Last updated 3 October 2026 · SPR Labs LTD
This policy describes the current Root iPhone app. You can browse Root without an account. The app's launch catalog focuses on England.
Location and map data
If you allow location access, Root uses your location to show nearby places and centre the map. Root sends the visible map area to OpenStreetMap Overpass servers to fetch additional places. That area may reveal where you are. Root does not send your saved-place list or Apple user identifier to Overpass. You can skip location access and move the map yourself.
If you turn on optional farm pings, iOS monitors geofences for places you saved on this device and can show local notifications. You can turn farm pings off in Root or change location and notification permissions in iOS Settings.
Apple sign-in and your content
If you choose Sign in with Apple, Root stores your Apple user identifier, handle and display name on this device. Saved places, recent searches, place additions, reviews, photos, claims, opening reports and notices are also stored on this device. Other Root users cannot see these contributions in this version. Root does not currently provide a server account or cross-device sync.
Diagnostics
Root uses Sentry for crash and performance diagnostics when configured. Sentry may receive app and device details, crash reports, network diagnostics, product interactions and masked session replay. Root disables default personal information, screenshot attachments and view hierarchy attachments. Session replay masks text and images.
Photos and place information
Photos that you add to Root stay on this device. Root does not automatically fetch images from place websites or OpenStreetMap image links in this version. Place information includes OpenStreetMap contributor data and public sector data from the Food Standards Agency. We provide source credits and licences in the app.
Retention, choices and deletion
Root keeps on-device data until you delete it or uninstall the app. Open the You tab and choose Clear local data, or Delete account and local data when signed in, to remove your Root profile, saved places, searches, contributions and downloaded image cache from this device. Signing out removes the local profile but keeps saved places and contributions.
After deleting a local profile made with Sign in with Apple, you can also remove Root's Apple sign-in authorisation in iPhone Settings: tap your name, tap Sign in with Apple, select Root and tap Delete. Root checks for revoked Apple credentials and returns to an unsigned-in state.
You can turn off location and notification permissions in iOS Settings at any time.
Contact
For privacy questions or requests, email jacob@sprake.co. For help using Root, visit support.