Privacy Policy

Pushpendra Kumar ("we", "us", or "our") built the Sudoku app (package name: app.sudoku.ai) as a free Android application. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you use the app. By using Sudoku, you agree to this policy.

Core play is offline. Ads and purchases need the network. Sudoku does not create its own online account. Progress is stored on your device and, when you sign in, synced with Google Play Games. Purchases stay with your Google Play account.

Sudoku does not require you to create an email, password, or app-specific user ID. There is no Sudoku registration form. The app does not ask for contacts, photos, microphone, camera, precise location, or SMS.

2.1 Data stored only on your device

Game data is stored in an encrypted local database (sudoku.db, SQLCipher). Android backup / cloud backup of this database is disabled. The encryption key is stored in Android Keystore (not in a developer cloud). This on-device data includes:

• Current and paused puzzles (board, notes, timer, undo/redo)
• Campaign unlock, complete, stars, and best times
• Daily challenge results and streak dates
• Stats (games started/completed, mistakes, hints, stars, solve times)
• Coach technique counters
• Settings (sound, haptics, timer, highlights, and similar preferences)
• Hint/Coach wallet (free remaining, purchased balances, last free-refresh UTC day)
• Play purchase tokens needed to restore Remove-ads
• A cached Play Games sign-in flag and, if signed in, the Play Games display name for the in-app avatar letter (not a Google password)

2.2 Data we do not collect ourselves

• No email, phone, or name collected by a Sudoku account form
• No analytics events are sent to a Sudoku backend. In-app events (such as app open, level completed, purchase completed) are logged locally
• No puzzle grid is uploaded to an AI API. Coach language uses on-device templates

The Firebase Analytics SDK is included because of Google Play services. Automatic screen reporting is turned off. Google Play services may still process device identifiers under Google's terms. See Google's Privacy Policy and Firebase privacy.

Sudoku requests only the permissions needed for ads, purchases, optional Play Games, and optional haptics:

When you buy a pack, Google Play processes payment. Sudoku receives product IDs and purchase tokens so it can grant Hints, Coach tips, or Remove-ads. Google is the merchant of record. Restore purchases uses the same Google account. Purchases are not deleted when you delete in-app game data.

See Google Play Terms of Service and Google's Privacy Policy.

The ad format in the app today is rewarded video only. A video is shown only after you choose “Watch video…” for 1 Hint or 1 Coach tip. Banner and interstitial ads are not used.

• Google UMP (User Messaging Platform) may show a consent form (GDPR/EEA and similar) before ads are requested.
• Ads are not requested until Google reports that ads can be requested.
• Google and its ad partners may collect device and advertising data per AdMob / Google advertising policies.

We do not sell player data to other advertisers ourselves. Remove Ads and 150 Hints + Ads-free remove non-rewarded ads. Optional rewarded videos remain available if you want extra Hint or Coach credits.

Signing in is optional. Core play does not require it. If you tap Sign in with Play Games:

• Google authenticates your Play Games profile
• Sudoku may read the gamer display name for the in-app avatar (first letter)
• Sudoku may write and read a Saved Game snapshot with campaign progress, stats, daily results, Coach skill counters, and in-progress puzzle sessions (including givens, solution, board, and notes)
• Achievements may unlock (first completed puzzle, finish Beginner Garden, finish the 90-level campaign, 7-day daily streak, 30 stars)

Hint/Coach wallet balances and Google Play purchases are not written to that snapshot. Cloud save runs only when Play Games reports a live session and the device is online. Sign-in stays on the device across app restarts until you sign out. See Play Games Services.

Settings → Your data → Delete game data:

• Deletes puzzles, progress, stats, settings, and wallet on this device
• Clears the Play Games cloud save for this game, if you are signed in
• Does not delete your Google account, Play Games profile, or Google Play purchases
• Cannot be undone. The app then restarts at level 1

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal data. The following Google services may process data as described above:

• Google Play — distribution, payments, license. Terms
• Google Play Games Services — optional sign-in, saved games, achievements
• Google AdMob + UMP — rewarded ads and consent
• Google Play services / Firebase Analytics SDK — ads, games, billing; device identifiers per Google's terms. Firebase privacy

Also see Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service.

On-device data is kept until you delete game data or uninstall the app. Play Games snapshots remain under your Google account until you delete them or use Delete game data while signed in. Purchase history is retained by Google Play.

Sudoku is a number puzzle with optional ads and in-app purchases. We do not claim the app is designed for children. Confirm the Play Console target audience before enabling ads for children.

• EEA/UK: a UMP consent form is used before ads are requested.
• California / similar: we do not sell personal information in the “Sudoku account” sense. Google ads and Play may qualify as sharing under those laws; Google's required language applies.

You can:

• Play without signing in, without watching ads, and without buying anything
• Turn off sound, haptics, and other settings on the device
• Sign out of Play Games inside the app
• Delete all in-app game data on this device (see Section 7)
• Uninstall the app to remove the local encrypted database
• Manage Google ads, Play Games, and purchase records through your Google account settings

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with a new “Last updated” date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

If you have questions, concerns, or requests about this Privacy Policy or the Sudoku app, contact us: