Privacy Policy
Need a List · Last updated July 6, 2026
Need a List is built to be private. There are no accounts, no analytics, and no tracking. What you catalog stays on your device and, if you choose, syncs only through your own private iCloud.
Information we collect
None. Need a List has no user accounts, no analytics, no advertising, and no servers of our own. The collections, items, photos, documents, notes, values, tags, and custom fields you enter are stored on your device using Apple’s on-device database.
iCloud sync
If you’re signed in to iCloud and leave sync enabled, your collections are synced across your own Apple devices using Apple’s CloudKit into your private iCloud database. That data is tied to your Apple Account and governed by Apple’s Privacy Policy. We have no access to it and never receive a copy. If you’re not using iCloud, everything simply stays on your device.
Photos, camera & on-device intelligence
If you add a photo to an item, Need a List accesses your camera or photo library only to capture or import that image. Features like visual search, shelf capture, and Subject Lift analyze photos using Apple’s Vision framework entirely on your device — no image or data derived from it ever leaves your device.
Barcode scanning
If you scan a barcode, the camera is used on-device to read the code so the app can match items you’ve already catalogued. Nothing from the camera is sent off your device.
Documents you attach
Receipts, certificates, and appraisals you attach are stored with your items on your device (and your private iCloud, if syncing). We never see them.
Face ID / Touch ID
If you enable app lock, authentication is performed by the system. Need a List never sees your biometric data — it only receives a yes/no from iOS.
Notifications
If you enable the yearly value check-up, a single reminder is scheduled locally on your device. No notification data is sent to us or any third party.
Exports you create
CSV files, PDF reports, web-page exports, backups, and shared collection files are created on your device and shared only where you choose to send them. We never receive a copy.
Apple Watch & widgets
The widgets and Apple Watch app show a small summary of your own collections. That information stays within your devices.
Third parties
Need a List includes no third-party advertising, analytics, or tracking SDKs, and does not share data with anyone.
Children’s privacy
Because Need a List collects no data, it does not knowingly collect information from anyone, including children under 13.
Changes to this policy
If this policy changes, we’ll update this page and revise the date above.
Contact
Questions about privacy? Email support@hessamzahedi.com.