Privacy policy

ZenSMS Privacy Policy

Last updated: 5 September 2026

About ZenSMS

ZenSMS is a privacy-focused SMS/MMS replacement app for Android, developed and published by Essential Labs 8. ZenSMS is not affiliated with, associated with, or related to any other product or service that may share a similar name, including any SMS marketing, bulk messaging, or SMS blasting platforms. Our app is designed solely for personal, on-device messaging with a focus on privacy and spam protection.

Our commitment to privacy

ZenSMS is designed with privacy as a core principle. We believe your messages are yours alone. ZenSMS processes and organizes your messages on your device. ZenSMS does not operate a cloud inbox or message-sync service, and does not automatically collect your message content or usage data.

Data storage

• ZenSMS uses Android’s local messaging storage and does not maintain a server-side copy of your inbox.
• ZenSMS does not upload or sync your message content to ZenSMS servers.
• No cloud backup or sync is provided by ZenSMS.
• Uninstalling the app removes ZenSMS app data from your device, subject to normal Android behavior and your own backups.

Data we do not collect

• Message content.
• Contact information.
• Phone numbers in readable form. Diagnostic bundles use one-way hashes only.
• Location data.
• Usage analytics.
• Personal identifiers.
• Any form of telemetry.

Permissions we request

• SMS/MMS: required to send and receive messages.
• Contacts: used to display contact names and photos when granted.
• Phone State: used to detect SIM cards for dual-SIM support.
• Notifications: used to alert you of new messages.
• Storage or media access: used to save MMS attachments such as photos and files, depending on Android version.

Third-party services

• Google Play Billing: used only for premium purchases. Google may collect purchase data per their privacy policy.
• ZenSMS does not include advertising SDKs.
• ZenSMS does not include analytics SDKs.
• ZenSMS does not include crash reporting SDKs.

MMS diagnostic tools

ZenSMS includes optional diagnostic tools to help troubleshoot message delivery issues. These are entirely opt-in.

• Nothing is transmitted automatically. All diagnostic data starts on your device.
• Diagnostic bundles are stored temporarily in your device's cache and auto-deleted after 24 hours.
• Bundles may include device model, Android version, carrier name, app settings, network state, permission states, and aggregate message counts.
• Message bodies, contact names, and attachment content are never included.
• Phone numbers are one-way hashed with SHA-256 and a random per-device salt. The original numbers cannot be recovered from the hash.
• Bundles are only shared if you explicitly tap the Share button.
• If you share a bundle with us for support, we use it only to diagnose your issue and do not retain it.

Premium features

Premium purchases are processed through Google Play. We do not store or have access to your payment information. Purchase status is verified through Google's secure systems.

Data security

Your messages are protected by your device's built-in security. We recommend using device encryption and a secure lock screen for maximum protection.

Children's privacy

ZenSMS does not knowingly collect any information from children. The app is a tool for SMS communication and does not target any specific age group.

Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy occasionally. Any changes will be reflected in the app and on this page. Continued use of the app constitutes acceptance of any changes.

Contact

For privacy questions, email support@zensms.app.