Settings & Privacy - GutFlow Help

Privacy-First Philosophy

🛡️ Your Data Stays Private

GutFlow is built with privacy as the foundation. All your health data is stored locally on your device, with optional encrypted backup to your personal iCloud account. We never sell your data, track your behavior for advertising, or share information with third parties without your explicit consent.

Core Privacy Principles

Local Storage First: All data is stored on your device by default
No Behavioral Tracking: We don't track how you use the app for advertising
No Data Mining: Your health patterns aren't analyzed for commercial purposes
User-Controlled Backups: You decide if and how to backup your data
Transparent Processing: AI analysis happens on-device or through secure, privacy-focused APIs
Easy Data Portability: Export your data anytime in standard formats

What Data We Collect

Health Logs: Food photos, symptom tracking, bowel movement logs
Nutrition Data: AI-analyzed nutritional information from your meals
App Usage: Anonymous usage statistics to improve app performance (optional)
Crash Reports: Technical data to fix bugs and improve stability (optional)
Apple Health Data: Only the health metrics you specifically authorize

Privacy Settings Configuration

Accessing Privacy Settings

Open GutFlow and navigate to the "More" tab
Tap "Settings"
Select "Privacy & Security"
Review and adjust each privacy setting

Analytics Sharing

Choose whether to share anonymous usage data to help improve GutFlow

Crash Reporting

Automatically send crash reports to help us fix bugs faster

Photo Processing

Configure where food photos are processed - on-device vs cloud

Data Retention

Set automatic deletion schedules for old food photos and logs

Data Sharing Controls

Granular controls over what data can be shared and when:

Export Permissions: Require authentication before exporting data
Screenshot Protection: Prevent sensitive data from appearing in screenshots
App Switching Privacy: Hide app content when switching between apps
Siri Integration: Control what information Siri can access and announce

iCloud Backup & Sync

How iCloud Backup Works

GutFlow uses Apple's secure iCloud infrastructure to backup your data:

End-to-End Encryption: Your data is encrypted before leaving your device
Personal iCloud Account: Data goes to your personal iCloud, not GutFlow servers
Automatic Synchronization: Seamlessly sync across all your Apple devices
Selective Backup: Choose which data types to include in backup
Local Priority: App works fully even when offline

Setting Up iCloud Backup

Ensure you're signed into iCloud in iOS Settings
Open GutFlow → More → Settings → iCloud Backup
Tap "Enable iCloud Backup"
Select which data types to backup:

Food logs and photos
Symptom tracking data
Health goals and preferences
Custom foods and recipes
Reports and analytics

Choose backup frequency (automatic, daily, weekly)
Confirm your backup settings

☁️ iCloud Storage Management

Food photos can use significant iCloud storage. Consider setting up automatic photo deletion after 30-90 days if storage is limited. Nutrition data and text logs require minimal space and can be backed up indefinitely.

Cross-Device Synchronization

When iCloud backup is enabled, your data automatically syncs across:

iPhone and iPad: Seamless experience across iOS devices
Real-time Updates: Changes appear on all devices within minutes
Conflict Resolution: Smart merging when the same data is edited on multiple devices
Offline Capability: Continue using the app offline; sync when reconnected

Apple Health Integration

Health Data Synchronization

Connect GutFlow with Apple Health for comprehensive health tracking:

Data GutFlow Can Write to Apple Health:

Dietary Information: Calories, macronutrients, vitamins, minerals
Water Intake: Hydration tracking from logged beverages
Gut Health Metrics: Custom health categories for digestive wellness
Weight Trends: If you log weight in GutFlow

Data GutFlow Can Read from Apple Health:

Physical Activity: Workout data to correlate with digestion
Sleep Patterns: Sleep quality impact on gut health
Heart Rate Variability: Stress indicators affecting digestion
Mindfulness Sessions: Meditation/stress reduction activities
Cycle Tracking: Hormonal influences on digestive symptoms

Configuring Apple Health Sync

Open GutFlow → More → Settings → Apple Health
Tap "Connect to Apple Health"
Review the requested permissions carefully
Enable only the data types you want to share
Set sync preferences (automatic vs manual)
Configure data sharing frequency

🔐 Health Data Permissions

You have granular control over Apple Health integration. You can allow GutFlow to write nutrition data to Health while preventing it from reading sensitive information like reproductive health data. Permissions can be modified anytime in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Health.

Security Features

App Lock & Authentication

Protect your health data with multiple security layers:

Face ID/Touch ID: Biometric authentication to open the app
Passcode Lock: Backup authentication method
Auto-Lock Timer: Automatically lock app after inactivity
Failed Attempt Protection: Increased delays after multiple failed attempts

Setting Up App Lock

Go to More → Settings → Security
Tap "App Lock"
Enable Face ID/Touch ID if available
Set up a backup passcode
Choose auto-lock timing (immediate, 1 min, 5 min, 15 min)
Test the lock to ensure it's working properly

⚠️ Security Best Practices

Use a unique passcode not used elsewhere
Enable automatic app locking
Keep iOS updated for latest security features
Don't share your passcode or biometric data
Regularly review connected apps and permissions

Data Encryption

All your data is protected with industry-standard encryption:

At Rest: Local data encrypted using iOS built-in encryption
In Transit: All network communications use HTTPS/TLS 1.3
iCloud Backup: End-to-end encryption for cloud storage
Photo Processing: Images encrypted during AI analysis

General App Settings

Notifications

Customize reminders for meal logging, symptom tracking, and weekly reports

Display & Units

Set measurement units, date formats, and visual preferences

Dietary Preferences

Update your dietary restrictions, allergies, and health goals

Report Preferences

Configure weekly report content, timing, and delivery methods

Camera Settings

Adjust photo quality, flash settings, and AI analysis preferences

Voice & Language

Set language preferences and voice logging settings

Notification Management

Fine-tune when and how GutFlow communicates with you:

Meal Reminders: Gentle nudges to log meals at your preferred times
Symptom Check-ins: Weekly prompts to review and log symptoms
Weekly Reports: Notification when your health report is ready
Nutrient Alerts: Notifications about potential deficiencies
Achievement Celebrations: Recognition for health milestones
Do Not Disturb: Respect iOS quiet hours and focus modes

Data Management

Storage Management

Monitor and manage your GutFlow data usage:

Storage Overview: See how much space GutFlow uses on your device
Photo Management: Automatically compress or delete old food photos
Data Cleanup: Remove temporary files and cached data
Archive Options: Export and archive old data to free up space

Data Deletion

Complete control over your data lifecycle:

Selective Deletion: Remove specific logs, photos, or time periods
Complete Data Wipe: Delete all GutFlow data from device and iCloud
Account Deletion: Permanently delete your account and all associated data
Right to Be Forgotten: Request deletion of any data stored on our servers

🗂️ Data Retention Recommendations

For best health insights, keep at least 3-6 months of food and symptom data. Consider archiving rather than deleting older data, as long-term patterns can be valuable for understanding seasonal changes or long-term health trends.

🔒 Settings & Privacy