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Abode Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 2025 | Reviewed: February 2026

DIY security with reasonable privacy practices. Cloud storage for video with varying retention by plan. No proactive police partnerships but complies with legal requests.

35
Grade D+
Privacy Summary: Abode offers middle-of-the-road privacy practices for home security. Video storage is cloud-based with retention periods varying by subscription tier. They support HomeKit, which provides some local processing. No reported security incidents or insider abuse, and no proactive police partnerships unlike Ring.

Category Scores

Data Collection 38/100
Data Sharing 40/100
Data Retention 35/100
Security Measures 42/100
User Controls 38/100

Key Findings

✓ HomeKit Support
Abode supports Apple HomeKit, which provides local processing for many functions and end-to-end encryption for video when used with HomeKit Secure Video. This reduces data exposure to Abode's cloud.
"Abode is compatible with Apple HomeKit, allowing users to leverage HomeKit's security features including end-to-end encrypted video storage in iCloud."
✓ No Police Partnerships
Unlike Ring with its Neighbors app and police partnerships, Abode does not have proactive relationships with law enforcement agencies. They will comply with valid legal requests but don't facilitate easy police access.
🔎 Cloud Storage Required for Video
Without HomeKit Secure Video, Abode stores video recordings in their cloud. Retention periods vary from 3 days on the free tier to 90 days on premium plans. This footage could potentially be accessed via legal process.
"Video recordings are stored in Abode's cloud for the duration specified by your subscription plan. Free users receive 3-day storage; Standard users receive 14 days; Pro users receive 90 days."
🔎 Third-Party Integrations Share Data
Abode integrates with various smart home platforms (Alexa, Google Home) which requires sharing data with those third parties. Each integration adds another company with access to your home security data.
"When you connect Abode to third-party services, we share necessary information to enable those integrations. Third-party services are governed by their own privacy policies."

Data Collection Summary

Data TypeCollectedRisk Level
Video FootageYes (if cameras used)High
Audio RecordingYes (doorbell)High
Entry/Exit PatternsYesMedium
Alarm HistoryYesMedium
Location DataLimited (geofencing)Low
Biometric DataNoNone

Recommendation

Reasonable Middle Ground: Abode offers better privacy than ADT/Vivint while still providing professional monitoring options. HomeKit support is a significant privacy advantage for Apple users.

For Privacy-Conscious Users: Use HomeKit Secure Video if you're in the Apple ecosystem to keep video encrypted in iCloud rather than Abode's servers. Be selective about third-party integrations as each adds privacy exposure. Consider whether you need cameras at all versus sensors-only for maximum privacy.