Privacy, Security and FaceID

Privacy, Security and FaceID 🔒

Vanlife Assistant contains your financial history, travel documents, and live GPS coordinates. Because of this, the app was built from the ground up with a strict Zero Data Collection philosophy.

There are no user accounts, no external servers, and no logins. Everything you do in the app is stored locally on your device and synchronised privately via your personal Apple iCloud. 👉 See Sync and Backups.

🛡️ Locking the App (FaceID / TouchID)

If you frequently hand your phone to mechanics or border officials (see What is Border Mode and how do I use it?), you may want to lock down the rest of the app to protect your finances and personal data.

How to set up App Lock:

1. Open the main Settings tab.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Under the Security section, toggle on Require App Passcode.
4. You will be prompted to set a secure 4+ digit PIN.
5. Once your PIN is saved, a new toggle will appear: Allow FaceID / TouchID. Turn this on for seamless, secure unlocking without having to type your PIN every time you open the app.

Note: If you ever want to change your PIN, just return to this menu and tap the Change button next to your passcode status.

🔐 System Permissions

For Vanlife Assistant to work properly as your digital co-pilot, it requires access to certain iOS systems (like your Camera for the Document Scanner, or Location Services for the Smart Van geofencing).

• Tap the Permissions row in the main Settings hub to view your Permissions dashboard.
• This dashboard acts as a traffic light system. If any critical permissions are disabled, it will warn you and provide a direct link to fix it in your iPhone’s global iOS settings. 👉 See Permissions Explained.

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A Note on App Store Subscriptions

Because your data and identity are handled entirely by Apple, any active subscriptions for Vanlife Assistant’s premium features must be managed through your device’s global Apple ID settings, not within the app itself.

(To manage your subscription: Go to your iPhone’s main Settings app -> Tap your Apple ID Name at the top -> Tap Subscriptions).