**Last updated: 18 August 2026**
PocketCore is developed by BG Apps. This policy explains what PocketCore does and does not
do with your information. It covers the Android app **PocketCore — GBA, GB & GBC Emulator**
(package `com.bgappsch.pocketcore`).
---
## The short version
PocketCore does not have an account system, does not ask you to sign in, and does not send
your game files, save data or anything you type into the app to us or to anyone else. The
only data that leaves your device is what the Google Mobile Ads SDK collects in order to
show advertising, and you control that through the consent screen shown when you first open
the app.
---
## What stays on your device
All of the following is stored only in PocketCore's private storage on your device, and is
deleted when you uninstall the app:
- **Your game files.** PocketCore reads the game files from a folder you choose. It never
copies them anywhere off your device.
- **Save states, battery saves and screenshots of save states.** These are written to
PocketCore's private app storage.
- **Cheat codes you enter.**
- **Your settings**, including your on-screen control layout, controller button mapping,
speed and display preferences.
- **Your game list**, which records the file name, the title stored inside the game file,
the file size, and when you last played it.
None of this is uploaded, backed up to our servers, or shared. We have no servers.
## Access to your files
PocketCore asks you to pick a folder using Android's own folder picker. It receives
**read-only** access to that folder and its subfolders, and uses it for one purpose: to list
and open the game files it finds there. PocketCore does not read any other folder, does not
modify or delete your files, and does not upload them.
You can revoke this access at any time in Android's Settings, or by choosing a different
folder inside PocketCore.
## Advertising
PocketCore is free and is funded by advertising through **Google AdMob**. Ads are shown on
the game list and settings screens, and occasionally as a full-screen ad when you close a
game. No ads are ever shown while a game is running.
To serve ads, the Google Mobile Ads SDK may collect and process:
- An advertising identifier for your device
- Approximate location derived from your IP address
- Basic device and app information (device model, operating system version, app version)
- Ad interaction data (whether an ad was shown, viewed or tapped)
This is handled by Google, not by us — we never receive this information. Google's practices
are described in the **Google Privacy Policy** (https://policies.google.com/privacy) and in
**How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services**
(https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites).
**Your choice.** The first time you open PocketCore you are shown a consent screen provided
by Google's User Messaging Platform. You can accept or decline personalised advertising
there, and you can change your decision at any time from **About PocketCore → Advertising
preferences** inside the app.
You can also reset or delete your advertising identifier in Android's Settings under
*Privacy → Ads*.
## Permissions PocketCore requests, and why
| Permission | Why |
|---|---|
| Internet, network state | Required to load advertising. PocketCore itself works fully offline. |
| Advertising ID (`AD_ID`) | Required by the Google Mobile Ads SDK on Android 13 and later. |
| Vibrate | Drives the vibration motor for games that use a rumble cartridge, and for the optional button-press feedback. |
PocketCore asks for **no** location permission, **no** camera or microphone permission, and
**no** contacts or account permission.
## Sensors
If you turn on tilt and gyroscope support, PocketCore reads your device's accelerometer and
gyroscope while a game is open, and passes those readings straight to the emulator for games
that use a motion-sensing cartridge. The readings are never recorded and never leave the
device. Sensors are not read at all when no game is open.
## Children
PocketCore is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal
information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information through
the advertising in this app, please contact us and we will help you raise it with Google.
## Data deletion
Because we hold no data about you, there is nothing for us to delete. To remove everything
PocketCore has stored on your device, uninstall the app, or use Android's Settings → Apps →
PocketCore → Storage → Clear storage.
## Changes to this policy
If this policy changes, the new version will be published at this address and the date at
the top will be updated.
## Contact
Questions about this policy: **moritzbattig@outlook.com**