5sec - Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for 5sec

Last Updated: February 2026

SelfApp Labs built the 5sec app as a mindfulness tool to help users develop more intentional app usage habits. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our Service.

By using 5sec, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Service.

Overview

5sec is a mindfulness app that helps you pause before opening selected apps. When you attempt to open a monitored app, 5sec displays a brief pause screen with a reflection message, encouraging you to consider whether opening that app is intentional.

All of the following information is stored exclusively on your device and is never transmitted to our servers or third parties:

Information Stored Locally on Your Device

• App Selection: The list of apps you choose to monitor
• Usage Statistics:
• Total number of pauses shown
• Number of successful pauses (where you waited)
• Number of continued opens (where you proceeded after the pause)
• Per-app statistics

Information Collected by Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect certain information:

1. Sentry (Error Tracking)

• Purpose: To identify and fix app crashes and errors
• Data Collected:
• Error logs and stack traces
• Device information (model, OS version)
• App version and configuration
• Component tags for error context
• Privacy Policy: https://sentry.io/privacy/

2. Firebase (Analytics, Crash Reporting, Authentication, User Feedback)

• Purpose: To understand how users interact with the app, improve the user experience, collect and manage user feedback and app ratings, and provide anonymous authentication
• Data Collected:
• App usage events (anonymized)
• Device information
• App version
• Anonymous authentication tokens (no personal identity information)
• User-submitted feedback and ratings (stored in Firebase Realtime Database)
• Optional email address (only if you choose to provide it when submitting feedback)
• Privacy Policy: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy

3. RevenueCat (Android Only — In-App Purchase Management)

• Purpose: To manage Pro subscription purchases and restore purchases
• Data Collected:
• Purchase transaction information
• Subscription status
• Device identifiers (for purchase verification)
• Privacy Policy: https://www.revenuecat.com/privacy

4. Google Play Services (Android Only — App Distribution and Billing)

• Purpose: App distribution and in-app purchase processing
• Data Collected:
• Purchase information
• Device information
• Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

5. Apple App Store (iOS Only — App Distribution)

• Purpose: App distribution
• Data Collected:
• Device information
• Privacy Policy: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/

How the App Monitors Your App Usage

5sec needs to detect when you open apps in order to show you the pause screen. The method varies by platform:

On Android: Accessibility Service

5sec uses Android's Accessibility Service to detect when you open apps on your device.

What the Service Does:

• Monitors app launches in real-time
• Detects when you open a monitored app
• Displays the pause overlay automatically

What the Service Does NOT Do:

• Does not read or transmit the content of your apps
• Does not capture screenshots
• Does not log keystrokes or passwords
• Does not access personal data within other apps
• Only monitors package names (app identifiers), not app content

Data Access:

• The service only accesses package names (e.g., "com.instagram.android") to identify which app you're opening
• This information is processed locally and is not transmitted anywhere
• The service runs as a foreground service to ensure reliable operation

On iOS: Screen Time API (FamilyControls & DeviceActivity)

5sec uses Apple's Screen Time API framework (FamilyControls, ManagedSettings, and DeviceActivity) to manage app usage on your device.

What the Service Does:

• Uses Apple's built-in Screen Time framework to monitor app launches
• Applies managed settings to display the pause screen when you open a monitored app
• Schedules activity monitoring via DeviceActivity

What the Service Does NOT Do:

• Does not read or transmit the content of your apps
• Does not capture screenshots
• Does not log keystrokes or passwords
• Does not access personal data within other apps
• Does not have access to specific app usage data — Apple's Screen Time API is privacy-preserving by design and uses opaque tokens for app identification

Data Access:

• App selections are represented as opaque tokens managed by Apple's framework — 5sec cannot see or export the underlying app identifiers
• All monitoring is handled locally on your device through Apple's system-level APIs
• No app usage data is transmitted anywhere

How We Use Your Information

• To Provide the Service: Your locally stored preferences and monitored app list enable the pause feature to work
• To Improve the App: Error reports and analytics help us identify bugs and improve user experience
• To Respond to Feedback: When you submit feedback or ratings, we use the information to address your concerns and improve the app
• To Process Purchases: RevenueCat and Google Play Services process your Android subscription purchases securely

Data Storage and Security

• Local Data: All app preferences, monitored apps, and usage statistics are stored locally on your device. On Android, this uses Android's DataStore. On iOS, this uses UserDefaults and the device's local storage. This data never leaves your device.
• Remote Data: Only error reports, analytics, and voluntarily submitted feedback are transmitted to third-party services.
• Security: We use industry-standard security measures to protect data transmitted to third-party services. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

Data Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties (this is our first priority, we earn money through subscriptions). We only share data with:

• Third-party service providers listed above, who are contractually obligated to protect your data

Your Rights and Choices

• Delete Local Data: You can uninstall the app at any time, which will delete all locally stored data
• Disable App Monitoring:
• Android: Disable the accessibility service in Android Settings > Accessibility
• iOS: Revoke Screen Time access in Settings > Screen Time, or remove the app's authorization in Settings > 5sec
• Control Feedback: You choose whether to submit feedback or ratings, and can choose not to provide your email address

Children's Privacy

Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at selfapplabs@gmail.com.

International Users

If you are using our Service from outside your country, please note that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries where our third-party service providers operate. By using our Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notifying you through the app (for significant changes)

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: selfapplabs@gmail.com

We will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.