Introduction
Recline ("we", "our", or "the app") is a phone dialer application developed by Sumant Mourya. This Privacy Policy explains how information is used and protected when you use the app.
Recline processes most data locally on your device. Some limited data may be collected by third-party services such as Google AdMob and Firebase Crashlytics, as described below.
Call recording is performed by a separate companion application, Recline Helper, which has its own privacy policy.
Information we collect
Recline operates primarily as an offline application. We do not collect, transmit, or store your personal data on any external servers.
The app accesses the following data locally on your device:
- Contacts — to display contact names, phone numbers and photos during calls and in the contact list.
- Call logs — to show your recent call history and allow editing or deleting call records.
- Phone state — to manage incoming and outgoing calls and display caller information.
- SMS — to send auto-reply and quick reply messages when those features are enabled by you.
- Photos / media — to allow you to select custom background images for the call screen.
None of this data is transmitted to our servers or to any third party by the app itself.
Call recording
Recline itself does not hold the RECORD_AUDIO permission and does
not use an accessibility service. When you enable call recording, audio is captured by the
separate Recline Helper application through a capture service.
- Recordings are encoded to M4A and stored on your device only.
- Only the Recline dialer can open them. No other app on your device can read them.
- Recordings are never uploaded to any server operated by the developer.
- You can play, share or delete any recording from within the app, and deleting removes the file from your device.
Recording laws differ by country and state. You are responsible for complying with the law that applies to you, including any obligation to inform the other party that a call is being recorded. See the Terms of Use.
Call audio handling
Recline is a default phone replacement app that integrates with Android's Telecom framework
(InCallService). Outside of a recording you have explicitly started, call audio —
including your microphone — is managed entirely by the Android system.
The Recline dialer only controls the call interface, audio routing (earpiece / speaker / Bluetooth) and mute state via system APIs.
Fake Call feature
The Fake Call feature allows you to simulate an incoming call for personal use. Fake calls are generated locally on your device using a foreground timer service. They do not contact real phone numbers, emergency services, or external systems.
This feature is clearly labelled within the app and is intended for entertainment or privacy purposes only.
Crash reporting — Firebase Crashlytics
Recline uses Firebase Crashlytics, a crash reporting service provided by Google, to help identify and fix stability issues. Crashlytics may automatically collect the following when a crash or error occurs:
- Crash stack traces and error logs
- Device model, OS version and app version
- Anonymised device identifiers
- App state at the time of the crash (diagnostics)
This data is used solely to diagnose and fix bugs. It is not linked to your personal identity and is governed by Google’s Privacy Policy.
Advertising — Google AdMob
Recline uses Google AdMob to display native and banner advertisements. Google AdMob may collect certain information as described in Google's Privacy Policy, including:
- Advertising ID
- Device information (model, OS version)
- IP address
- Ad interaction data
This data collection is governed by Google’s Privacy Policy. We do not have access to or control over the data collected by Google AdMob.
Ad display policy
Advertisements are never shown during active phone calls, on incoming call screens, over the lock screen, or during a recording.
Native ads appear briefly when you access certain features in app settings, with a cooldown between displays. Banner ads appear in select configuration screens. Ads are only shown when you actively interact with features, and can be closed at any time.
Permissions
Recline requests the following permissions, each used solely for the stated purpose:
| Permission | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Phone & Call | Make, receive and manage phone calls as a default dialer |
| Contacts | Display caller and contact information |
| Call Log | Show, edit and delete recent call history |
| Notifications | Incoming call, missed call and ongoing call alerts |
| SMS (send only) | Send auto-reply and quick reply messages |
| Bluetooth | Route call audio to Bluetooth headsets |
| Write Settings | Set a custom system ringtone chosen by you |
| Storage / Media | Select custom background images for the call screen |
| Internet | Load advertisements and send crash reports |
| Foreground Service | Keep the call screen and fake call timer active |
Not requested: RECORD_AUDIO, and no accessibility service.
Data storage
All settings and preferences are stored locally on your device using Android SharedPreferences and internal app storage. This includes:
- Call background images and preferences
- Sleep control schedules and contact exceptions
- Call blocking rules and auto-reply messages
- Quick reply message templates
- Theme and customisation preferences
- Ad cooldown and display counters
You can clear all app data at any time via
Settings → Apps → Recline → Clear Data. Recordings held by Recline Helper are
cleared separately from that app.
Data sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. Data may be shared only as follows:
- Google AdMob — device and ad interaction data for serving advertisements
- Firebase Crashlytics — anonymised crash and diagnostic data for stability improvements
No other data is shared with any third party. Recordings, contacts and call logs are never shared.
Children's privacy
Recline is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided personal data through a third-party SDK (such as AdMob or Crashlytics), please contact us at the address below.
Security
We take reasonable measures to protect data stored on your device. Since all app data remains local, security depends on your device's system protections such as lock screen, encryption and OS-level app sandboxing.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected with an updated "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the app after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:
Email: SumantKushwaha.dev@gmail.com
© 2026 Sumant Mourya. All rights reserved.