Glow is a functional period tracker. From a data privacy standpoint, it is cloud-based with no documented on-device storage architecture. Your reproductive health data is stored on Glow's servers and is accessible to law enforcement via subpoena.

Does Glow sell your data?

Glow's privacy policy does not clearly commit against selling or sharing data with third parties. Unlike apps with documented data-selling enforcement history, Glow has not been subject to FTC enforcement, but it also lacks the transparent privacy architecture of on-device-only apps.

What is a private alternative to Glow?

For users who want Glow's fertility tracking features with stronger privacy, Floriva (on-device storage, no account required) and Natural Cycles (FDA-cleared fertility tracking, though cloud-based) are the main alternatives.

alternatives

Glow App Alternative: Trackers Without Data Monetization

Glow is cloud-based with no documented on-device storage architecture. Here's what that means for your reproductive health data and what to use instead.

What Glow Doesn't Document Glow is a period and fertility tracker that has been available since 2013. It offers cycle tracking, fertility prediction, pregnancy tracking, and community features. The app has a substantial user base and broad feature coverage. What Glow does not offer is a documented privacy first architecture. The app is cloud based. Its privacy policy does not clearly commit to avoiding data sales to third parties. There is no on device storage model and no published commitment to zero knowledge design. Documented Privacy Failures Glow has a specific enforcement and breach history. In September 2020, Glow settled with the California Attorney General for $250,000. Investigators found the "Partner Connect" feature automatically granted data access to anyone who sent a linking request, without the recipient's confirmation. This exposed intimate health data including miscarriage and abortion history to unauthorized parties. Consumer Reports originally discovered the vulnerability in July 2016. The gap between discovery and settlement was four years. In October 2024, security researcher Ovi Liber discovered an API bug exposing personal data of approximately 25 million Gl