What is App Tracking Transparency (ATT)?
App Tracking Transparency (ATT) is an Apple privacy framework that requires apps to ask for your permission before tracking your activity across apps and websites owned by other companies. This helps protect your privacy by giving you control over how your data is used for advertising.
Note: ATT is only available on iOS and macOS devices. Android devices do not use ATT.
When Do We Request ATT Permission?
We request ATT permission only when ads are about to be displayed in the app. This ensures you understand why we're asking for permission - to show you personalized ads.
Who Sees the ATT Request?
- Free-tier users: Users on the free plan, 15-day trial, or sponsored regions will see the ATT request when they navigate to screens that display ads
- Premium users: Premium subscribers never see the ATT request because they don't see ads
We request ATT permission for all free-tier users to ensure proper permission setup, even if ads are temporarily disabled or you're in a trial period.
What Happens When You Grant Permission?
If you choose "Allow" when the ATT dialog appears:
- ✅ Personalized ads: You'll see ads that are relevant to your interests based on your activity
- ✅ Better ad experience: Ads are more likely to be useful and relevant to you
- ✅ Ad revenue: Helps support the free version of the app
We use your IDFA (Identifier for Advertisers) to show you personalized ads through Google AdMob. This identifier is used solely for ad targeting and is not linked to your personal information or journal entries.
What Happens When You Deny Permission?
If you choose "Ask App Not to Track" when the ATT dialog appears:
- ✅ Ads still show: You'll still see ads in the app (required by Apple)
- ✅ Non-personalized ads: Ads will be contextual (based on app content) rather than based on your interests
- ✅ No tracking: We will not use your IDFA or track your activity across apps and websites
- ✅ Privacy protected: Your activity is not shared with data brokers or used for cross-app tracking
Important: Even if you deny tracking, ads will continue to be displayed. This is required by Apple's guidelines. However, all ads will be non-personalized and contextual.
How to Manage ATT Permission
In the App (iOS/macOS)
- Open the Bible Mental Health Journal app
- Go to Settings → Legal & Privacy
- Find the "Ad Tracking Permission" section
- You can view your current ATT status
- Tap "Open iOS Settings" to change your permission
In iOS Settings
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Go to Privacy & Security → Tracking
- Find "Bible Mental Health Journal" in the list
- Toggle the switch to allow or prevent tracking
Note: If you've already denied permission, you can only change it through iOS Settings. The app cannot request permission again once it's been denied.
ATT Status Values
Authorized
You've granted permission to track. Personalized ads are enabled.
Denied
You've denied permission to track. Non-personalized ads are shown.
Restricted
Tracking is restricted by parental controls or device restrictions. Non-personalized ads are shown.
Not Determined
Permission hasn't been requested yet. You'll see the ATT dialog when ads are about to be shown.
Privacy and Data Protection
We take your privacy seriously. Here's how we handle your data:
- No journal data shared: Your journal entries, reflections, and personal information are never shared with advertisers
- IDFA only: When tracking is authorized, we only use the IDFA identifier for ad targeting
- No cross-app tracking: We do not track your activity across other apps or websites
- No data brokers: We do not sell or share your data with data brokers
- Compliance: We fully comply with Apple's ATT requirements and App Store guidelines
Premium Users
If you're a premium subscriber:
- ✅ You will never see the ATT permission request
- ✅ You will never see ads in the app
- ✅ Your activity is never tracked for advertising purposes
Premium subscribers enjoy an ad-free experience with no tracking or advertising-related data collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I still see ads if I deny tracking?
A: Yes. Apple requires that ads continue to be shown even if you deny tracking. However, all ads will be non-personalized and contextual (based on app content) rather than based on your interests.
Q: Can I change my mind after denying permission?
A: Yes. You can change your ATT permission at any time in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking. However, the app cannot request permission again once it's been denied - you must change it manually in iOS Settings.
Q: Does this affect my journal entries or personal data?
A: No. ATT only affects ad tracking. Your journal entries, reflections, and personal information are never shared with advertisers or used for ad targeting, regardless of your ATT permission status.
Q: Why do I see the ATT request even though I'm in a trial?
A: We request ATT permission for all free-tier users (including those in trial) to ensure proper permission setup. This way, if your trial ends and you continue on the free plan, ads can be shown immediately without requesting permission again.
Q: Is ATT available on Android?
A: No. ATT is an Apple-specific privacy framework. Android devices do not use ATT. Android has its own privacy controls, but our app does not request ATT on Android devices.
Additional Resources
Contact Us
If you have questions about ATT or our ad tracking practices, please contact us:
- Email: support@biblementalhealthjournal.com
- Privacy Policy: View Privacy Policy