Last updated: April 28, 2026

BackBy is designed to work on-device first. The app does not require an account, does not use advertising, does not track users across apps or websites, and does not operate a developer-run server for normal app use.

Data BackBy Uses

BackBy uses the following information to provide its core features.

Location

BackBy uses your location to show your current position, choose a return target, estimate travel time back to that target, and alert you when it is time to return.

During an active session, BackBy may request Always location access so it can keep return estimates and alerts working more reliably while your phone is locked or the app is in the background. Location tracking is intended for active BackBy sessions and stops when the session ends.

BackBy may store active session information locally on your device so an interrupted session can resume after relaunch. This can include the selected target, travel mode, timing settings, ETA quality, and recent session state.

Motion Activity

BackBy may use motion activity during active sessions, especially Transit sessions, to help decide when a return ETA should be refreshed. This helps avoid unnecessary route checks while you are already moving between stops.

Notifications, Alarms, and Live Activities

BackBy uses local notifications, AlarmKit, and Live Activities to show return reminders, status, and time-sensitive alerts. These alerts may include session details such as return status, ETA, target information, and timing.

Preferences

BackBy stores app settings locally on your device, such as travel mode, alert preferences, sound settings, cooldown settings, geofence settings, and related options.

Tip Jar

BackBy may offer optional one-time tips using Apple’s StoreKit. Apple handles the purchase process. BackBy does not receive your payment card information.

After a successful tip, BackBy may store a local recognition flag on your device so the app can show a generic thank-you message. This does not unlock features and may not persist across reinstalls or devices.

Apple Services

BackBy uses Apple frameworks and services such as MapKit, Core Location, Core Motion, UserNotifications, AlarmKit, ActivityKit, and StoreKit.

Map searches, place lookups, reverse geocoding, and route or ETA requests may be handled by Apple services as needed to provide maps, places, and travel estimates. BackBy’s developer does not receive the data Apple collects through those services.

Diagnostics and Support

BackBy keeps local diagnostic information to help understand reliability problems, such as whether ETA refreshes, notifications, alarms, background tasks, and session recovery behaved as expected.

Diagnostics may include app version, build number, device model, iOS version, permission status, session state, timing values, counters, breadcrumbs, ETA quality, notification status, and related technical details.

Enhanced Diagnostics is off by default. When Enhanced Diagnostics is off, exported diagnostics remove path history and round coordinates to an approximate location. When Enhanced Diagnostics is on, diagnostics may include high-precision coordinates and a short recent path history, limited to the last 30 minutes or 300 points.

Diagnostics are not automatically sent to the developer. You choose whether to export diagnostics by email or through the system share sheet. If you email diagnostics or contact support, the developer receives the contents of your message, your email address, and any attached diagnostics you choose to send.

Sharing

BackBy does not sell your data and does not share your data for advertising or tracking.

Data may leave your device only when:

  • Apple services process requests needed for maps, location, routing, notifications, alarms, Live Activities, or purchases.
  • You choose to email or share diagnostics.
  • You contact support by email.

Retention and Control

BackBy stores normal app data locally on your device. You can remove local BackBy data by deleting the app from your device.

You can manage location, motion, notification, and alarm permissions in iOS Settings.

If you send support email or diagnostics, those messages may be kept as long as needed to respond, troubleshoot, improve BackBy, or keep reasonable records. You can request deletion of support messages or diagnostics by contacting the address below.

Changes

This policy may be updated as BackBy changes. The updated version will be posted on this page with a new “Last updated” date.

Contact

For privacy questions, contact web [at] jacksuzuki [dot] com.