Overview
ClapFinder is an Android application that helps you locate your phone by detecting clap or whistle sounds through the device microphone and triggering an audible alert. It also offers a web-based remote ring feature through a unique room code.
This Privacy Policy describes how ClapFinder ("we," "our," or "the App") collects, uses, and protects information when you use our application. By using ClapFinder, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
Information We Collect
Audio Data
ClapFinder accesses your device's microphone solely to detect sound patterns (claps and whistles). Audio data is processed entirely on-device in real time and is never recorded, stored, transmitted, or uploaded to any server. The audio stream is analyzed for transient sound characteristics and immediately discarded.
Room Code Data
When you enable the remote ring feature, a randomly generated room code is created. This code—along with a trigger flag and timestamp—is stored temporarily in Firebase Realtime Database to facilitate the ring signal between the web dashboard and your device. No personal information is associated with this room code.
Local Preferences
Your app settings (sensitivity, trigger type, clap interval, etc.) are stored locally on your device using Android DataStore. This data never leaves your device.
Key Point: ClapFinder does not collect any personal information such as your name, email address, location, contacts, phone number, or browsing history. We do not track you, profile you, or serve advertisements.
Device Permissions
ClapFinder requests the following permissions, each for a specific and limited purpose:
Required for core functionality—listening for clap and whistle sounds. Audio is processed on-device only and never recorded or stored.
Used optionally to activate the flashlight as a visual alert when your phone rings. The camera image is never captured or stored.
Needed to display persistent foreground service notifications and sound-detection alerts while the app listens in the background.
Allows ClapFinder to automatically restart the clap-detection service after your device reboots, so you never forget to enable it.
Enables vibration alerts and keeps the device awake long enough to play the alert sound when a clap or whistle is detected.
Required by Android to run the clap/whistle detection service continuously in the background while showing a persistent notification.
How We Use Data
Any data processed by ClapFinder is used exclusively for the following purposes:
- Sound Detection: Analyzing the microphone audio stream in real time to identify clap and whistle patterns using on-device signal processing and machine learning classification.
- Alert Triggering: Playing an audible alarm, activating the flashlight, and vibrating the device when a sound pattern is matched.
- Remote Ring: Using a temporary room code with Firebase to receive ring signals from the web dashboard.
- Preference Storage: Remembering your settings (sensitivity, trigger mode, etc.) locally for a seamless experience.
We do not: Sell, share, rent, or trade any data. We do not serve advertisements. We do not use analytics or tracking SDKs. We do not create user profiles.
Third-Party Services
ClapFinder uses the following third-party service:
Firebase Realtime Database (Google)
We use Firebase Realtime Database solely for the remote ring feature. The only data exchanged is a room code, a boolean trigger flag, and a timestamp. No personally identifiable information is sent to Firebase. Firebase's own privacy policy applies to their infrastructure:
We do not use any other third-party services, analytics platforms, crash reporting tools, or advertising networks.
Data Storage & Security
- On-Device Processing: All audio analysis happens locally on your device. No audio data is ever transmitted over the internet.
- Local Storage: App preferences and settings are stored on-device using Android DataStore, protected by your device's built-in security features.
- Temporary Cloud Data: Room codes used for the remote ring feature are temporarily stored in Firebase Realtime Database and contain no personal information.
- No Data Retention: We do not maintain databases, servers, or logs that contain user data beyond the temporary room code state.
Children's Privacy
ClapFinder does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. Since the app does not collect personal data from any user, it is inherently compliant with children's privacy regulations (COPPA). If you believe a child has somehow provided personal information to us, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to address the concern.
Your Rights
Since ClapFinder does not collect personal data, traditional data-subject rights (access, correction, deletion) are largely non-applicable. However, you always have the right to:
- Revoke Permissions: You can revoke microphone, camera, or notification permissions at any time through your device's Settings app.
- Uninstall: Removing the app will delete all locally stored preferences and settings from your device.
- Contact Us: Reach out with any privacy questions or concerns at any time using the contact details below.
Policy Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the app or legal requirements. When we do, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this page periodically. Continued use of ClapFinder after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please don't hesitate to contact us: