# What NotchStar sends and when

> NotchStar sends nothing by default. It contacts a server only to activate or check a license, and for anonymous version info if you opt in.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/what-notchstar-sends/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

NotchStar sends nothing about you by default. It has no account. It contacts a server in only two cases: when you activate a license or the weekly license check runs, and once a day for anonymous version info, but only if you chose to share it.

## When it sends

| What | When | Goes to |
|---|---|---|
| License key and Mac name | You press Activate | Dodo Payments |
| License key and instance ID | About once a week, if licensed | Dodo Payments |
| Version, build, macOS version, chip, trial or licensed state, random ID | Once a day, only if you said yes | notchstar.com, passed to PostHog in the EU |

During the free trial, with version info off, the app contacts no server.

## What never leaves your Mac

- Clipboard history stays in memory, holds up to 50 items and is cleared when you quit. Items that a password manager marks as concealed are skipped. See [the clipboard tool](https://www.notchstar.com/features/clipboard/).
- Quick Notes and the teleprompter script are stored in the app's preferences on your Mac.
- The file shelf remembers where files are, not their contents.
- Calendar and Reminders are read through macOS and are not copied or uploaded.
- Mirror shows a live preview only while its tab is open. Nothing is recorded.
- System stats are read locally.

The one exception noted in the privacy policy: with Spotify through the AppleScript fallback, the album image may load from Spotify's servers.

## Where to read more

Read the full [privacy policy](https://www.notchstar.com/privacy/), the [privacy checklist for notch apps](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/notch-app-privacy-checklist/) and [how to turn version info off](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-anonymous-version-info-off/). Licensing is explained in [offline use](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-offline-license/).

## Quick answers.

### Does NotchStar see my clipboard?

The app reads it on your Mac to build the history. It never sends it anywhere.

## Keep reading.

- [A privacy checklist for any Mac notch app](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/notch-app-privacy-checklist/): Seven checks to make before you install a notch app: permissions, notarization, network use, data storage and what to do if something looks off.
- [How to turn off anonymous version info in NotchStar](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-anonymous-version-info-off/): It is off unless you said yes. To change it open Settings, General, Privacy and switch Share anonymous version info off. The random ID is then deleted.
- [Does NotchStar work offline and what is the weekly check](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-offline-license/): NotchStar works offline. A licensed copy checks quietly about once a week, and being offline never revokes the license. Only an explicit refusal can.
- [Clipboard history that lives in your notch](https://www.notchstar.com/features/clipboard/): Searchable clipboard history in the Mac notch: text, links, images and files. Skips password manager copies. Click any item to copy it again.

## More in Privacy and permissions.

- [How to turn off anonymous version info in NotchStar](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-anonymous-version-info-off/): It is off unless you said yes. To change it open Settings, General, Privacy and switch Share anonymous version info off. The random ID is then deleted.