The Most Private Journal App
Face ID protection. No account. No servers. No tracking.
Gratu is a private journal app that stores all your entries locally on your device with Face ID or Touch ID protection. Unlike other journal apps, Gratu has no servers, requires no account, and collects zero data. Your thoughts stay completely private—even the app developers can't access your entries. Free for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Why Journal Privacy Matters
Your journal contains your most personal thoughts, fears, and dreams. It's where you process difficult emotions and work through challenges. This content is deeply private—and it should stay that way.
Unfortunately, most journal apps store your entries on their servers. This means your private thoughts could be:
- Accessed by company employees
- Exposed in a data breach
- Sold to third parties
- Used to train AI models
- Subpoenaed by legal authorities
How Gratu Protects Your Privacy
Face ID / Touch ID Protection
Every time you open Gratu, it requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication. Even if someone picks up your unlocked phone, they can't access your journal without your biometric authentication.
No Account Required
Gratu doesn't ask for your email, name, or any personal information. No account means nothing to hack, nothing to leak, and nothing to sell. Just download and start journaling.
No Servers
We don't operate any servers that store your data. Your entries exist only on your device. This isn't just a privacy policy—it's a technical architecture that makes data breaches impossible.
No Tracking or Analytics
Gratu doesn't track what you write, when you write, or how you use the app. We don't collect analytics on your journaling habits. Your usage is completely private.
Optional iCloud Sync
If you want to sync across devices, Gratu uses Apple's iCloud—not our own servers. Your data syncs directly to your personal Apple account, encrypted and controlled by you. You can disable this anytime.
Privacy Comparison
| Feature | Gratu | Others |
|---|---|---|
| Face ID / Touch ID lock | Yes | Sometimes |
| No account required | Yes | No |
| No servers / local storage only | Yes | No |
| No tracking or analytics | Yes | No |
| Developer can't read entries | Yes | No |
| Data breach impossible | Yes | No |
More Than Just Private
Gratu isn't just secure—it's also a beautiful, full-featured gratitude journal:
- Daily prompts — Never stare at a blank page
- Streak tracking — Build a consistent habit
- 7-day & 30-day challenges — Guided programs to get started
- Dark mode — Easy on your eyes, day or night
- Photo attachments — Capture moments visually (Pro)
- Cross-device sync — iPhone, iPad, Mac via iCloud (Pro)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most private journal app?
Gratu is one of the most private journal apps available. It stores entries locally with Face ID protection, requires no account, has no servers, and collects no data. Your entries physically cannot be accessed by anyone but you.
Can anyone see my journal entries?
No. Entries are protected by Face ID/Touch ID and stored only on your device. There are no servers, no accounts to hack, and no way for anyone (including us) to access your entries.
Do I need to create an account?
No. Gratu requires no account, email, or sign-up. Download and start journaling immediately. By not collecting personal information, there's nothing that can be leaked.
What if I lose my phone?
If you have iCloud sync enabled, your entries restore automatically on a new device signed into your Apple account. Without iCloud, entries exist only on that device. We recommend iCloud sync for backup.
Is Gratu really free?
Yes. Core features are completely free: journaling, prompts, Face ID lock, reminders, streaks, and dark mode. Pro unlocks unlimited entries, photos, and iCloud sync for power users. Learn about the benefits of daily gratitude journaling.