Privacy Policy
Last updated: December 30, 2025
This policy applies to the HowLean mobile applications (iOS and Android) and the HowLean web application. Data collection may differ slightly by platform.
Overview
HowLean is designed with privacy as a core principle. Image analysis is performed locally on your device, and we collect only the minimum information required to operate the app, prevent misuse, and restore purchases.
Data Collection
Images
- Photos taken for analysis are processed locally on your device.
- Images are not uploaded, stored, or retained by HowLean.
- HowLean does not maintain a database of scanned images.
Email Address
Collected only for:
- Purchase Restoration –
In the event of replacing your device or clearing browser data, your email address is used to restore your purchase. (For the web application, purchase restoration uses your email address. On iOS and Android, purchases restoration is handled through the respective App Store mechanisms provided by Apple App Store and Google Play.) - Customer Support –
Your email enables us to create and respond to support requests. - One-time free scan eligibility –
Your email is used to determine eligibility for the one-time free scan
HowLean:
- Does not send marketing emails
- Does not sell or share email addresses
Payment Information
- Payments are processed securely by Stripe.
- HowLean does not store or access credit card numbers, billing addresses, or banking details.
- Stripe handles all payment data according to its own privacy policy.
Device & Technical Information
To prevent abuse and ensure correct functionality, HowLean may use:
- Anonymous browser and device signals
- A first-party device identifier (non-advertising, non-persistent) used for trial enforcement and purchase validation
This information:
- Cannot identify you personally
- Is used only to enforce trial and purchase limits
- Is not used for tracking or advertising, or cross-app identification
Data Usage
Collected information is used solely to:
- Operate and secure the app
- Enable purchase verification and restoration
- Prevent abuse of free trials
- Respond to support requests
HowLean does not use personal data for advertising, profiling, or cross-app tracking. HowLean performs only limited analytics necessary for app functionality and reliability. HowLean may collect anonymous usage and diagnostic data, such as feature usage events, scan actions, performance timing, and error logs, solely to improve app reliability, performance, and functionality. These events are not used for advertising or cross-app tracking.
Data Storage
- Purchase status is stored locally in your browser.
- Email addresses used for trial or purchase restoration are stored securely.
- Clearing browser data removes all local app data and may require purchase restoration using your email.
Third-Party Services
HowLean uses the following third-party service:
- Stripe – Payment processing
Privacy Policy: https://stripe.com/privacy - Base44 – Application hosting, backend infrastructure, and internal analytics. Base44 processes anonymized usage and performance data on behalf of HowLean for app functionality, reliability, and diagnostics. This data is not for advertising or cross-app tracking.
Your Rights
You may request deletion of your stored email data by contacting us. Because images are processed on-device and not retained, no image data is stored after analysis.
Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated as HowLean evolves. Updates will be posted on this page.
Contact
For privacy-related questions or data requests: