Moonwave guide
Period tracker privacy: seven questions to ask
A privacy checklist for period and cycle tracking apps: accounts, journal storage, analytics, syncing, deletion, exports and business model.
By the Moonwave team · Updated July 15, 2026 · 7 min read
“Private” can describe many different architectures. It might mean entries stay on one device, that a company encrypts a cloud account, or simply that information is not sold for advertising. These seven questions help turn a broad promise into something you can evaluate.
1. Do I need to create an account?
Check whether the app requires an email, phone number, social login or profile. If it does, ask what account information is connected to cycle entries and what happens when the account is deleted.
2. Where is the journal stored?
Look for a direct answer: only on the device, in the app company's cloud, in Apple iCloud, or somewhere else. “Cloud backup available” is not enough detail to understand who operates the database or can access it.
3. What information is used for analytics?
Product analytics can range from anonymous screen counts to detailed event properties. Check whether raw period dates, symptoms, notes, fertility information or other journal contents are included-and whether analytics are optional.
4. How does syncing work?
Sync can be convenient without every service having the same privacy model. Find out which account performs the sync, whether the app has its own backend and what happens when the device is offline or sync is disabled.
5. Can I delete entries without asking support?
A journal should have an understandable deletion flow. Check whether deleting an entry removes it from synced devices and backups, whether account deletion is separate and how analytics deletion is handled.
6. What leaves the app when I export?
Export features can be valuable, but an exported PDF, spreadsheet or backup is a new copy. Review its contents before sharing and remember that email, cloud drives and messaging services have their own privacy practices.
7. How is the product funded?
A subscription, one-time purchase, advertising or free service can each be legitimate. The important part is understanding the exchange. Look for clear pricing and avoid assuming that “free” or “paid” proves a particular privacy standard by itself.
Apply the same checklist to Moonwave
Moonwave requires no journal account, stores entries locally, uses a private iCloud database when sync is available, limits optional analytics and offers a one-time unlock rather than a subscription. Read the detailed answers on the privacy feature page and the legal Privacy Policy.