AI companions can feel more personal than ordinary software because conversations may continue over weeks or months. That makes privacy settings worth checking before you share much about yourself.

Start with memory

Look for controls that explain whether the app stores long-term memories separately from chat history. A useful product should let you view, edit or remove remembered information rather than treating memory as invisible.

Understand chat retention

Deleting a conversation may not always mean every derived memory or uploaded file disappears. Read the deletion options carefully and use account-level deletion when you want a broader reset.

Check uploaded photos and media

If the companion supports images, voice or video, review how uploads are stored and whether generated media remains linked to your account.

Look for training controls

Some services provide settings related to model improvement or data use. The exact wording varies, so check the current privacy documentation rather than assuming one industry-wide default.

Control proactive notifications

Companion apps often send relationship-style notifications. Make sure you can reduce or disable them if they become distracting. Our guide to AI companion notifications explains what to look for.

Review subscription data separately

Privacy and billing are different systems. Cancelling a subscription does not necessarily delete the account, and deleting an account may have separate billing steps depending on the store.

Use a layered sharing approach

You do not need to provide every personal detail for a companion to be useful. Start with low-sensitivity preferences and expand only when the product earns your trust.

Check account deletion before you need it

A good time to understand deletion is before you have months of history. See our account deletion checklist for chats, memories and media.

Privacy is part of product quality

An AI companion can be warm and personalized while still giving users control. Clear settings make it easier to enjoy continuity without feeling that the system is collecting more than you intended.