Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Summary: WiFi Pulse is designed with privacy in mind. We collect minimal data, don't track you, and don't sell your information. Your network diagnostics stay on your device.
Introduction
Hackshare ("we", "our", or "us") operates the WiFi Pulse application for macOS (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our App.
By using WiFi Pulse, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
Information We Collect
Information Stored Locally on Your Device
WiFi Pulse stores the following information locally on your Mac. This data never leaves your device:
- Network diagnostics: Response times, signal strength, connection quality scores, and historical metrics
- App preferences: Your settings and configuration choices
- Network history: Quality data for networks you've connected to (used to show comparisons like "better than usual")
Information Accessed But Not Collected
WiFi Pulse accesses certain information to provide its functionality, but does not transmit this data to our servers:
- WiFi network information: Network name (SSID), signal strength, channel, and other network details
- Location permission: Required by Apple to access WiFi network names. We do not collect, store, or transmit your location.
- Network interface data: IP addresses, DNS servers, and interface statistics
Information Transmitted to Third Parties
WiFi Pulse makes requests to the following third-party services:
- Public IP lookup services: We query services like ipify.org, icanhazip.com, or ifconfig.me to display your public IP address. These services may log your IP address according to their own privacy policies.
- Ping targets: The App sends ICMP ping requests to your router and to internet servers (default: 1.1.1.1) to measure response times. These are standard network diagnostic requests.
- Captive portal detection: The App checks Apple's captive portal detection endpoint (captive.apple.com) to identify login pages on public WiFi networks.
Information Sent to Hackshare
WiFi Pulse sends minimal data to our servers:
- Update checks: The App periodically checks our server for new versions by requesting a version.json file. This request includes only standard HTTP headers (IP address, user agent). We do not log or store this information.
Information We Do NOT Collect
We want to be clear about what we don't do:
- We do not collect analytics or usage telemetry
- We do not track your behavior or create user profiles
- We do not collect your location data
- We do not collect your WiFi passwords or network credentials
- We do not sell or share your data with advertisers
- We do not use cookies or tracking technologies
Location Permission
WiFi Pulse requests location permission because Apple requires it to access WiFi network names (SSID) and access point identifiers (BSSID). This is a macOS security feature, not a choice we made.
We do not:
- Determine your geographic location
- Store or transmit location data
- Use location for any purpose other than accessing WiFi information
Data Security
Since your diagnostic data is stored locally on your device, it is protected by your Mac's built-in security features, including:
- macOS App Sandbox restrictions
- FileVault encryption (if enabled)
- Your user account password
Data Retention
All locally stored data remains on your device until you:
- Clear history within the App
- Uninstall WiFi Pulse
- Delete the App's data from your Mac
Children's Privacy
WiFi Pulse is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: