Live Transcriber is local-first. Recordings and transcripts stay in the app's private storage on your device by default. We do not operate a backend that receives your recordings.

Data stored on your device

Recordings, transcripts, titles, summaries, tags, settings, and related metadata are stored in the app's private container on your device by default. This content remains there until you delete it or remove the app.

Microphone and speech recognition

Microphone access is used to record audio. Speech Recognition access is used to convert speech into text. The default live transcription workflow uses Apple's system Speech frameworks. Live Transcriber does not send live microphone audio to a developer-operated server.

Optional iCloud sync

If you enable iCloud sync, recordings and their index may be stored in the app-private iCloud container and CloudKit private database associated with your Apple Account. Apple provides and governs these services. You can disable iCloud sync in the app's Settings.

Optional local model downloads

You may choose to download Whisper or Qwen3 model files from third-party model hosting services. Downloaded models are stored on your device and can be deleted in Settings. When you select local processing, transcription and summarization run on your device.

Optional OpenAI transcription

OpenAI transcription is disabled by default. If you enable it, enter your own OpenAI API key, and manually choose OpenAI transcription for a saved recording, that selected audio is sent directly from your device to OpenAI. Your API key is stored in the iOS Keychain. OpenAI processes the request under its own terms and privacy policy. Do not use this option for content you do not want to send to OpenAI.

Location and Reminders

Location is used only when you choose to attach a location to a saved recording. Reminders access is used only when you choose to export an action item to Apple Reminders. We do not send this information to a developer-operated server.

Analytics, advertising, and tracking

Live Transcriber does not include third-party advertising or analytics SDKs and does not track you across apps or websites.

Retention and deletion

You can delete individual recordings and downloaded models in the app. Removing the app deletes its local private data. Content synchronized through iCloud is managed through your Apple Account and Apple's services. Data sent to an optional third-party service is subject to that service's retention policy.

Children's privacy

Live Transcriber is a general-purpose productivity tool and is not directed specifically to children. We do not knowingly collect children's personal information through a developer-operated service.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy when the app's features or data practices change. The effective date above identifies the latest version.

Contact

For privacy questions or support, open an issue in the Live Transcriber GitHub repository or contact @livetranscriber on Telegram.