TidyFiles privacy policy
Summary
Tidy Files is a file manager and cleaner. It works on your device. It has no account system, does not upload your files, and the publisher does not receive your files, file names, folder names or lists of what you own. The only data that leaves your device comes from the Google AdMob advertising library, described under "Advertising" below.
Data on your device
| What | Why | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Permission to the folders you picked (managed by Android; the app keeps the folder addresses) | So the folders are still available next time | Android system and app storage; you can remove a folder in Browse > Access |
| Settings: tile layout, colour and theme, sort order, recycle-bin retention and size limit, the total from your last cleaner scan | To remember your preferences | App-private storage |
| Recycle-bin copies of files you chose to delete, and a small index of their names and original folders | To let you restore them | App-private storage |
| Temporary cache files | Normal app and ad-library operation | App cache; clear it in Cleaner > App cache |
This information is excluded from Android backup. The publisher cannot see it.
What the app does with your files
Tidy Files uses Android's Storage Access Framework (the system folder picker) and the media library. It does not request "all files access" (MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE). It can only open folders you choose, and media files after you allow media access.
- Browsing, search, copy, move, rename, delete, share: done on your device. Sharing hands the selected files to the app you pick in Android's share sheet; Tidy Files does not choose the recipient and does not keep a copy.
- Storage, Recent, Albums, Downloads, Largest files: read file names, sizes, dates and folder names from Android's media library to show lists and totals on your screen. These results are not stored or sent anywhere.
- Cleaner: scans folders you choose, or the media library, for large, old or duplicate files and empty folders. Duplicates are found by comparing file sizes and cryptographic fingerprints (SHA-256) calculated on your device while the scan runs; the fingerprints are discarded when the scan ends. Nothing is deleted until you confirm.
- Archive: creates and extracts zip files and calculates MD5, SHA-1 and SHA-256 checksums locally. Archive entries with unsafe paths are skipped.
- Trash: when you choose the recycle-bin option, a copy of the deleted item is kept in the app's private storage so you can restore it. Items stay there until you delete them or uninstall the app. Android's own system trash (Android 11 and newer) is managed by Android; Tidy Files only asks Android to move items there or restore them.
Advertising and consent
The app shows a banner ad on its home screen only, never inside file tools or while a file operation is running. Ads are served by Google AdMob. Google may collect and use device identifiers (such as the advertising ID), IP address and approximate location derived from it, ad interactions and diagnostics to serve, measure and protect ads. Where the law requires it (for example the EEA, UK and some US states), the app first shows Google's consent form (User Messaging Platform) and you can change your choice later in the app under Customize, then Ad privacy choices. The app does not give the advertising library any file names, folder names or file contents. See Google's advertising policies and Google's Privacy Policy.
Retention and deletion
You control all app data: remove folder access in Browse > Access, empty the recycle bin in Trash, clear the cache in Cleaner, or uninstall the app to remove everything it stored. The publisher holds no copy of your data, so there is nothing to request from the publisher. For data held by Google through advertising, use Google's own controls (Settings > Google > Ads on your device).
Permissions
- Photos and videos (
READ_MEDIA_IMAGES,READ_MEDIA_VIDEO), music and audio (READ_MEDIA_AUDIO), and on Android 14 and newer "selected photos" access (READ_MEDIA_VISUAL_USER_SELECTED): requested only when you open a screen that lists the media library (Storage > Media and Largest, Recent, Trash > System trash, and the media part of Cleaner). Used to read file names, sizes and dates and to show thumbnails. You can decline; Browse, Archive and the folder tools still work. READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE(Android 12L and older only): the same purpose on versions before the photo and video permissions existed.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE(Android 9 and older only): lets you delete media files that other apps created, which those versions of Android only allow with this permission. Newer versions use Android's own confirmation screens instead.INTERNETandACCESS_NETWORK_STATE: used only by the advertising library to load ads. No file feature needs the network.
The app never asks for contacts, SMS, call log, location, microphone or camera permissions.
Sharing
The publisher does not sell personal information and does not share it with third parties, except that the Google AdMob library operates as described above. Files leave the device only when you explicitly use Share and pick a destination app.
Security
Files are processed on your device. Recycle-bin copies are held in private app storage that other apps cannot read. Archive extraction rejects entries that would write outside the destination folder and stops on archives that expand abnormally large.
Children
Tidy Files is not directed at children under 13 (or the equivalent minimum age in your country) and is not designed to be used by them.
Changes to this policy
If this policy changes, the new version will be posted at the same address with a new date.
Contact
SumClarTech - Sumclartech@gmail.com