Is Shein tracking your interests? What the app knows about you

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Have you ever noticed that, after taking a look at a dress in the Shein appsuggestions of exactly the same style are starting to appear... everywhere? Coincidence? Not so much. The truth is that the Shein app knows (very well) what you like, what you're looking for and even what you've left in the cart.

But to what extent is this data collection "normal" - and at what point does it start to invade your privacy too much? Let's talk unfiltered about what Shein knows about you and how it uses this information.

Does the Shein app collect data?

Yes, it collects. And it doesn't hide it. From the very first use, the Shein app asks for authorization to access various information on your cell phone, such as location, type of device, browsing preferences and even your time spent on the platform.

What's more, everything you do within the app becomes data: the products you clicked on, what was left in the cart, the filters you used, how long you spent looking at a piece, what you liked and even what you didn't like.

But why do they do it?

The answer is simple: personalization and sales. The Shein app is a highly optimized sales machine. And the more it knows about you, the more accurate your next product suggestion will be.

If you look at lingerie, you'll see lingerie. If you click on fitness clothes, the whole feed changes to reflect that. It sounds like magic, but it's an algorithm.

This personalization increases (a lot) the chance that you will click on something and make a purchase. It's direct marketing, and it works.

What data does the Shein app access?

In addition to what you already share when you create an account, the Shein app can access:

• Approximate or exact location (depending on permission)
• Device information (model, system, network)
• Purchase and click history
• Search and navigation preferences
• Tracking cookies
• IP address and internet provider
• Items added to and removed from the cart

In some cases, if the user allows it, the app can even access the gallery, camera and microphone - especially if you want to send images, videos or use the virtual fitting room.

Is this illegal?

No. The data collected by Shein app is within the norms of most legislation, including the LGPD (General Data Protection Law) in Brazil. But there's a catch: it's only legal with your clear consent.

In other words, if you "accept" the terms without reading them, technically you've agreed to them. Most people don't even read it - but the app is allowed to track your behavior.

Does Shein sell your data?

Officially, no. The company claims that the data collected is used exclusively to improve the user experience and offer more relevant promotions.

But like any large global platform, it can share information with business partners, ad systems and third-party services - mainly for marketing campaigns. This includes data analysis, advertising and product recommendation companies.

And what does the Shein app "know" about me?

More than you might think. Based on the use of the app, Shein is able to put together a complete profile of the user, including:

• Price range you usually buy in
• Most searched sizes
• Frequency of purchases
• Type of clothing you're most interested in
• Preferred style (casual, sensual, sporty, etc.)
• Time you usually use the app
• If you're more likely to use coupons, wait for promotions or buy on impulse

With this, the company adapts the app's content, sends more targeted notifications and even changes the banners you see.

Can I deactivate this tracking?

To a certain extent, yes. Within Shein appyou can adjust some permissions:

1# Go to App settings
2# Access Privacy or Manage permissions
3# Limit access to location, notifications and personal data
4# Delete cookies and browsing history within the app

What's more, you can change the permissions directly in your phone's settings. Just go to Settings > Applications > Shein > Permissions and review what is released.

If you want to go deeper, use a browser with a tracking blocker or set up an account with less personal data.

Is it worth worrying about?

The truth is that data collection happens in practically every app you use - Shein, Instagram, Google, TikTok, Amazon, and so on. The difference is the level of transparency and how the information is used.

In Shein's case, the clear aim is to boost sales, personalize offers and make you buy more. It's not exactly a crime, but it requires attention.

If you're bothered by this kind of tracking, it's worth limiting your access and using the app more consciously. If it doesn't bother you, fine - just don't say you didn't know how much they were watching you.

Extra tip: how to use the Shein app more securely

1# Create an account with an alternative e-mail address - avoid using your main
2# Don't allow unnecessary access to the camera or microphone
3# Avoid linking cards directly to the app, prefer PayPal or virtual cards.
4# Review your permissions from time to time
5# Disable personalized notifications if you prefer less influence on purchases

These actions don't completely prevent tracking, but they do reduce the amount of data exposed.

See also: App Shein: Update your style for free with the free trial

May 22nd, 2025