Terms of Use

Effective 2026-10-18

1. About these terms

These terms cover Back in 5: the Mac app, the iPhone app, and the relay service we run. Back in 5 is provided by allen, an individual developer ("we"). By installing or using Back in 5 you agree to these terms and to the Privacy Policy. If you don't agree, don't use Back in 5.

2. License

• We give you a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use Back in 5 on devices you own or control.
• The Mac app is distributed as a notarized DMG outside the Mac App Store. The iPhone app is distributed through the App Store and is also subject to Apple's Media Services Terms, including its Licensed Application End User License Agreement; where they conflict, Apple's terms prevail to the extent Apple requires.
• Don't use Back in 5 to secretly film or watch other people; don't interfere with, attack or abuse the relay (for example by guessing pairing codes or uploading content unrelated to Back in 5); don't resell or impersonate Back in 5.
• If Back in 5's source code comes with a separate open-source license, that license governs the code itself; these terms govern use of the apps and the relay.

3. No guarantee against theft, or of recovery

Back in 5 is an alert tool. It is not insurance or a security service. It can:

• miss an event (for example when a sensor sends no data, the camera is covered, the Mac is shut or powered off quickly, or the chosen place is not sensitive enough);
• raise a false alarm (for example when a friend or a waiter touches it);
• deliver alerts late or not at all (network, Apple's push service or the relay failing);
• miss a face when pixelating.

Back in 5 is provided "as is" and "as available". To the fullest extent the law allows, we give no warranties, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement, and we do not promise that Back in 5 will prevent theft, recover a device, or capture photos good enough to identify anyone. If your Mac is stolen, call the police.

4. Your responsibilities

• Lawful recording: the Mac's camera can capture people around you. You decide where and when to use Back in 5, and you must follow your local laws on recording, image rights and personal data, such as China's PIPL and the EU GDPR. In some places you must inform people or get their consent; the English and Chinese notice Back in 5 shows while guarding may not be enough. Don't use Back in 5 where filming is not allowed.
• Using photos and recordings: you are responsible for whether saving, sharing or handing them over (including to the police) is lawful.
• Noise: the siren is loud. In libraries, study rooms and other quiet places, try test mode first, set the volume, and take responsibility for disturbing others with a false alarm.
• Your link and devices: keep the phone-page link, pairing codes and paired phones safe. If you think a link has leaked, reset it at once.
• Not for emergencies or safety: don't rely on Back in 5 to protect people or to replace professional security.

5. Price

• Back in 5 is free, with no in-app purchases.
• If we add paid features later, the App Store shows their price before you buy, and these terms will say what they include. Apple will handle payment, restoring and refunds; we will never see your payment details.
• Nothing in this section limits your statutory consumer rights.

6. The relay service

• We run the relay free of charge for the phone page, the iPhone app, history and pushes. We may change, limit, suspend or stop it, including for maintenance, cost or abuse. Where reasonably possible, we will give notice in the app or the release notes before stopping it. When the service stops, the data it holds is deleted.
• Without the relay the Mac app still works on its own: touch detection, locking, the siren and local recording do not depend on it. The phone view, iPhone pushes and remote control stop.
• You may run your own relay (see the project README); you are then responsible for running it lawfully.

7. Termination

• You can stop at any time: reset the link, and delete the apps and local files.
• If you break these terms or abuse the relay, we may suspend or end your use of the relay.
• Sections 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10 survive termination.

8. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent the law allows:

• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, punitive or consequential loss, including loss or theft of devices or data, lost profits, or disputes arising from false alarms, missed alarms, recordings or the siren.
• Our total liability for anything related to Back in 5 is capped at the amount you actually paid us for Back in 5; if you paid nothing, it is zero.
• Some laws don't allow certain liability to be excluded or limited (for example for intent, gross negligence or personal injury). There, these limits apply only as far as the law allows.

9. About Apple

These terms are between you and us, not Apple. Apple is not responsible for the iPhone app or its content and has no obligation to provide maintenance or support. If the app fails to meet an applicable warranty, you may notify Apple, and Apple will refund the purchase price (if any); Apple has no other warranty obligation. We, not Apple, handle any claims about the app (including product liability, legal compliance and intellectual property). Apple and its subsidiaries are third-party beneficiaries of these terms and may enforce them against you. You confirm that you are not in a country subject to a US government embargo and are not on any US government list of prohibited or restricted parties.

10. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the place where allen, the developer, habitually resides. This does not take away rights given to you by mandatory consumer protection law where you live.

11. Changes

We may update these terms and change the effective date. We tell you about significant changes in the app or the release notes. Using Back in 5 after a change means you accept the new terms.

12. Contact

allen (individual developer) · support@backin5.app