Who operates Knowtify
Knowtify is operated by Knowtify LLC, based in New Hampshire. This policy describes how the Knowtify mobile app and this website (knowtifyapp.io) handle information when you use Knowtify. Privacy questions go to customerservice@knowtifyapp.io.
The short version
Knowtify is built for local, on-device notification processing. Your notification contents are not sold and are not uploaded to Knowtify or any service provider for storage or analytics. Most data never leaves your phone except when you choose optional integrations (such as Google Home), optional crash reporting, or Android device backups, as described below.
Accounts
Knowtify does not require a Knowtify account.
- Govee, LIFX, and WiZ require that brand’s app and account so the bulb can join Wi-Fi first. Knowtify connects to bulbs already set up on your home network through those manufacturer apps. Once the bulb is connected to Wi-Fi, you no longer need the manufacturer’s app installed or logged in.
- Matter does not need any third-party account. Commissioning and control happen locally on your network.
- Google Home is optional and uses an existing Google account if you choose to connect it. You can use Knowtify without linking Google at all.
Notification access
Knowtify uses Android’s Notification Listener service so it can react to alerts you choose to monitor. When a notification arrives, the app reads metadata needed to match your rules:
- Which app posted the notification
- Its category (for example, message, call, or ongoing)
- Whether it is an ongoing notification
For Uber and Lyft ONLY, Knowtify reads only the title of the notification to determine when your driver has arrived. Knowtify checks the title on your device only for the word “arriving.” Knowtify does not store the title or send it off your device. Title reading happens only if you select Uber or Lyft as a trigger.
Notification processing happens on your device to trigger lighting behavior. Apart from the Uber and Lyft title check above, Knowtify does not read notification title or body text. Knowtify does not store notification contents or upload them to Knowtify or any service provider.
Location and nearby Wi-Fi
Knowtify may request location permission or the nearby Wi-Fi devices permission, depending on your Android version, so it can read the SSID (network name) of the Wi-Fi you are connected to. This is used to apply network profiles you configure, for example, choosing different bulb settings at home versus work.
SSID information is used for network matching only. Knowtify does not use this data for physical location tracking, advertising, or building a history of where you have been.
Google account and Home APIs
If you choose to connect Google Home, Knowtify uses Google’s sign-in and Home APIs to control compatible lights through your Google account. This integration is optional and only active after you connect it in the app.
Notification processing happens on your device. For Google Home, Knowtify sends abstract lighting commands (such as color and brightness) through Google’s services. These commands do not include notification text. Google handles these commands as an independent provider under its own privacy policy.
Matter and Bluetooth
When you commission Matter-compatible devices, Knowtify uses Bluetooth during the setup process to pair and configure bulbs on your local network. Bluetooth is used for commissioning and local device communication. Knowtify does not use Bluetooth to track your location.
Installed app list
Knowtify can read the list of apps installed on your device to populate the in-app trigger picker, the screen where you choose which apps should drive lighting alerts. Knowtify uses this list on your device only so you can select apps without typing package names, and does not send the list off your device.
Optional crash reports
Knowtify offers optional crash and stability reporting through Firebase Crashlytics, a Google service that processes crash data on behalf of Knowtify. If you turn on crash reporting, the App sends the following to Firebase Crashlytics when a crash occurs: installation identifiers, crash traces, device model, operating system version, app version, and the app name, notification category, and ongoing status of notifications involved in the crash. Knowtify uses this data only to find and fix bugs. Crash reports do not include the contents of your notifications. You can use Knowtify without turning this on. If you turn crash reporting off, the App stops sending new reports, and reports already sent remain with Google. Google keeps crash traces and related identifiers for 90 days and then begins removing them from its live and backup systems.
Local network communication
For supported brands (Matter, LIFX, Govee, WiZ, and others), Knowtify sends commands directly to your lights over your local Wi-Fi network. That traffic stays on your LAN and does not pass through Knowtify servers. Knowtify does not operate servers that receive or store App data. Optional Google Home commands and crash reports go to Google, as described in this policy.
Information Knowtify shares
Knowtify does not sell personal data. Knowtify shares information in these situations:
- Google Home (optional): If you connect Google Home, Knowtify sends lighting commands, such as color and brightness, to Google so Google can control your lights.
- Firebase Crashlytics (optional): If you turn on crash reporting, Knowtify sends the diagnostic data described above to Google, which provides crash reporting to Knowtify.
- Website and email providers: Providers that host knowtifyapp.io or deliver email may process information when you visit the site or contact Knowtify.
- Legal requirements: Knowtify may disclose information when the law requires it or to protect the rights or safety of users, Knowtify, or others.
What we do not do
- We do not sell your notification contents or personal data.
- We do not sell or upload notification title or body text. Knowtify reads titles only for the Uber and Lyft check described above.
- We do not use your alerts to build advertising profiles.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the “Last updated” date. For material changes, Knowtify will also show a notice in the App. If a change lets Knowtify collect or use data in a new way that requires your consent, Knowtify will ask for your consent before the change applies to you. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.
Children’s Privacy
Knowtify is not directed at children under the age of 13. Users under 13 may not use Knowtify. Users who are at least 13 but under 18 may use Knowtify only with the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian. Knowtify does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal information through crash reports or email, contact customerservice@knowtifyapp.io and Knowtify will take appropriate steps to delete it.
Data retention & uninstallation
Because Knowtify stores your rules and preferences locally on your device, uninstalling the application deletes the configurations, Wi-Fi network profiles, and trigger settings stored on that device.
If Android backup or device transfer is turned on for your device, a copy of these settings may remain in your Google account backup or move to a new device under Android settings that Google controls. Crash reports already sent to Firebase follow the retention period described above. For questions about data related to Knowtify, contact customerservice@knowtifyapp.io.
Google Play Store permission disclosures
Android permissions: Knowtify requests specific Android permissions strictly to deliver core functionality. You can manage or revoke these permissions at any time through your device’s system settings. Revoking certain permissions (such as Notification Access) may disable corresponding automation features. Revoking a permission stops future access but does not affect data already sent. You can also remove Knowtify’s access to Google Home through your Google account settings, turn off crash reporting, or uninstall the App.
Data security statement
Knowtify uses reasonable technical measures designed to protect information the App handles, including local network communications between Knowtify and your smart lights. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and the security of your home network and device also affects your information.
Website, cookies, and Do Not Track
When you visit knowtifyapp.io, the website hosting provider may collect standard server log information, such as IP address, browser type, and pages visited, to operate and secure the site. If the website uses cookies, analytics, or other tracking tools, this section will identify them and describe how the website responds to browser Do Not Track signals and similar privacy signals. The App does not track you across other companies’ apps or websites.
Contact us
Questions about this policy or how Knowtify handles data? Email us at customerservice@knowtifyapp.io.
If a privacy law that applies to Knowtify gives you rights to access, correct, or delete personal data, or to appeal a decision about your request, you can make your request at this email address.