Who we are

Rewire is a screen-time and digital wellbeing application for iOS, developed and published as an indie app. When this policy refers to "Rewire," "we," "us," or "our," it means the Rewire app and its developer.

If you have questions about this policy or anything privacy-related, the best and fastest way to reach us is:

What data we collect

The honest answer is: almost none. Here's the complete picture.

Data processed on-device only (never sent anywhere):

• Screen time duration and pickup counts — via Apple's DeviceActivity framework, processed entirely on your device
• App usage details (which apps you use, for how long) — readable only within the DeviceActivityReport extension sandbox on your device
• Block settings, schedules, and daily limits you create
• Your display name, daily goal, and onboarding responses
• Streak data and usage history stored in App Group UserDefaults on your device
• Todo tasks you add to the home screen

Data Apple collects on our behalf (we never see it):

• App Store purchase and subscription transactions — handled entirely by Apple Pay and the App Store infrastructure
• Crash reports, if you have opted in to sharing analytics with app developers in your iOS Settings

We do not collect:

• Your name, email address, or any account credentials
• Advertising identifiers (IDFA) or any cross-app tracking data
• Location data
• Contact information or address book data
• Camera or microphone data
• Any analytics beyond what Apple optionally provides through App Store Connect (aggregate, anonymized install counts)

How we use your information

Because we collect so little, there isn't much to say here. The data that lives on your device is used for exactly one thing: making the app work for you. Specifically:

• Your screen-time history is used to calculate insights, trends, streaks, and comparisons shown in the app
• Your block settings and schedules are used to activate and deactivate shields on your device
• Your onboarding responses and goals are used to personalise the app experience and your pledge
• Cached usage figures are used to show your home screen dashboard without waiting for the Screen Time report to load

None of this information is processed on our servers. It all stays on your iPhone.

Sharing and disclosure

We do not sell your data. We do not trade your data. We do not rent your data. We don't share your data with advertisers, data brokers, analytics companies, or anyone else.

The only circumstances in which information might be shared are:

• Apple: In-app purchases and subscriptions are processed by Apple's App Store. Apple's Privacy Policy governs that transaction. We receive no financial data, card numbers, or personally identifiable information from this process.
• Legal obligation: If we are legally required by a court order or equivalent legal process to disclose information, we will. We will tell you if we are able to do so before complying.
• Business transfer: If Rewire is acquired or merged, any user data would transfer as part of that transaction. We would notify you prominently before that happened and give you the opportunity to delete your data first.

Screen Time permission

Rewire requests Apple's Family Controls (Screen Time) authorization when you first open the app. This is required by Apple for any app that reads device usage data or blocks other apps.

Granting this permission allows Rewire to:

• Read your daily screen time totals and pickup counts (via DeviceActivity framework)
• Block selected apps and websites during active blocks (via ManagedSettings framework)
• Monitor whether daily time limits have been reached (via DeviceActivityMonitor extension)

This permission does not allow us to read the content of your messages, emails, photos, or any other personal content. It is scoped specifically to app usage durations and blocking capability.

You can revoke this permission at any time in iOS Settings → Screen Time → [your name] → Family Controls. Doing so will disable Rewire's blocking features but will not delete your in-app data.

Data retention

Because your data lives on your device, you are in control of retention. Rewire stores:

• Screen time history: rolling 30-day window, automatically archived daily
• Block history: indefinite, until you delete it
• Onboarding data and preferences: indefinite, until you delete it

You can wipe all Rewire data at any time via Settings → Delete My Data inside the app. This is a permanent, irreversible action that clears all keys from App Group UserDefaults, resets Core Data, and returns you to the onboarding flow.

Uninstalling the app from your device also removes all associated App Group data.

Children's privacy

Rewire is designed for adults who want to manage their own screen time. The app is rated 4+ on the App Store but is intended for users aged 13 and over, in line with Apple's App Store guidelines.

We do not knowingly collect any information from children. Because we collect no personal data from any user, this is largely a non-issue — but if you are a parent and believe your child has used Rewire in a way that concerns you, please contact us at studios.rewire@gmail.com.

Your rights

Because your data lives on your device and we hold no personal data on our servers, most traditional data-subject rights (access, portability, erasure) are exercised directly through the app:

• Access: Your data is visible to you directly inside Rewire — the insights, history, and settings screens are your data.
• Erasure: Settings → Delete My Data removes everything instantly.
• Portability: We don't store your data, so there's nothing to export from our end. Your screen time data itself belongs to Apple's Screen Time system.

If you are in the EU or UK and believe we have somehow collected personal data governed by GDPR or UK GDPR, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. Please reach out to us first — we'd prefer to resolve it directly.

Third-party services

Rewire integrates with the following Apple platform services only:

• Apple Screen Time (DeviceActivity, ManagedSettings, FamilyControls): Core framework for reading usage and setting blocks. Apple's Developer documentation and Privacy Policy govern this framework.
• Apple App Store / StoreKit: Handles all subscription purchases and trial management. We receive no financial data.
• Apple Push Notification Service (APNs): Used to deliver optional block-start and block-end notifications. Notification content is generated locally; we do not use a remote notification server.
• Apple UserDefaults / App Groups: Used to share data between the main app and its Screen Time extensions, entirely on-device.

We do not integrate any third-party analytics SDKs, advertising networks, crash reporters (beyond Apple's optional aggregate crash reporting), or social login providers.

Security

Because we don't run servers that store your personal data, there is no central database for hackers to target. Your screen time data sits in your device's secure storage, protected by iOS's built-in encryption and your device passcode or biometrics.

App Group data (used to communicate between the main app and Screen Time extensions) is sandboxed by Apple's OS and inaccessible to other apps.

If you discover a security vulnerability in Rewire, please disclose it responsibly to studios.rewire@gmail.com. We take security seriously and will respond promptly.

Changes to this policy

If we make material changes to this Privacy Policy, we will notify you inside the app at next launch, and update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Minor clarifications and non-material updates may be made without notice.

Continuing to use Rewire after a change is posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

The current version of this policy is always available at rewirefocus.app/privacy and inside the app under Settings → Privacy Policy.

Get in touch

Privacy questions, concerns, or just want to say hi — we read every email.

Who this applies to

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Rewire application ("App") on iPhone and any related services provided by Rewire ("we," "us," "our"). By downloading, installing, or using Rewire, you agree to these Terms in full.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use the App.

Rewire is available only on iOS (iPhone running iOS 16.0 or later) through the Apple App Store. These Terms apply to that App only.

Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old to use Rewire. By using the App, you confirm that you meet this requirement.

To purchase a Rewire subscription, you must be at least 18 years old, or have the permission of a parent or guardian. All purchases are subject to Apple's App Store Terms of Service.

The App and what it does

Rewire is a digital wellbeing tool that helps you manage screen time on your iPhone. The App uses Apple's Screen Time framework (DeviceActivity, ManagedSettings, and FamilyControls) to:

• Block or limit selected apps and websites during periods you define
• Show you statistics about your screen time and pickup frequency
• Track streaks and progress toward personal goals you set
• Deliver optional notifications about your block status

The App is a tool to support your own intentions. It is not a medical device, a therapy service, or a substitute for professional mental health support. If you are experiencing significant difficulties with technology addiction or digital dependency, we encourage you to seek support from a qualified professional.

Free trial and subscription

Rewire is available to download and try for free. During the trial period, you have access to the full feature set so you can experience the app before committing.

After the trial period ends, a paid subscription is required to continue using premium features. Subscription options, pricing, and trial duration are displayed clearly in the App and on the App Store listing. We may offer monthly or annual plans.

Billing: All subscriptions are billed through the Apple App Store. Your payment method on file with Apple is charged at the end of the trial or at the start of each billing cycle. We never see your payment information.

Auto-renewal: Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period.

Price changes: If we change subscription pricing, we will give you at least 30 days' notice inside the App and via the App Store. Continuing your subscription after a price change takes effect constitutes acceptance.

Refunds: All refund requests are handled by Apple under their App Store refund policy. We do not process refunds directly. To request a refund, use Apple's reportaproblem.apple.com service or contact Apple Support.

Cancellation

You can cancel your subscription at any time. Cancelling stops future billing but does not provide a refund for the current billing period — you retain access until the period ends.

To cancel:

• Open iOS Settings → [your name] → Subscriptions → Rewire
• Or open the App Store → your account → Subscriptions

After cancellation, Rewire continues to work — your blocks, schedules, and data remain on your device. If you restart a subscription later, everything picks up where you left off.

Required permissions

Rewire requires the following iOS permissions to function:

• Screen Time (Family Controls): Required to block apps and read usage data. Without this, the App cannot function. This permission can be granted or revoked in iOS Settings at any time.
• Notifications (optional): Used to notify you when a block starts or ends. You can decline this without affecting blocking functionality.

Rewire does not request access to your camera, microphone, location, contacts, photos, or any other sensitive device capabilities. If a future update requires a new permission, we will explain why before requesting it.

Acceptable use

Rewire is a personal productivity tool. You agree not to use it to:

• Attempt to reverse-engineer, decompile, or extract the App's source code
• Modify, adapt, or create derivative works of the App without our written permission
• Use the App in any way that violates Apple's App Store Terms of Service or Developer Program License Agreement
• Attempt to circumvent, disable, or interfere with any security or access-control features of the App
• Use the App to block or monitor another person's device without their explicit consent
• Misrepresent the App or your relationship with us

Rewire is designed for individual, personal use on your own device. It is not designed or intended for use as a parental control tool to monitor or restrict another person's device without their knowledge.

Intellectual property

Rewire, its name, its happy brain mascot, all UI designs, copy, icons, and associated branding are owned by or exclusively licensed to us. All rights reserved.

Your subscription grants you a personal, non-transferable, non-exclusive, revocable license to use the App on your Apple devices for personal, non-commercial purposes only. This license does not include the right to:

• Resell, sublicense, or redistribute the App or any part of it
• Use any Rewire branding, name, or mascot without our written permission
• Copy any App content for commercial purposes

Disclaimer of warranties

Rewire is provided "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not warrant that:

• The App will function without interruption or error at all times
• The App will be compatible with every iOS update Apple releases
• Blocking features will be 100% effective in all scenarios (Apple's Screen Time framework has known limitations, including around system apps and iOS beta releases)
• Your screen time will decrease as a result of using the App — that's ultimately up to you

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we exclude all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Rewire and its developer will not be liable for any:

• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the App
• Loss of data, content, or progress resulting from App errors, iOS updates, or device changes
• Damages resulting from your inability to access the App or a subscription lapse
• Any third-party actions or content

In any case, our maximum aggregate liability to you shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim.

Some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of implied warranties or liability for incidental damages, so some of the above may not apply to you.

App Store terms

Rewire is distributed through the Apple App Store. Your use of the App Store is governed by Apple's Terms of Service. In the event of any conflict between these Terms and Apple's terms, Apple's terms govern with respect to the App Store relationship.

Apple is not a party to these Terms and bears no responsibility for Rewire or its content. Any claims related to the App — product liability, legal compliance, consumer protection — are the sole responsibility of Rewire's developer, not Apple.

Termination

You may stop using Rewire at any time by deleting the App and cancelling your subscription.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate access to the App if we believe you are using it in violation of these Terms. In that event, your subscription will be cancelled and you may request a pro-rata refund through Apple.

We also reserve the right to discontinue Rewire at any time. If we do, we will provide reasonable notice and pro-rata refunds for unused subscription periods through Apple's systems.

Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you inside the App before the changes take effect and update the date at the top of this page.

Your continued use of Rewire after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not accept the new Terms, you should stop using the App and cancel your subscription.

Governing law and disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of India, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of Rewire will be resolved through good-faith negotiation first. If that fails, disputes will be submitted to binding arbitration, except where prohibited by law.

Nothing in these Terms prevents you from exercising any statutory rights you have under the laws of your country of residence.

Contact us

Questions about these Terms? We prefer to talk like humans.