What “Anonymous Mode” Really Means in Period and Fertility Apps
Why “Anonymous Mode” Matters
Many period and fertility apps now offer something called “anonymous mode.” It sounds safe, but many women are not sure what it really means. With so much personal health data being stored, shared, or tracked, it is important to understand how this feature works.
What Anonymous Mode Is Meant To Do
Anonymous mode is designed to hide your personal identity inside the app. In simple terms, this means the app should not link your name, email, phone number, or other details to your health information.
When it works well, the app only sees your data, not who you are.
What Anonymous Mode Does Not Do
Anonymous mode does not always mean:
the app collects no data
the app never shares data
your data cannot be connected to you later
you are fully hidden from all tracking
The meaning of “anonymous” changes from app to app, and this can confuse users.
Why It Can Still Be Confusing
Some apps do not clearly explain:
what information is still collected
how long the data is kept
if the data is shared with other companies
how to turn anonymous mode off or on
whether your old data was truly removed
This can leave women unsure how safe their information is.
How To Check If Anonymous Mode Is Truly Safe
At SheRanked, we look for simple, clear answers. A safe anonymous mode should explain:
what data is still collected
how the data is stored
if the data is shared
how the company removes your identity
how you can delete your full data history
If these points are missing or unclear, we rate the app lower on privacy.
Why This Matters for Women
Period and fertility data can be very sensitive. It can show:
health changes
symptoms
sexual activity
pregnancy intention
cycle patterns
Women should know exactly who can access this information and how it is protected.
How SheRanked Helps
SheRanked checks how well apps explain anonymous mode. We score apps based on clarity, honesty, and safety.
If an app uses the term “anonymous mode,” we check the details behind it to see if it truly protects users.
We also work with developers to help them explain their privacy features in a clear and simple way. When apps are more transparent, they score higher and provide better protection for women.
Final Thoughts
Anonymous mode can help protect your data, but only when the app explains clearly what it does and does not cover.
“Women should not have to guess how their data is used. Anonymous mode should be simple, clear, and honest.”
SheRanked helps women find apps that take privacy seriously and use anonymous mode in a way that is easy to understand.
Written by Dr Christina Davies – SheRanked Founder