Which tracking apps are actually safe to use—like do they sell my data or share it, and how do I lock down privacy settings?

Period tracking apps are not all created equal, and yes, some absolutely sell or share your data. Look for apps that clearly say they don’t sell your data, store it locally or encrypted, and are transparent about how they handle law‑enforcement requests. Apps like Clue, Euki, and Apple’s built‑in cycle tracking (on iOS) have stronger privacy reputations than the average “cute astrology period app,” but you still need to read the privacy policy, not just the pastel branding. Lock things down by: using a strong passcode or Face ID, turning off cloud backups if possible, disabling location permissions, signing up with a burner email, and avoiding linking your cycle to social accounts. If you live somewhere hostile to abortion or reproductive rights, consider using an app with local‑only storage or even keeping a paper log instead of handing a tech company your fertility history.

If you’re staring at your apps right now wondering which one to ditch and how exposed you are, you don’t have to figure it out solo. Chat with Gush and walk through your privacy setup step by step.

Which period tracking apps are safe and how to protect your data

First, the ugly truth about period app privacy

Let’s be blunt: most period tracking apps are not your friends. They’re businesses. Some are respectful about privacy; some are straight‑up data vampires with a pink logo.

Key reality checks:

• Period apps are usually not covered by HIPAA in the U.S. (that’s the health privacy law). They’re often treated like wellness apps, not medical tools.
• Many free apps make money by selling anonymized or semi‑anonymized data to advertisers, “research partners,” or analytics firms.
• After Roe v. Wade was overturned, people started panicking (rightfully) about whether cycle data could be used in investigations around abortion. That risk is real, especially in states where abortion is criminalized.

So yeah, you’re not “paranoid” for caring about this. You’re paying attention in a system that’s happy to profit off your uterus.

What to look for in a safer period tracking app

When you’re choosing a period tracking app, don’t just ask, “Is it cute and easy?” Ask:

1. Do they clearly say they don’t sell data?
   • Look for a line in the privacy policy that says something like “We do not sell your personal data” – not “we may share data with partners.”
2. Is data stored locally or encrypted?
   • Local storage means your data lives on your phone, not their server.
   • End‑to‑end encryption means even the company can’t easily read your logs.
3. Where is the company based?
   • Apps based in the EU (like Clue in Germany) are under stricter privacy laws (GDPR) than many U.S. apps.
4. What’s their record?
   • Flo, for example, got in trouble with the FTC for sharing data with Facebook and Google in the past, then changed practices and added an “anonymous mode.” Better than nothing, but the history matters.
5. Can you use it anonymously?
   • No phone number required
   • No real name required
   • Ability to sign up with a burner email

Some apps with stronger privacy reputations as of now:

• Clue – Europe‑based, paid option, clearer stance on not selling data and on refusing to hand data to U.S. authorities without going through EU processes.
• Euki – Designed with abortion access in mind; stores data locally, allows fake PIN to show a dummy account, and doesn’t sync to the cloud.
• Apple Health / iOS Cycle Tracking – Data is encrypted on device; with certain settings, even Apple can’t see it. But you still control iCloud backups.

No app is perfect, but some are way less shady than others.

If you’re reading this and thinking “none of this fits my reality and I’m in a high‑risk state or situation,” that’s not something a generic FAQ can solve. Lay out your situation to Gush and get help choosing the lowest‑risk setup for your life.

How to lock down privacy settings inside your period app

Once you pick an app, lock it down like the government is nosy (because it can be).

Go through these steps:

1. Add a passcode, Face ID, or fingerprint
   • Use the app’s own lock if it has one.
   • Also lock your phone itself with a strong code.
2. Turn off cloud backup if possible
   • In the app: look for “sync,” “backup,” or “cloud” and disable it.
   • On your phone: check if the app is backing up to iCloud or Google Drive and turn that off if you’re worried about subpoenas to big tech.
3. Kill unnecessary permissions
   • Location? Off.
   • Contacts? No.
   • Bluetooth? Why.
4. Use a burner identity
   • Sign up with a non‑identifiable email (no real name, no main inbox).
   • Don’t link it to Facebook, Google, or Apple ID if you’re worried about traceability.
5. Limit what you log
   • If you’re in a state that criminalizes abortion, you may choose not to log:
     • Positive pregnancy tests
     • Abortion pills
     • Miscarriage details
   • You can track those in a private note app with end‑to‑end encryption, or on paper stored safely.

Understanding your risk based on where you live

Not everybody has the same risk level. Some questions to ask:

• Do I live in a state or country where abortion or pregnancy loss could be investigated or criminalized?
• Am I at risk of an abusive partner snooping through my phone?
• Am I using this app to help get pregnant, avoid pregnancy, or just understand my body?

Higher risk situations = you want:

• Local‑only storage (like Euki) or offline tracking (paper, encrypted notes)
• Strong phone and app passcodes
• Minimal identifiable data in the app

Lower risk situations = you might be okay using something like Clue or iOS Cycle Tracking more fully, but still with basic protections.

Beyond apps: paper, spreadsheets, and hybrid tracking

If the entire idea of a tech company holding your reproductive life story makes you itchy, you are allowed to go analog.

Options:

• Paper journal – Simple, private, can be destroyed if needed.
• Spreadsheet with a password – Store it locally on a personal device, not in a shared cloud.
• Hybrid – Use the app for general cycle timing, but keep sensitive info (pregnancy tests, abortions, miscarriages) in a separate, private place.

Period tracking is supposed to help you reclaim control, not hand more of it to companies and courts.

Red flags in a period tracking app

Delete with zero guilt if you see:

• Vague privacy policy filled with “may share,” “partners,” “service providers”
• Requires phone number to sign up
• Pushes “community” or “social” features that show your data publicly
• Won’t let you delete your account and data fully
• No way to lock the app or remove backups

Your data is a gold mine. You are not overreacting by guarding it.