handler to send, receive, and manage carrier-based text and multimedia messages.
1. Information We Collect and How We Use It
To deliver messaging services and supporting features, the App requests access to specific device permissions:
SMS & MMS Data (READ_SMS, SEND_SMS, RECEIVE_SMS, RECEIVE_MMS, RECEIVE_WAP_PUSH): Required to display your inbox, send new texts, receive incoming messages, and function as your default SMS handler.
Contacts (READ_CONTACTS): Used locally to display contact names and photos next to your conversations and allow you to select recipients easily.
Camera (CAMERA): Accessed exclusively when you choose to take a photo or video directly within the App to send as an MMS attachment.
Microphone (RECORD_AUDIO): Used solely when you choose to record a voice message or audio clip to send within a chat thread.
Phone State (READ_PHONE_STATE): Used to check cellular network status, determine SIM card availability, and manage messaging behavior during phone calls.
Display Over Other Apps (SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW): Allows the App to display quick-reply popups or floating message windows over other applications for convenient messaging.
Notifications & Background Operations (POST_NOTIFICATIONS, FOREGROUND_SERVICE, RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED, VIBRATE): Allows the App to alert you to incoming messages, reschedule pending or scheduled messages upon device reboot, and handle background message processing.
Biometric Data (androidx.biometric): If you enable biometric security features within the App, authentication is handled entirely by your device’s native Android operating system. The App does not collect, store, or transmit your biometric fingerprint or facial data.
2. Advertising, Analytics, and Third-Party SDKs
The App integrates trusted third-party SDKs and libraries to serve advertisements, monitor app stability, analyze usage, and support multimedia rendering:
Google Mobile Ads (AdMob) & Advertising ID (AD_ID):
We use the Google Mobile Ads SDK to display advertisements. AdMob may use your device's Advertising ID (com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID) to serve personalized or non-personalized ads, prevent ad fraud, and limit ad frequency.
Firebase Services (Google LLC):
Firebase Analytics & Performance Monitoring (firebase-perf): Collects anonymous usage statistics and performance metrics to help us optimize app speed and responsiveness.
Firebase Crashlytics: Collects anonymized crash logs, stack traces, and device diagnostic information to help us fix bugs and improve stability.
Firebase Cloud Messaging (firebase-messaging): Used to deliver push notifications and real-time alerts to your device.
Firebase Remote Config: Allows us to dynamically update app configurations and feature settings without requiring a full app update.
Google Maps Services (com.google.android.geo.API_KEY):
Used to display map interfaces when viewing or sharing location-based multimedia content.
Glide Image Loading Library:
Processes and caches local contact photos and MMS image attachments efficiently on your device. It does not collect or transmit personal data.
3. Data Storage, Transmission, and Security
Local Storage: Your SMS messages, MMS attachments, and contact details remain stored locally on your device in standard system databases.
Network Transmission: Standard SMS/MMS messages are transmitted through your mobile carrier. Data processed by Firebase and Google Services (analytics, ads, crash reports) is encrypted in transit using standard HTTPS/TLS protocols.
No Selling of Data: Personal communication data—including your messages, contacts, photos, and voice notes—is never sold, rented, or traded to third parties or data brokers.
4. Advertising Preferences & Opt-Out
You can manage or reset your Advertising ID and opt out of personalized interest-based advertising at any time through your Android device settings:
Go to Settings > Google > Ads > Reset advertising ID or Delete advertising ID.
5. Children's Privacy
The App is a general-audience communication tool and is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
6. Updates to This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in app features, permissions, or legal requirements. You are advised to review this page periodically for any changes.
7. Contact Us
If you have questions, feedback, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us using the developer contact information available on our Google Play Store listing page.
The App operates primarily as a Default SMS and MMS Handler to send, receive, and manage carrier-based text and multimedia messages.
1. Information We Collect and How We Use It
To deliver messaging services and supporting features, the App requests access to specific device permissions:
SMS & MMS Data (READ_SMS, SEND_SMS, RECEIVE_SMS, RECEIVE_MMS, RECEIVE_WAP_PUSH): Required to display your inbox, send new texts, receive incoming messages, and function as your default SMS handler.
Contacts (READ_CONTACTS): Used locally to display contact names and photos next to your conversations and allow you to select recipients easily.
Camera (CAMERA): Accessed exclusively when you choose to take a photo or video directly within the App to send as an MMS attachment.
Microphone (RECORD_AUDIO): Used solely when you choose to record a voice message or audio clip to send within a chat thread.
Phone State (READ_PHONE_STATE): Used to check cellular network status, determine SIM card availability, and manage messaging behavior during phone calls.
Display Over Other Apps (SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW): Allows the App to display quick-reply popups or floating message windows over other applications for convenient messaging.
Notifications & Background Operations (POST_NOTIFICATIONS, FOREGROUND_SERVICE, RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED, VIBRATE): Allows the App to alert you to incoming messages, reschedule pending or scheduled messages upon device reboot, and handle background message processing.
Biometric Data (androidx.biometric): If you enable biometric security features within the App, authentication is handled entirely by your device’s native Android operating system. The App does not collect, store, or transmit your biometric fingerprint or facial data.
2. Advertising, Analytics, and Third-Party SDKs
The App integrates trusted third-party SDKs and libraries to serve advertisements, monitor app stability, analyze usage, and support multimedia rendering:
Google Mobile Ads (AdMob) & Advertising ID (AD_ID):
We use the Google Mobile Ads SDK to display advertisements. AdMob may use your device's Advertising ID (com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID) to serve personalized or non-personalized ads, prevent ad fraud, and limit ad frequency.
Firebase Services (Google LLC):
Firebase Analytics & Performance Monitoring (firebase-perf): Collects anonymous usage statistics and performance metrics to help us optimize app speed and responsiveness.
Firebase Crashlytics: Collects anonymized crash logs, stack traces, and device diagnostic information to help us fix bugs and improve stability.
Firebase Cloud Messaging (firebase-messaging): Used to deliver push notifications and real-time alerts to your device.
Firebase Remote Config: Allows us to dynamically update app configurations and feature settings without requiring a full app update.
Google Maps Services (com.google.android.geo.API_KEY):
Used to display map interfaces when viewing or sharing location-based multimedia content.
Glide Image Loading Library:
Processes and caches local contact photos and MMS image attachments efficiently on your device. It does not collect or transmit personal data.
3. Data Storage, Transmission, and Security
Local Storage: Your SMS messages, MMS attachments, and contact details remain stored locally on your device in standard system databases.
Network Transmission: Standard SMS/MMS messages are transmitted through your mobile carrier. Data processed by Firebase and Google Services (analytics, ads, crash reports) is encrypted in transit using standard HTTPS/TLS protocols.
No Selling of Data: Personal communication data—including your messages, contacts, photos, and voice notes—is never sold, rented, or traded to third parties or data brokers.
4. Advertising Preferences & Opt-Out
You can manage or reset your Advertising ID and opt out of personalized interest-based advertising at any time through your Android device settings:
Go to Settings > Google > Ads > Reset advertising ID or Delete advertising ID.
5. Children's Privacy
The App is a general-audience communication tool and is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
6. Updates to This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in app features, permissions, or legal requirements. You are advised to review this page periodically for any changes.
7. Contact Us
If you have questions, feedback, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us using the developer contact information available on our Google Play Store listing page.