Qilinn Qilinn
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Privacy Policy

Last updated July 15, 2026

Qilinn ("the app") is an Android podcast player developed by Jarai Howard. This page explains what data the app collects, how it's used, and what choices you have.

Guest mode (default)

By default, Qilinn runs in guest mode. Your subscriptions, downloaded episodes, playback progress, folders, and playlists are stored only in a local database on your device. Nothing is sent to Qilinn's servers, and no account is required.

If you create an account or sign in

Signing in is optional and only needed if you want your library to sync across devices. If you sign in, Qilinn uses Firebase (a Google service) to provide:

  • Authentication — via email/password or Google Sign-In. Firebase Authentication stores your email address and, if you use Google Sign-In, the basic profile information (name, email, profile photo) Google provides.
  • Cloud sync (Firestore) — your podcast subscriptions (show title and feed URL), episode playback state (position and played/queued status), folders, and playlists are stored so they can sync between your devices. If you upload a custom profile photo, it's stored as part of your account data.

This data is tied to your account and used solely to provide the app's sync feature. It is not sold, shared with advertisers, or used for any purpose other than operating Qilinn.

Podcast discovery and content

Qilinn's Discover and search features use a Firebase Cloud Function to query a podcast index and return show metadata (title, artwork, feed URL). When you subscribe to a show or refresh episodes, the app fetches that show's publicly published RSS feed directly from the podcast's own hosting provider — the same way any podcast app works. Qilinn doesn't control or take responsibility for third-party podcast content; each show's audio and artwork belongs to its own publisher.

What Qilinn does not do

  • No advertising or ad-tracking SDKs
  • No analytics that identify you personally
  • No selling or sharing of your data with third parties for marketing
  • No access to contacts, location, or other device data unrelated to playing podcasts

Permissions the app requests

  • Internet / network state — to fetch podcast feeds, artwork, and audio
  • Notifications — for playback controls and new-episode alerts
  • Foreground service (media playback) — so audio keeps playing while you use other apps

Data deletion

You can delete your local library at any time from Settings, or sign out to stop syncing. If you're signed in, Settings also has a Delete account option that immediately and permanently erases your account, your synced subscriptions, folders, and playlists from Qilinn's servers, along with this device's saved library — no waiting on a request. If you'd rather have it handled manually, or need help with a guest-mode device, email jarai@qilinn.com.

Children's privacy

Qilinn is not directed at children under 13, and the app does not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to this policy

If this policy changes, the update date at the top of this page will change. Continued use of the app after a change means you accept the updated policy.

Contact

Questions about this policy or your data can be sent to jarai@qilinn.com.

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© 2026 Jarai Howard.