Privacy policy

The short version

Who we are

Simple Remote is made by Jamie Faulkner, a sole trader based in the United Kingdom ("we", "us"). We are the data controller for the limited personal information described in this policy.

For any privacy question or request, email jamiefaulkner@live.com.

The iPhone and iPad app

Information we collect

None. The app doesn't send any information to us or to any server we operate. It contains no analytics, crash-reporting, advertising or tracking code, and it doesn't track you across other apps or websites. This matches the "Data Not Collected" label on the App Store.

Bluetooth and your input

The app uses Bluetooth to act as a standard keyboard and mouse for the computer you choose. Pointer movements, clicks, scrolling, keystrokes and media commands are sent directly from your iPhone or iPad to that computer. Your computer and its apps then handle that input as they would from any keyboard or mouse.

Like other Bluetooth accessories, the app shares some basic details with computers it connects to: its name ("Simple Remote"), its version number and a standard device identifier, so the computer knows what kind of device it is. Where your computer supports it, it can also read your device's battery level through the standard Bluetooth battery service.

Clipboard

The app reads your clipboard only when you tap Paste from iPhone or Paste from iPad (a Pro feature). The text is then typed on your computer. Clipboard contents are not stored by the app or included in diagnostics.

Information stored on your device

To work properly, the app stores the following locally on your iPhone or iPad:

• Your preferences, such as pointer and scroll speed, theme and gesture settings, including separate settings for each computer if you turn that on.
• Remembered computers: their names and Bluetooth identifiers, so the app can reconnect.
• Connection diagnostics: a short history of connection events and device labels, used for troubleshooting. It never includes text you type or paste.
• Whether you've completed the welcome guide.

This information stays on your device. It may be included in your device backups, depending on your iCloud or computer backup settings. You can clear remembered computers in the app. Deleting the app removes its stored information. Bluetooth pairings are kept by iOS and Windows or macOS, and you can remove them in each device's Bluetooth settings.

Purchases

Simple Remote Pro is sold through Apple's App Store. Apple processes your payment and manages subscriptions under its own privacy policy. The app uses Apple's StoreKit to check whether you have Pro. We do not receive your name, Apple Account details or payment information. Apple provides us with sales reports that don't identify you.

Connection reports you choose to share

The app can copy a connection report to your clipboard. It's only shared if you paste it into a message to us yourself. Reports contain connection events, device labels and Bluetooth identifiers, but never text you've typed or pasted. You can edit a report before sending it.

Windows Reconnect Helper

The helper is a small program that runs on your Windows PC. It doesn't connect to the internet and doesn't send any information to us or anyone else.

• Bluetooth: it reads the list of Bluetooth devices paired with your PC and listens for nearby Bluetooth signals to recognise when Simple Remote is open on one of your paired devices. It then asks Windows to reconnect to that device. Signals from other devices are ignored and not stored.
• Log file: it keeps a text log at %LOCALAPPDATA%\SimpleRemoteHelper\helper.log containing times, the names and Bluetooth addresses of your paired devices, and connection events. The log stays on your PC, is limited in size, and is deleted if you remove the helper. It's only shared if you choose to send it to us.
• Start-up: it adds an entry so it starts when you sign in to Windows. You can turn this off in the tray menu or in Windows Settings.

Browser reconnect page

The browser reconnect page uses your browser's built-in Web Bluetooth feature to connect to the device you pick from your browser's device list. This happens entirely between your browser and your device. Nothing is sent to our server and nothing is stored.

This website

This website is a simple static site. It has no analytics, advertising, tracking pixels, contact forms or third-party scripts, and we don't set cookies.

Our hosting provider, Hostinger, processes technical information needed to deliver and protect the website, such as your IP address, browser type, the pages and files requested (including downloads) and the time of the request. These server logs are used only to run and secure the site and are kept for a limited period under Hostinger's retention settings. If Hostinger's security services set a strictly necessary cookie to protect the site from abuse, it is used only for that purpose. Our lawful basis is our legitimate interest in operating a secure website.

Contacting us

If you email us, we receive your email address, your name if you include it, and whatever you write or attach, such as a connection report or log. We use this only to reply and help you, based on our legitimate interest in providing support. We keep support emails for up to 24 months after our last contact and then delete them, unless we need to keep them longer for legal reasons.

Our email is provided by Microsoft (Outlook.com), which processes messages on our behalf.

Sharing your information

We don't sell or rent personal information, and we don't share it for advertising. Information is handled by service providers only as needed to run Simple Remote: Hostinger (website hosting) and Microsoft (email). Apple acts independently when processing App Store purchases. We may disclose information if required by law.

International transfers

Our service providers may process information outside the United Kingdom. Where they do, they use legally recognised safeguards, such as adequacy regulations or standard contractual clauses, to protect it.

Your rights

Under UK data protection law you have the right to access the personal information we hold about you, to have it corrected or deleted, to restrict or object to how we use it, and to receive a copy in a portable format. Because we hold so little, in practice this usually means support emails. To make a request, email jamiefaulkner@live.com. We'll respond within one month.

If you're unhappy with how we've handled your information, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113. We'd appreciate the chance to put things right first.

Children

Simple Remote is suitable for all ages and doesn't collect personal information from anyone, including children.

Changes to this policy

If the way Simple Remote handles information changes, we'll update this page and the effective date at the top. Significant changes will also be mentioned in the app's release notes.