Family Tree Privacy Policy
Updated November 2, 2026
Family Tree keeps your family history on your phone. This policy explains what information the app handles, what is processed by the Google services that support it, and the choices you have.
At a glance
- No account or sign-up. Digital AI Labs does not run a server that stores your trees.
- Your trees, photos and reminders are saved on your device and in backup locations you choose.
- The free version shows ads from Google AdMob. Where the law requires it, you're asked for consent first.
- We use Google Firebase to understand which features are used and to fix crashes. We don't send your tree's contents to Firebase.
- Payments for Premium are handled by Google Play. We never see your card details.
Information stored on your device
Your trees, including names, dates, places, events, notes, sources, contact details you add for relatives, reminders and settings, are stored in the app's private storage on your device. Photos and other files you attach are copied into the app's own storage on your device or, on Android 12 and earlier, linked from where they already are. Digital AI Labs cannot see or access any of it.
You choose each file with Android's picker. On Android 13 and later, the app gets only the files or folders you choose. On Android 12 and earlier, it asks for storage permission, which lets it read your device's shared storage; it uses this only for the files and folders you add. If you take a photo, the app uses your camera app and receives only the picture you take. If you add an image from a web link, or open a GEDCOM file that contains web links to images, the app downloads those images from the addresses given.
Backups
- Backups you make. Manual backups, and automatic backups with Premium, are saved as ZIP files in a folder you choose. Where that folder is synced (for example, to a cloud drive) depends on your own device settings.
- Android backup. If Android backup is turned on for your device, Android may include Family Tree's data in your device backup in your Google account. This is managed by Google under your Google account settings, and a copy can remain there after you uninstall the app.
Information you choose to share
- Sharing a tree. When you share a tree, the app creates a file and opens Android's share sheet. The tree goes only to the app and the people you choose.
- Exports. GEDCOM, ZIP, PDF and image exports are saved where you choose.
- Picking from your contacts. Android's contact picker gives Family Tree only the number or email you choose. The app doesn't read your other contacts. "Save to phone contacts" opens your Contacts app with the relative's name, number and email filled in.
- Calls, messages, email and maps. If you call, message or email a relative, or open a place on a map, Family Tree passes the number, address or place name to the app you use for that, such as your phone app, WhatsApp or Google Maps.
- Emailing us. If you contact us from the app, the email is pre-filled with your device manufacturer and model, Android version, app version and whether you have Premium, so we can help. You can edit or remove this before sending.
Google services used by the app
Family Tree uses the following services provided by Google. They collect some information automatically from your device. We don't send your tree's contents to any of them.
| Service | What it's used for | Information it processes |
|---|---|---|
| Google AdMob and User Messaging Platform | Showing ads in the free version, measuring them, preventing fraud, and asking for consent where required | Advertising ID, IP address, device and app information, ad interactions, consent choices |
| Firebase Analytics | Understanding which screens and features are used, so we can improve the app | App instance ID, advertising ID where available, screens viewed and features used, in-app purchase events, device model, Android version, approximate region |
| Firebase Crashlytics | Finding and fixing crashes | Crash logs and error messages, device state, app version |
| Firebase Performance Monitoring | Measuring how quickly the app starts and responds | Performance timings, device and network type |
| Firebase Cloud Messaging | Receiving occasional messages from us. Your reminders are scheduled on your device. | A messaging token for your app installation |
| Google Play Billing | Processing Premium purchases and subscriptions | Purchase status and token. Payment details stay with Google. |
| Google Play In-App Review | Showing Google Play's rating card | Your rating goes to Google Play. The app doesn't see it. |
| Google Play In-App Updates and Install Referrer | Offering updates and understanding how the app was installed | App version and install source |
You can read how Google uses this information at policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites.
Ads and your choices
If you're in the European Economic Area, the UK, Switzerland or a US state where it's required, Family Tree asks for your consent before ads are loaded, and you can change your choice at any time in Settings › Ad privacy choices. You can also reset or delete your advertising ID in your device's Google settings. With Premium, the ads service isn't started at all.
Permissions
- Notifications and alarms to remind you of birthdays, anniversaries and other events at the time you choose, including after your phone restarts.
- Storage (Android 12 and earlier only) to attach files and link media folders.
- Biometrics for App lock. Android handles the check, and the app never receives your fingerprint or face data.
- Advertising ID for ads and analytics in the free version.
- Internet for ads, analytics, performance and crash reports, purchases, downloading images from links, and the optional sample tree.
How we use information
We use the information described above only to run the app, show ads in the free version, process purchases, fix problems, understand which features are useful, and reply to you when you contact us. We don't sell your personal information.
Keeping and deleting your information
You can delete any person, photo, tree or backup in the app. Deleting a tree removes its file, its copied media and its reminders. Uninstalling Family Tree removes the data stored in the app's storage, but not backups or exports you saved elsewhere, or a copy in your Android backup. Information processed by Google services is kept according to Google's retention policies. To ask about information related to you, email us.
Children
Family Tree is made for a general audience and is not directed at children under 13. We don't knowingly collect personal information from children.
Security
Your tree stays in app storage that other apps can't read. You can lock Family Tree with your fingerprint, face or screen lock. App lock doesn't cover home-screen widgets or notifications, which can show names, birthdays and phone numbers.
Your rights
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete or restrict the use of your personal information, and to object to its processing. Because we don't hold your tree on a server, most of these rights can be exercised directly in the app. For anything else, email us and we'll respond within 30 days.
Changes to this policy
If we change this policy, we'll update it on this page and change the date at the top. Significant changes will also be mentioned in the app's release notes.
Contact
Digital AI Labs
digitalailabs@gmail.com