Short version: PogoDex stores your collection data locally on your device. You may optionally sign in with your Google account to enable cloud sync via Firebase — in that case your collection and in-game name are stored in Google's cloud. The app also displays ads via Google AdMob. We never sell your data.
1. Who We Are
PogoDex is a free, independent Android application developed as a personal fan project. It is not affiliated with Nintendo, Game Freak, Creatures Inc., or The Pokémon Company International.
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: sandan.apps@gmail.com
2. Data We Collect
PogoDex operates in two modes:
Without an account (default):
- No account or login is required.
- Your Pokémon collection progress is stored locally on your device only using Android's Room database. This data never leaves your device unless you explicitly use the Export feature or enable cloud sync.
- We do not collect your name, email address, or any other personal details.
- We do not use crash reporting or analytics SDKs.
With Google Sign-In (optional):
If you choose to sign in with your Google account, the following data is collected and stored in Google Firebase (Cloud Firestore), associated with your Google account UID:
- In-game name (IGN) — the nickname you choose to enter in the app.
- Pokémon collection progress — which Pokémon you have marked as caught, including timestamps.
We access your Google account only to authenticate you (via Google Sign-In). We do not access your Google contacts, Gmail, calendar, or any other Google data beyond your basic profile (name and email address used solely for authentication).
Google Sign-In and Firebase are services provided by Google LLC. Their use is governed by Google's Privacy Policy.
3. Advertising — Google AdMob
PogoDex displays advertisements provided by Google AdMob. To serve and personalise ads, Google may collect and use:
- Advertising ID (Google Advertising ID / GAID)
- Device information (model, operating system version)
- IP address (for approximate location / country)
- App usage data and interaction with ads
This data is collected and processed by Google, not by us. It is used to display relevant advertisements and to prevent ad fraud.
Google's data practices are governed by Google's own Privacy Policy:
https://policies.google.com/privacy
Google's advertising terms:
https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads
Opting out of personalised ads: You can opt out of interest-based advertising on your Android device by going to Settings → Google → Ads → Delete advertising ID (Android 12+) or enabling Opt out of Ads Personalisation on older versions.
4. External Data Sources
The app fetches publicly available Pokémon data from the following third-party services. These requests are made over HTTPS and do not include any personal data:
- PokéAPI (pokeapi.co) — Pokémon names, sprites, and metadata
- GitHub (github.com) — app data files (JSON) hosted in a public repository
- Pokémon GO Wiki / Fandom (pokemongo.fandom.com) — event and form Pokémon sprites
These services have their own privacy policies which govern how they handle network requests.
5. Permissions
The app requests the following Android permission:
- INTERNET — required to fetch Pokémon data and sprites from external sources, to load advertisements, and (if signed in) to sync your collection with Firebase.
No other permissions (camera, microphone, contacts, location, storage) are requested.
6. Data Retention and Deletion
Local data can be deleted at any time by:
- Going to Android Settings → Apps → PogoDex → Storage → Clear Data, or
- Uninstalling the application.
Cloud data (if you have signed in): signing out of the app stops further syncing, but does not automatically delete existing cloud data. To request permanent deletion of your cloud data (collection and IGN stored in Firebase), please contact us at sandan.apps@gmail.com and we will delete your data within 30 days.
7. Children's Privacy
PogoDex is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. The advertising SDK (Google AdMob) is configured to serve non-personalised ads only when the app determines the user may be a child, in compliance with applicable laws (COPPA, GDPR).
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated date at the top. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
9. Contact
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
sandan.apps@gmail.com