Last updated: 23 June 2026
Hearthlore is an Android audiobook player that connects to a Plex Media Server that you provide and control. Hearthlore is a "thin client": it does not have its own backend, cloud service, or central server operated by the developer. The app talks directly to the Plex server you point it at, and to Plex's own sign-in service when you log in. There is no Hearthlore server in the middle.
This policy explains, honestly and specifically, what data the app handles, where that data goes, and how it is stored. We have written it to describe only what the app actually does. We do not collect analytics, we do not run advertising, and we do not operate any server that receives your data.
Note that your Plex Media Server and the Plex sign-in service (operated by Plex Inc.) are independent of Hearthlore. When you connect to your own server or sign in to Plex, your data is handled according to those services' own terms and privacy practices. Hearthlore is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Plex Inc.
Hearthlore handles the following information on your device in order to function. None of it is sent to the developer.
To play your audiobooks, the app stores the address(es) of the Plex server(s) you choose to connect to (for example, a local network address or a remote address you have configured). This is used solely to reach your server.
When you sign in to Plex through the app, Plex issues an authentication token. The app stores this token on your device so that you stay signed in and can access your libraries without logging in repeatedly. This token is held in the app's private storage on your device. It is sent only to your Plex server and to Plex's official sign-in service to authenticate your requests. It is never transmitted to the developer or to any third party.
While you browse and listen, the app requests information about your libraries, audiobooks, chapters, cover art, and similar metadata from your Plex server so it can display them. This information comes from your server and stays between the app and your server.
The app keeps track of your listening position, playback history, and related state (for example, where you stopped in a book, recently played items, and sleep-timer state). This is used to resume playback and show your history. Playback position is also synced back to your own Plex server (using Plex's standard timeline/progress mechanism) so your progress stays consistent across your own devices. This progress data goes only to your server — not to the developer.
If you choose to download an audiobook for offline listening, the audio file and its metadata are stored on your device until you delete the download or uninstall the app.
Your in-app preferences (such as playback and display settings) are stored locally on your device.
All network communication is between your device and either your own Plex server or Plex's official services. There is no intermediary server run by the developer.
To be clear about what the app does not do:
The data described above (server addresses, your Plex authentication token, listening progress and history, downloaded audiobooks, and app settings) is stored locally on your device, primarily within the app's private storage area. This data stays on your device unless it is sent to your own Plex server as part of normal playback (for example, syncing your progress).
You can remove this data at any time by:
No method of electronic storage or transmission is perfectly secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. However, because the developer never receives your data, there is no developer-side database that could be breached to expose it.
Hearthlore is not directed to children under the age of 13 (or the equivalent minimum age in your jurisdiction). The app does not knowingly collect personal information from children. Because the app does not transmit data to the developer, we do not knowingly hold any personal information from any user, including children. If you believe a child has used the app in a way that concerns you, you control the underlying Plex account and server and can manage access there.
Hearthlore requests Android permissions only as needed to function, such as:
These permissions are used solely for the features described and not for collecting data about you.
The only third-party service the app communicates with by design is Plex (your Plex Media Server and Plex Inc.'s official sign-in service), which is fundamental to the app's purpose. Plex's handling of your data is governed by Plex Inc.'s own privacy policy. The app does not bundle third-party analytics, advertising, crash-reporting, or tracking services.
We may update this privacy policy from time to time, for example to reflect new app features or legal requirements. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this document and, where appropriate, note the change in the app's store listing or release notes. Continued use of the app after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
If you have questions about this privacy policy or about how Hearthlore handles your data, please contact:
sipador@gmail.com