Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 10, 2026
Vanilla is an app for planning in-person hangouts with people you know. This page explains what information we collect, why, and the choices you have about it.
Information we collect
When you create an account, we collect your name and phone number (or email address, if you sign in that way), plus the avatar you pick. If you create or join a hangout, we store the details you enter — activity, time, location, notes — and your responses to invitations.
Contacts and invites
If you use "invite from contacts," your device sends us your contact list once so we can check which of your contacts are already on Vanilla, matched only by phone number. We don't store that uploaded list — we only keep a record of the specific people you choose to invite or share activities with (their name and phone number), so we can deliver the invite and avoid re-inviting them later.
Location
Location sharing is off by default. If you turn it on, we store your device's most recent location so friends at the same hangout can find you, and you can turn it off at any time. We also store any named places you save yourself (like "home" or "the usual coffee shop").
Messages and notifications
We send push notifications about hangouts you're part of if your device grants permission. If you invite someone who isn't on Vanilla yet, we send them a one-time text message through our provider, Twilio, containing your name and a link to join — this is only sent to the specific number you chose to invite, and only once. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to stop receiving invite messages, or HELP for help.
Cookies
We use a session cookie to keep you signed in and a small cookie to remember your time zone so hangout times display correctly. We don't use third-party advertising or analytics trackers.
How we share information
We don't sell your information or share it with advertisers. We share data with the service providers who help us run Vanilla — hosting, database, SMS delivery, and push notification delivery — only as needed to provide the app.
Your choices
You can turn off location sharing, stop sharing activities with someone, or delete your account and data at any time by contacting us below.
Children
Vanilla is not directed at children under 13, and we don't knowingly collect information from them.
Changes to this policy
If we make material changes to this policy, we'll update the date at the top of this page.
Contact us
Questions about this policy or your data? Email us at hello@vanilla.app.