Effective date: August 1, 2026
JotWell Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to the JotWell apps for Android and iOS. JotWell is a local-first money tracker. There is no JotWell account, sign-in, bank connection, advertising, or cloud-sync service.
1. Data JotWell handles
JotWell stores the ledger data and preferences you create or choose inside the app. This can include transactions, categories, notes, tags, recurring rules, custom fields, app settings, currency, theme, notification settings, and App Lock preference.
Ledger data stays in JotWell's private app storage on your device. JotWell does not upload your ledger to a developer-operated server, connect to your bank, or sync your ledger through a JotWell cloud account.
On iOS, Apple's device or iCloud backup may include JotWell app data when you enable that system backup feature. Apple controls those backups under your account and settings; JotWell does not operate or access them. The Android app disables Android's automatic full-app backup and offers the explicit JSON backup controls described below.
2. Data collection and sharing
The JotWell iOS app does not collect, transmit, sell, or share personal or financial ledger data. It contains no analytics SDK, advertising SDK, or in-app feedback form.
The Android app's optional Share feedback feature sends only the name, optional email address, and message you enter to Formspree. It does not attach ledger entries, categories, notes, recurring rules, settings, backups, exported files, imported files, or SMS content.
JotWell has no ads, no bank connection, and no sign-in. SMS access is available only in the Android app's optional Import via SMS feature. The iOS app does not request or read SMS messages.
3. Imports, exports, and backups
JotWell imports data only after you choose a file. Supported imports can include JotWell JSON backups and compatible CSV or spreadsheet files from supported money apps. Manual exports create a JotWell JSON backup or CSV file only after you request one.
The Android and iOS apps also offer optional automated JSON backups. If you enable that feature, you choose the device folder and schedule. JotWell writes complete backup files to that folder. Android can request an operating-system alarm for the selected schedule. On iOS, JotWell checks after you open or return to the app. If the scheduled time has passed, it saves the backup then. Turn the schedule off in JotWell to stop future automated backups. Existing files remain in the selected folder until you delete them.
JotWell processes selected import files locally. Exported files leave JotWell's private app storage and are then controlled by the Files location, backup service, app, or sharing method you choose. Store and share exported files carefully because they may contain financial information.
On iOS, you can send selected text or a web link to JotWell through the system Share sheet. JotWell uses that text locally to prepare an editable entry. The app and its Share extension use Apple's App Group container to hand the selected text to JotWell. Pending shared text is protected with complete file protection and removed as soon as JotWell consumes it. Malformed or expired handoffs are also removed. JotWell does not access the clipboard programmatically or upload shared text.
4. Import via SMS on Android
Import via SMS exists only in the Android app. It is optional and off by default.
If you open this feature and grant permission, JotWell reads SMS inbox messages already stored on your Android device for the date range you select. It processes those messages locally to detect possible debit and credit entries and shows suggestions for your review.
JotWell does not upload SMS content. It does not keep full SMS message bodies after the scan. During review, it keeps only the parsed details needed to show suggestions, such as amount, date, merchant or note, entry type, and possible category.
JotWell does not add entries automatically from SMS. You choose which suggestions to import and can edit them before saving. The rest of JotWell remains usable if you decline SMS permission.
The JotWell iOS app has no SMS import, SMS scanning, SMS permissions, or SMS-related screens.
5. Voice entry
Voice entry is optional on Android and iOS. If you use it, JotWell asks for microphone and speech-recognition permission. Android uses the operating system's on-device speech recognizer. iOS configures Apple's Speech framework to require on-device recognition. Both apps turn the transcript into an editable draft for your review.
JotWell does not store the microphone recording, upload it to a developer-operated server, or save a transaction automatically. If on-device speech recognition is unavailable or you decline permission, you can continue with manual entry.
6. Notifications
JotWell offers optional Smart Updates and Daily Reminder notifications. These are scheduled locally on your device. You can turn them off in JotWell or manage notification permission in system settings.
7. App Lock
JotWell can optionally require device authentication when opening the app. Android handles biometric authentication on Android. On iOS, Apple handles Face ID, Touch ID, or device-passcode authentication. JotWell receives only the success or failure result and does not collect, store, or receive fingerprints, face data, passcodes, or other biometric identifiers.
JotWell can show summary data in a home-screen widget and optional local notification. When App Lock is on, use JotWell's privacy settings and the operating system's lock-screen settings to control whether those surfaces show financial details while the device is locked.
On iOS, the app writes a limited widget snapshot to its protected App Group container so the Widget extension can display the metrics you configure. The snapshot contains aggregate values and display labels needed by the widget, not the full ledger. JotWell redacts those values when App Lock is on unless you enable widget details while locked. The App Group container is local to JotWell and its extensions; it is not a cloud-sync or developer-operated service.
8. Retention and deletion
Ledger data remains in JotWell's private app storage until you edit it, delete it, replace it through an import you choose, clear app storage, or uninstall the app. On iOS, deleted entries remain in Trash for up to seven days unless you restore them or delete them permanently sooner.
Exported JSON, CSV, spreadsheet, and automated-backup files remain wherever you saved them until you delete them from that location. JotWell removes only abandoned hidden temporary files left by an interrupted automated-backup write; it does not automatically delete completed backup files.
Android feedback submissions may be retained by the developer and Formspree so they can be read and answered. To request deletion of an Android feedback submission, contact madebykishore@gmail.com.
9. Security
JotWell relies on the operating system's app sandbox and your device security settings to protect local ledger data. Optional App Lock adds a device-authentication check before displaying the ledger.
No method of local storage is guaranteed to prevent every form of device compromise or data loss. Keep the operating system updated, protect the device with a passcode, and keep any exported files in a trusted location.
10. Privacy-policy webpage
The JotWell apps do not contain analytics. The public JotWell website uses Vercel Web Analytics, which is separate from the apps. When you visit the website, page-view data is sent to Vercel for aggregate website statistics. Depending on the page view, this can include the timestamp, page path, filtered query parameters, referrer, approximate location, browser, operating system, and device type. Vercel states that Web Analytics does not use cookies, stores anonymized aggregate data, and discards its daily visitor identifier after 24 hours. Website analytics does not receive JotWell ledger data. See Vercel's Web Analytics privacy information.
11. Contact
For support, privacy questions, or an Android feedback-deletion request, contact madebykishore@gmail.com.