Your data never leaves your Mac

Last updated: February 2, 2026

Overview

Respite is a macOS break reminder app designed with privacy in mind. We do not require accounts or collect personal information. Your break history, streaks, settings, and all other app data are stored locally on your Mac. We collect anonymous, aggregate usage analytics to improve the app, which you can opt out of at any time in Settings.

Permissions and how they are used

Microphone Access

Used solely to detect whether you are on an active call or in a meeting so that breaks can be paused automatically. Audio is never recorded, stored, or transmitted. Respite checks only whether the microphone is in use by another application.

Calendar Access

Used to read your calendar events so that breaks are suppressed during scheduled meetings. Event data is read locally and is never sent off your device.

Accessibility / Activity Monitoring

Used to detect idle and active states so breaks are timed appropriately. This includes monitoring keyboard and mouse activity to determine whether you are actively using your computer. No usage data, keystrokes, or application activity is recorded or collected.

Screen Recording

Used to detect full-screen applications and active displays for smart break suppression. No screen content is captured, recorded, or stored.

Third-party services

If you purchase a license or use the accountability charging feature, payment processing is handled by Stripe. This service receives only the information necessary to process your payment (such as your email address and payment method). Respite does not store your payment details. Please refer to Stripe's Privacy Policy for details on how they handle your data.

Analytics and tracking

Respite collects anonymous usage information to help us understand how the app is used and improve the experience. This data is aggregate and cannot be used to identify you. It includes things like which features are used, session duration, and app version. No personal information, calendar content, audio data, or keystroke data is ever included.

You can opt out of anonymous analytics at any time in Respite Settings. This website (getrespite.app) does not use cookies or third-party tracking.

Data storage

All app data is stored locally on your Mac using standard macOS storage mechanisms (UserDefaults and application support directories). You can delete all Respite data at any time by removing the app and its associated files from your system.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in the app. Material changes will be noted with an updated date at the top of this page. Continued use of Respite after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy, contact us at support@getrespite.app.