Privacy Policy

Rewind collects information in a few categories to make the app work and to help us improve it:

Photos & scan data. When you scan tapes, Rewind captures photos of VHS tape labels and sends them to our server for processing. The server extracts tape metadata (titles, years, genres) and generates recommendations. Photos are held only during processing and are not stored afterward. We strip all location data and other metadata (EXIF) from your photos before they leave your device.

Device information. The app automatically generates a random device identifier (a UUID) stored in your iOS Keychain. Unless you sign in, this identifier is not linked to your name, email, or Apple ID. Along with each request, we receive your device model, iOS version, app version, and network type (Wi-Fi or cellular) to help us diagnose issues and understand which devices to support.

Account information. Signing in is optional. If you create an account, we store the email address you sign in with (via Sign in with Apple, Google, or an emailed sign-in link), along with a display name if your sign-in provider shares one. Your email is used to operate your account, sync your data across devices, and send the emails described in the Accounts & Email section below.

Usage analytics. Rewind collects first-party usage events to understand how people use the app and where things break. This includes actions like scans started, results viewed, tapes added to your collection, tabs visited, features used, and errors encountered. Events include a per-session identifier (which resets each time you open the app) and a timestamp. See the Analytics section below for more detail.

Scan results metadata. When scans are processed on our server, we log information about the scan itself: how many tapes were identified, what titles were found, which reviewers evaluated them, confidence scores, and processing times. This helps us monitor accuracy and service performance.

Rewind uses a custom, first-party analytics system. We do not use any third-party analytics services, advertising SDKs, or cross-app tracking frameworks. We do not collect or use Apple's advertising identifier (IDFA).

Usage events are sent in batches from the app to Rewind's server. These events help us understand which features are working well, where users get stuck, and what errors need fixing. Examples include: scan completion rates, which app screens are visited, onboarding progression, search usage, and error logs. Events are tied to your anonymous device identifier and session ID, not to any personal identity.

We also collect lightweight performance diagnostics via Apple's MetricKit framework, including app launch times and crash reports. These help us fix bugs and keep the app running smoothly.

Analytics collection is not optional. It is a core part of how we maintain and improve Rewind. However, the data we collect is limited to app usage patterns and is never sold, shared with advertisers, or used for cross-app tracking.

Scan history, results, collection data, and want list items are stored in the app's local database. Your taste profile preferences are stored locally. A randomly generated device identifier is stored in the iOS Keychain.

If you sign in, your collection, want list, and watch history sync across your devices via Rewind's servers. Photos attached to scans are stored locally and do not sync.

If you create an account, we send transactional email as needed to operate it: sign-in links, account notices, and responses to requests you make. These are delivered by Resend, our email service provider.

We may also send occasional product updates and a monthly community digest. You can opt out of these at any time in the app under Settings → Email, or with the unsubscribe link included in every update email. Email addresses hidden with Apple's Hide My Email (private relay) are not added to the update list unless you opt in yourself in Settings.

Deleting your account removes your email address from our systems and from Resend.

If you enable notifications, Rewind registers your device with Apple's Push Notification service to notify you when scans complete. Your push notification token is sent to Rewind's server for delivery purposes only.

On your device: You control all locally stored data. Use Settings within the app to clear scan history or collection data. Deleting the app removes all local data including the device identifier.

On our server: Scan metadata and usage events are retained on our server indefinitely to support analytics, service monitoring, and product improvement. Photos are not retained after scan processing completes. If you have not signed in, server-side data is associated only with your anonymous device identifier. If you have an account, synced data (collection, want list, watch history, scan history) is associated with it and is removed when you delete your account.

Deletion requests: You can request deletion of all server-side data associated with your device by contacting us at support@heyrewind.app. We will process deletion requests within 30 days.

Rewind's server uses third-party services to process your scan photos and generate recommendations. Photos are sent over encrypted connections for processing and are not retained after results are returned.

Poster images and movie metadata are loaded from The Movie Database (TMDB). No personal data is sent to TMDB.

Rewind's server infrastructure runs on Cloudflare. Cloudflare may process standard connection metadata (IP addresses, request headers) as part of normal network operation.

Account and update emails are sent through Resend, which processes your email address as a service provider on our behalf. Resend holds your address until you unsubscribe from updates or delete your account.

You have the right to know what data we collect about you and to request its deletion. If you have an account, you can delete it (and the data associated with it, including your email address) from Settings in the app. If you have not signed in, server-side data is associated only with your anonymous device identifier. To exercise your rights, contact us at support@heyrewind.app with your account email or device identifier (available in the app's Settings screen).

Rewind is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided data to Rewind, contact us at support@heyrewind.app.