Cistella Data Deletion

Updated October 24, 2026. This page explains the separate deletion controls for Cistella: Project Tracker. Deleting something in one place does not erase every copy.

Cistella is provided by Daniel Dahlén, an independent developer based in Sweden ("the developer").

Deleting individual items

Use the app's delete and Trash controls to remove records. Items in Trash remain until you restore or permanently delete them; they do not expire automatically. Permanent deletion removes the record but can leave app-owned photo files in private app storage. Interrupted imports can also leave unused files. These controls are not a guarantee that every related file has been erased.

Delete local app data

Back up anything you want to keep and retain any backup passwords before continuing. To remove all Cistella records, settings and private files on this device, open Android Settings, find Cistella under Apps, and choose the option to clear app storage/data. Menu names vary by device. This is broader than clearing the cache and removes local information you may not be able to recover.

Uninstalling also normally removes app-private data, but system backup or device-transfer features may restore an older copy later. Neither clearing storage nor uninstalling deletes original gallery photos, external backups or browser downloads. These actions are not a promise of forensic erasure.

Automatic local backup retention

Starting with build 15 (1.0.0+15), Backups to keep applies to new automatic local backups as well as Google Drive, independently for each location. Local cleanup runs after a successful automatic save and preserves that newly saved backup, manual local saves, exported files and legacy or ambiguous local backups. Failed or unsafe cleanup can leave extra copies; this is not a guaranteed maximum or deletion deadline. You can separately review and delete unwanted local backups in the app. Earlier builds keep their previous local behavior until updated. Prepared for closed testing; Google Play availability is separate.

Delete Google Drive backups

If you used Google Drive backup, disable automatic backups first if you do not want new copies created. While the relevant Google account is connected, use Cistella's backup management screens to delete unwanted Drive backups and check whether deletion succeeded. You can also use Google Drive app management tools for Cistella's app data storage. These backups are separate from your general Drive files.

A configured backup keep count is not a guaranteed deletion deadline or maximum number of retained copies. Failed cleanup can leave backups behind; review the remaining files. Deleting a backup does not delete the current project data on your phone or other exports you saved.

Disconnect Google Drive

You can disconnect Google Drive in Cistella settings. Disconnecting stops Cistella from using that Google account for backup and restore unless you connect it again, but does not delete existing Drive backups. Disconnecting in Cistella is also separate from revoking Cistella's authorization through your Google Account's third-party connections settings.

Exports, photos and browser copies

Build 15 adds native system save/open pickers for custom theme JSON files. Delete exported theme files separately at the chosen destination; deleting a theme in Cistella does not remove those copies. Repeated imports skip unchanged matching themes, but do not delete existing themes or older duplicate entries.

Delete exported archives, original gallery photos and browser downloads separately using the file manager, gallery or browser on each device that holds a copy, if you want those copies removed. New photo imports leave the original selection unchanged. This behavior was introduced in Android build 7 (1.0.0+7). Deleting the original alone does not remove the app's copy.

Stopping Desktop Access ends the phone-hosted session; it does not delete files already downloaded or guarantee that displayed content has been removed from a browser. Close the session on shared computers and use the browser's own data controls where appropriate.

Android system backup and other devices

Android system backup and device-to-device transfer are separate from Cistella's Google Drive backup feature. Manage or remove system-managed copies using Android and your device or backup provider's controls. Clear Cistella data separately on other devices where you restored or transferred it. Removing data from one phone does not remove those other copies.

Google Play records

Clearing Cistella storage does not delete Google Play purchase records or Google-held technical diagnostics. Google controls these records and their retention under its own policies. Use Google's account, privacy or purchase-support options for requests concerning those records. Removing local app data is not a purchase refund.

Deletion help

Cistella does not operate a server-side account or project database that the developer can delete remotely. Authorizing your existing Google account for Drive does not create a Cistella account. If you need help with these controls or want to request deletion of correspondence you sent to support, email [email protected] and say that your request concerns Cistella. Do not include passwords or sensitive backup contents.

The developer cannot remotely erase files held only on your devices or remove records controlled by Google or another provider. We will explain the applicable steps and any retention needed to handle your support request or meet legal obligations. This support route does not promise deletion of every copy held by other parties.

More information

Read the Cistella Privacy Policy for more information about how Cistella handles data.