Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how AeroSpottle uses cookies and similar browser storage technologies when you visit aerospottle.com. Please read it alongside our Privacy Policy.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small files stored in your browser. AeroSpottle primarily uses localStorage and sessionStorage — Web Storage APIs that behave similarly to cookies but are never automatically sent to our servers. This means your stored data stays on your device unless you explicitly submit it (for example, by saving a score).

2. Essential Storage (Always Active)

These are required for the site to work. They are set regardless of your consent choice.

Key	Purpose	Expires
firebase:authUser:*	Stores your Firebase login session so you stay signed in between visits.	Until you sign out
aerospottle:cookie-consent	Remembers the consent choice you made on this device (all / essential).	Persistent
aeroguesser:daily:*	Caches your daily puzzle state so you can pick up where you left off.	30 days
aeroguesser:onboarding-seen	Remembers that you have already seen the tutorial, so it is not shown again.	Persistent
sessionStorage: maintenanceBypass	Temporary flag that lets staff bypass the maintenance page during an outage.	Browser tab session

3. Analytics Storage (Optional — "Accept All" only)

These are only active if you select Accept All. They help us understand how the game is being played so we can improve it. No personally identifiable data is sent to third-party ad networks.

Key / Service	Purpose	Expires
aeroguesser:analytics:*	Counts local gameplay events (guesses, wins, hints used) per day. Stored on your device and synced to our database when you are signed in.	Per day
Firebase Analytics	Aggregated, anonymous usage events sent to Google Firebase Analytics to help us see which features are most used.	Session / aggregated

4. Third-Party Services That Set Storage

We use a small number of third-party services that may independently set storage in your browser:

• Google Firebase — sets an auth session token in localStorage so your login persists.
• Stripe — if you start a checkout, Stripe's hosted page may set cookies for fraud prevention. This is governed by Stripe's Privacy Policy.
• Google Fonts — fonts are served from Google's CDN. Google may log your IP address as part of the request.

5. Managing Your Preferences

You can change your cookie preference at any time from your Settings page under Privacy & Cookies, or by clicking the button below to reset and re-show the consent banner.

Reset Cookie Preferences

You can also clear all site storage by opening your browser's developer tools and clearing localStorage for aerospottle.com. Note that doing so will sign you out and reset your local game progress.

6. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the effective date at the top of this page. Continued use of AeroSpottle constitutes acceptance of any changes.

7. Contact