PlainThread privacy policy
This policy covers the PlainThread Android app (“PlainThread”), which turns a chat export file or an SMS backup file into a PDF. In short: PlainThread does not collect, sell or share any data. It has no account, no ads, no analytics and no tracking. The app does not even have permission to use the internet.
Information the app handles
- Chat export files (.txt or .zip) and SMS/MMS backup files (.xml) that you open in the app or share to it, and the names of any media files shared with them.
- The messages, names, phone numbers, dates and times inside those files, so they can be laid out as a PDF.
- The PDF you create, and the title or exhibit label you type for it.
Files are read on your phone. While a chat is open, a working copy is kept in the app's private cache; it is deleted when you close the chat, and any leftovers are cleared the next time the app starts. Chats are never sent to the developer or anyone else. Media files shared alongside an export are not copied: the app only reads their names and computes a SHA-256 fingerprint for the optional record page.
Text messages
PlainThread does not ask for permission to read your SMS or contacts. It only reads a backup file that you made with another app and chose to open in PlainThread.
Sharing
A PDF leaves your phone only when you choose to share, save or print it, and only to the app or place you pick.
Purchases
PlainThread is completely free. It has no in-app purchases and no billing or payment code.
Other people's messages
Chat exports contain messages from other people. PlainThread processes them only on your phone, at your request, and keeps nothing afterwards. Use it for conversations you are part of.
What we don't do
- We don't collect personal or sensitive information.
- We don't sell or transfer user data to third parties.
- We don't show ads or use advertising IDs.
- We don't use analytics or crash-reporting services.
Not affiliated
PlainThread works with chat files exported from WhatsApp and with SMS backup files. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by WhatsApp, Meta or any SMS backup app.
Children
The app is not directed at children under 13 and does not knowingly collect information from anyone.
Changes
If this policy changes, the updated version will be posted on this page with a new date.
Contact
Questions or requests: open an issue on GitHub or email tmosby137@gmail.com.