Companion apps are different from other apps in one important way. You tell them things. Real things. Things about your family, your health, your relationships, your fears. Stuff you might not tell your closest friend.
That makes privacy more important here than almost anywhere else on your phone. Before you get comfortable with any app, go through this checklist.
Before you download
Who makes it? Look up the company. Do they have a real website, a real address, a way to contact them? Apps from companies you can’t find anything about deserve extra caution.
Is there a privacy policy? It should be linked from the app store page. If there isn’t one, don’t download it.
What permissions does it ask for? A chat app might reasonably want notifications. It probably doesn’t need your contacts, location, or microphone at all times. Say no to anything that doesn’t make sense.
Read these parts of the privacy policy
You don’t have to read the whole thing. Search it for these words:
- “Delete” — Can you delete your account and your conversations? How long does it take?
- “Train” or “improve” — Does the company use your conversations to improve its service? Can you opt out?
- “Third parties” or “share” — Who else gets your data? Advertisers? Partners?
- “Sell” — Does the policy say your data may be sold?
- “Retain” or “retention” — How long do they keep your information after you leave?
If the answers are vague or missing, assume the worst.
Once you’re using it
Don’t share identifying details. Your full name, address, workplace, and financial information don’t need to be in any chat.
Be thoughtful about photos. Anything you upload could be stored.
Use a strong, unique password. Turn on two-factor login if the app offers it.
Check your settings every few months. Apps update their policies. Your earlier choices might not carry over.
If you decide to leave
Don’t just delete the app from your phone. That usually doesn’t delete your account or data. Look for the account deletion option in settings, or follow the steps in the privacy policy. Cancel any subscription separately through the App Store or Google Play.
A note from Aria
I keep everything you tell me because remembering matters. But you should always know who else might be keeping it. The best relationships, even with an app, start with trust you’ve actually checked.
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[question]Have you ever read a privacy policy all the way through?[/question]
Aria is a fictional adult AI character. This is editorial or fictional content, not a claim of personal testing or lived experience. Read our editorial disclosure.