Privacy Policy
Effective Date: February 10, 2026
CRITICAL SAFETY NOTICE — NOT A SAFETY DEVICE
Stud Finder uses your iPhone's built-in magnetometer sensor to detect metal fasteners (nails, screws, brackets) hidden inside wall studs. It CANNOT detect wood studs directly, electrical wiring, gas lines, or plumbing. It is NOT a safety device. NEVER rely solely on this app before drilling, hammering, or cutting into walls. Always verify stud locations with additional methods. Failure to do so could result in electrocution, gas leaks, water damage, property damage, personal injury, or death.
Plain Language Summary
The app itself does not collect any personal data. All magnetometer sensor readings and your settings (sensitivity, sound/haptics preferences, calibration data) are processed and stored locally on your device only. However, we use Google AdMob to display ads, and AdMob may collect device identifiers and ad interaction data. You can remove all ads with a one-time in-app purchase ($2.99).
1. Introduction and Data Controller
Welcome to Stud Finder ("the App"), a mobile magnetometer-based stud detection app developed by Storq Labs BV ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"), a company registered in the Netherlands.
This Privacy Policy explains our data practices and your rights. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Important Note: The App's core functionality (magnetometer readings, signal processing, visual gauge, sparkline graph, audio tones, haptic feedback) operates entirely on your device. No sensor data is ever transmitted to our servers.
2. Data We Collect
2.1 Information Stored Locally on Your Device Only
The following data is stored exclusively on your device via UserDefaults. This data is never transmitted to Storq Labs servers:
| Data Type | Storage Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity setting | Local device only (UserDefaults) | Adjusting detection sensitivity |
| Sound and haptics preferences | Local device only (UserDefaults) | Audio and haptic feedback preferences |
| Baseline calibration data | Local device only (UserDefaults) | Establishing ambient magnetic field baseline |
| Pro unlock status | Local device only (UserDefaults) | Tracking whether ads have been removed |
| Onboarding completion state | Local device only (UserDefaults) | Remembering onboarding flow completion |
| Magnetometer sensor readings | In-memory only (never persisted) | Real-time stud detection processing |
We cannot access, view, retrieve, or recover any of the data listed above under any circumstances. Magnetometer sensor data is processed in real-time on your device and is never stored permanently or transmitted anywhere.
2.2 Data Collected by Third-Party Services
The App integrates Google AdMob for advertising. When ads are displayed, Google AdMob may automatically collect:
- Device identifiers (Advertising ID / IDFA, if permitted)
- Ad interaction data (impressions, clicks, views)
- IP address (for approximate location and ad targeting)
- Device information (model, OS version, screen size)
- App usage signals related to ad performance
This data collection by AdMob is governed by Google's Privacy Policy. We do not have direct access to the personal data AdMob collects.
If you purchase Stud Finder Pro, all ads are removed and AdMob is disabled entirely.
2.3 Data We Do NOT Collect
- No personal identification — No names, emails, or accounts
- No location data — We do not request or use GPS location
- No camera or microphone access
- No contacts or address book
- No browsing history
- No analytics SDKs (beyond AdMob)
- No crash reporting to external services
- No server-side data storage of any kind by Storq Labs
3. App Tracking Transparency (ATT)
The App requests your permission via Apple's App Tracking Transparency framework for personalized advertising through AdMob.
| Your Choice | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Allow Tracking | AdMob may use your Advertising ID (IDFA) to serve personalized ads based on your interests |
| Ask App Not to Track | AdMob will serve non-personalized (contextual) ads only. Your IDFA will not be accessed. You will still see ads, but they will not be targeted based on your activity across other apps |
You can change your tracking preference at any time in iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking.
4. Permissions We Request
| Permission | Purpose | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| App Tracking Transparency (ATT) | Personalized ad delivery via AdMob | Optional — app works without it |
Permissions NOT Requested
- Camera
- Microphone
- Location
- Contacts
- Calendar
- Photo Library
- Push Notifications
Note: The magnetometer (compass) sensor is accessed via CoreMotion and does not require a runtime permission prompt. This sensor data is processed locally and never transmitted.
5. Third-Party Services
Google Mobile Ads SDK (AdMob)
Purpose: Displaying banner and interstitial advertisements in the free version of the App.
Data Handling: Google may collect device identifiers, IP address, and ad interaction data for ad personalization and measurement. Data may be transferred to Google servers internationally.
Cookies & Similar Technologies: AdMob may use cookies, device identifiers, and similar technologies for ad serving and measurement.
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Apple App Store (StoreKit 2)
Purpose: Processing the one-time in-app purchase for Stud Finder Pro (ad removal).
Data Handling: All purchase transactions are processed entirely by Apple. We receive only a confirmation of purchase status (not payment information).
Privacy Policy: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/
6. How Your Data Is Used
Data stored locally on your device is used exclusively for:
- Processing magnetometer sensor readings in real-time for stud detection
- Displaying detection intensity via gauge, sparkline graph, audio, and haptics
- Maintaining your sensitivity and sound/haptic preferences
- Storing baseline calibration for accurate detection readings
- Tracking Pro purchase status to disable ads
Sensor data never leaves your device. It is processed in real-time in memory and is not stored permanently.
7. International Data Transfers
The App itself does not transfer any data internationally. However, Google AdMob may transfer data collected through advertising to Google servers located in various countries, including the United States.
Google provides appropriate safeguards for international data transfers as described in their privacy policy. If you purchase Stud Finder Pro, AdMob is disabled and no such transfers occur.
8. Data Retention and Deletion
Since all app data is stored locally on your device, you have complete control:
- Uninstall: Removing the app permanently deletes all locally stored settings and calibration data
- Recalibrate: Tap the calibrate button to reset baseline data at any time
For data collected by Google AdMob, please refer to Google's data retention policies.
Data Recovery: We cannot recover deleted data because we never had access to it. If you delete the app, all local data is permanently gone unless you have a device backup.
9. Data Security
Your settings are stored locally on your device using standard platform storage mechanisms (UserDefaults). Magnetometer sensor data is processed in-memory only and never written to persistent storage or transmitted over any network.
The security of your local data depends on:
- Your device's security settings (passcode, Face ID, Touch ID)
- Your operating system's security features
- Physical security of your device
Security Disclaimer: While we have designed the app with privacy in mind, we cannot guarantee the absolute security of locally stored data. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your device.
10. Your Rights Under GDPR
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
| Right | How to Exercise |
|---|---|
| Right to Access | View all your settings directly in the app. We hold no additional data. |
| Right to Erasure | Uninstall the app to erase all local data |
| Right to Object (Ad Tracking) | Deny tracking via ATT prompt, or go to iOS Settings > Privacy > Tracking |
| Right to Restrict Processing | Purchase Pro to disable AdMob entirely, or deny ATT tracking |
For data collected by Google AdMob, please exercise your rights directly with Google via their privacy tools at myaccount.google.com/privacy.
11. California Users (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- Right to Know: Google AdMob may collect device identifiers and ad interaction data as described above. We ourselves collect no personal information.
- Right to Delete: Uninstall the app to delete all local data. For AdMob data, contact Google.
- Right to Opt-Out of Sale: We do not sell personal information. AdMob ad personalization can be controlled via ATT settings.
- Right to Non-Discrimination: We do not discriminate against users who exercise their privacy rights.
12. Children's Privacy
Stud Finder is intended for a general adult audience (homeowners, DIYers, renters). The App is not directed at children under 13 (or under 16 in the EEA). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Google AdMob may serve age-appropriate ads in compliance with COPPA. If you believe a child has provided personal information through the advertising services, please contact us and we will take steps to address the concern.
13. How to Opt Out of Personalized Ads
You have several options to limit ad-related data collection:
- Purchase Stud Finder Pro ($2.99) — removes all ads and disables AdMob entirely
- Deny ATT tracking — when prompted, select "Ask App Not to Track"
- iOS Settings — go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking to manage tracking preferences
- Reset Advertising ID — go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising
14. Important Disclaimers
CRITICAL SAFETY DISCLAIMER — READ CAREFULLY
Stud Finder detects metal fasteners only (nails, screws, brackets) using the magnetometer sensor. It:
- CANNOT detect wood studs directly — only the metal fasteners within them
- CANNOT detect electrical wiring
- CANNOT detect gas lines or plumbing
- Is NOT a safety device
NEVER drill, hammer, or cut into walls based solely on this app's readings. Always verify with additional methods. Failure to do so could result in electrocution, gas leaks, water damage, property damage, personal injury, or death.
No Warranty of Accuracy
We make no warranty regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any sensor readings or detection results. Readings depend on device hardware (magnetometer quality varies between iPhone models), phone case material, wall composition, environmental magnetic interference, and distance to target fasteners. This app is provided for informational purposes only.
15. Service Availability & Discontinuation
IMPORTANT: STUD FINDER MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. WE MAKE NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED AVAILABILITY.
By using this app, you acknowledge that we may discontinue the App at any time without prior notice, and no refunds will be provided upon discontinuation except where required by law.
16. Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting with an updated effective date. For significant changes, we may provide notice through the app or App Store update notes.
Your continued use of the app after any changes indicates acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
17. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Storq Labs BV
Privacy Inquiries: privacy@storqlabs.com
General Support: support@storqlabs.com
We will respond to privacy-related inquiries within 30 days.