What the app uses, and why
| What | Why | When |
|---|---|---|
| Network settings of your adaptors | To show each adaptor's status and apply your presets. | Always; this is what the app does. |
| Router hardware address and subnet | For automatic switching rules that recognise a site. | Always; no permission needed. |
| Switch, port and VLAN (LLDP) | To show where your cable goes, and for switch rules. | Only if you turn on Switch Info. |
| Wi‑Fi network name | For Wi‑Fi rules. macOS only shares it with apps allowed Location access. | Only if you turn it on and allow Location. |
| Location | For location rules. | Only if you turn it on and allow Location. |
| Names of nearby Bluetooth devices | For Bluetooth rules, e.g. a beacon in a rack. | Only if you turn it on and allow Bluetooth. |
All of this is used on your Mac and isn't stored, apart from what you choose to save in your own rules. You can turn each source off in Settings, and withdraw permission at any time in System Settings → Privacy & Security.
What's stored
Your presets, groups and rules are saved in a file on your Mac, and your settings in the app's preferences. Neither is sent anywhere. You can see the presets file from Settings → Presets → Show in Finder.
What we collect
Nothing that identifies you or describes your networks. The app only goes online for two things:
- Checking for updates, about once a day if you leave it on: it downloads a small file listing the latest version from networkswitcher.co.uk. Like any web request, that shows the server your IP address and the app's version. You can turn it off in Settings → Updates.
- Activating a licence key you bought: the key and your Mac's name are sent once to Polar, our payment provider, to confirm the purchase. Removing the licence tells them the same way, so the key can be used on another Mac. Gift keys are checked entirely on your Mac.
When you buy Network Switcher, the purchase is handled by our payment provider, Polar (polar.sh), who collects what's needed to take payment and send your licence, such as your name, email address and billing details, under their own privacy policy.
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Changes
If this changes, we'll update this page and say so in the release notes.
Questions about privacy? Email support@networkswitcher.co.uk.
Last updated 6 October 2026.