# Aspire News App — user reviews > 52 indexed App Store user reviews of Aspire News App by WHEN GEORGIA SMILED. THE ROBIN MCGRAW REVELATION FOUNDATION, rated 2.80/5 from 210 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aspire-news-app/id1313564226/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aspire-news-app/id1313564226.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 72 · 4★ 15 · 3★ 18 · 2★ 13 · 1★ 92 ## Newest reviews (12 of 52) ### 4/5 — For the lady above *2022-10-06, version 2.7* Go up to the left hand corner on need page and pull up how it works and help. It’ll take you to where you add names etc…it’s kinda confusing but it has to look that way. ### 4/5 — Need help *2020-11-20, version 2.1* I bought this app and it’s not even working. It is not showing any news and not allowing me to put in any information. ### 3/5 — It doesn’t send my location *2020-06-03, version 2.1* I tested the app, it sent the message every time I tapped 3 times. My location services are turned on but it won’t send my location. I don’t know how a person can send help if they don’t know where I am. Good in theory but it needs work before I have my daughter download it. ### 3/5 — How does it help? *2020-02-16, version 2.1* Not sure how it’s supposed to help. I need help getting out of an emotionally manipulative relationship I don’t have any emergency contacts except the person I’m trying to escape from. I just don’t get how a news app is supposed to help? ### 3/5 — Have heard good things but.. *2020-01-14, version 2.1* I think I would really like this app, but when I try to add a emergency contact it keeps telling me to check my location settings and try again. My location settings are what they should be so until it will let me add a contact the app is useless 😅 ### 4/5 — I figured it out *2019-10-27, version 2.1* The app tries to be as simple and less obvious on purpose. It can feel like something’s missing but it’s all there. The “get help” option will get you started. I hope to never have to use it but glad it’s here if needed. ### 2/5 — Good idea *2019-06-24, version 2.1* This app is a good idea but I’ve tried to add a trusted contact and can’t because it won’t let you scroll down or say “finish” with a section and move on to the next one so you can’t click “add voice recording” or “send my location” or click add contact so that really needs to be fixed. I know on my keyboard I can simply click done but once you get to the message, it just adds another line onto it. ### 4/5 — Needs some modifications *2019-05-06, version 2.0* Overall a great idea. It notified my mom when I tried it out, just don’t know exactly what I did for it to notify my mom lol. As a survivor I appreciate this app a lot. ### 3/5 — Okay but not Perfect *2019-05-02, version 2.0* I’m going to college this fall with a few of my friends, and we got this app. We were able to set up contacts fine, but when we tested it, the message didn’t send every time. Not sure if there is a specific place/way to tap to make sure it sends? It would be really nice to have at least something happen on the screen to confirm if it sent or not. Right now, nothing happens when you tap, so we just keep tapping and hope that something sends. This app is definitely something that we want to have with us- just wish it was a little more consistent! ### 3/5 — Why 3 taps *2019-04-29, version 2.0* I just seen this on the show so I thought I would download. Then I started reading the reviews here is what I don’t think they get in DV our phones are a trigger to my abuser. He would come at me and so whatever he had to just to get my phone. So there’s no time to open a App then tap it 3 times. So why not voice activate like using the words call 911. That way he won’t have the time to shut down a phone before a call could be made. So yes the recording part is a good idea but there just won’t be the time during a beating to grab my phone to tap it 3 times. ### 2/5 — Needs work *2019-04-18, version 1.0* The whole click the X mechanic works. However, the triple tap one does not. I ran a test and no message was sent out. Yes I had everything on and the settings were correct. Another thing is, that it takes you to the web browser. Please please keep everything in the app, otherwise victims will have to clear their search history as well after accessing and article. ### 2/5 — Great idea. Needs some work *2019-04-11, version 1.0* I work in a YWCA DV shelter, so I naturally wanted to know if this app could be mentioned when safety-planning with women who call the crisis line. The X button works well, and the hotline numbers are a great idea, but I don’t like that the DV info links go out to your internet browser where your assailant could see that you are googling how to leave them. I also tested the emergency text feature using my roommate’s number and it never sent her a text. Could use some definite work on the safety features but it’s a great idea ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Does NOT Work! Doesn’t send message to emergency contacts *2023-09-11* I’m SO glad that I decided to get with my family and “test” the app because they never received any text or alerts!! I checked my internet connection, deleted and redownloaded the app, everything I could possibly do and it still doesn’t work. So scary to think I (or any user) could be in a situation and thinking I had reached out for help and they’d never know. If it doesn’t work anymore they should just take the app down due it could cause extremely dangerous situations. ### 1/5 — Excellent concept and idea, but doesn’t work in application *2020-06-08, version 2.1* I absolutely love the idea and concept behind this app. The issue I have is it has a lot of bugs, so many that it really doesn’t work in application. They should make it to where it can access your contacts so that you don’t have to manually type in phone numbers and names. Also, it’s next to impossible to find stuff within the app after you’ve entered it. Plus, I constantly get error messages when trying to update contacts and messages to send out. I really love this as an idea and truly hope that they work out the bugs because it could really be a lifesaver if it worked right. ### 1/5 — Can’t use it. Something is wrong *2019-12-31, version 2.1* It doesn’t work for me. I don’t understand the “go” button. Where is it? When I tap the green bar 3 times nothing happens. Can’t even add a contact. When I complete the info then hit ‘add contact’ the wheel turns and turns and then times out. Once I got a name in and tested it with her but nothing happened when I hit the go bar 3 times. No one is contacted and no one is alerted. I would rather just 911 than to figure out the app while I’m being abused ### 1/5 — Not accessible to screen reader users *2019-06-09, version 2.1* If you are a blind person in a domestic abuse situation, you can feel further abused by downloading this app and not being able to use it. Because the app was not coded correctly and the developers really don't care, as a voiceover user on the iPhone, you won't even be able to get past the get started section. Even if you can find someone to help you get past this section, I have very low hopes that the app would even be accessible at all based on what I experienced. I'm glad that I was just thinking of getting this as a back up measure and that I'm not actually in an abusive situation because if I were, this would have brought me down to my lowest point. I deleted it off of my phone, and I feel sorry for the other blind people who are trying to depend on it and who can't use it. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work *2019-04-30, version 2.0* It’s a great concept but doesn’t work. Tried tapping the tool bar like 17 times and no message was ever sent. They should probably fix this before promoting it any further. Also, someone could google help numbers if needed. Having those “resources” in there kind of gives away the whole purpose of the disguised app. ### 1/5 — Not working *2019-04-20, version 1.0* Yesterday, my whole family attempted to download the app, you’d figure bt four adults we’d figure out how the get the app to alert, NOPE. I googled the original Dr. Phil episode bc I saw it, the app design has changed. All afternoon we tired to send each other ‘test’ alerts. Nothing. Your app is not working. It’d get zero stars if I could, but I can’t, so I didn’t. Great concept, garbage app ### 1/5 — NO! *2019-04-16, version 1.0* Not until the bugs are fixed. I downloaded this app and put my best friend as a “trusted contact”. 4 hours have passed and she’s NEVER received the message. I love dr Phil but Jesus H. DO SOMETHING. This app doesn’t work at all. Idc what y’all say on the show. How many have trusted this app and been abused,etc? With all the apps you endorse for your son Jay, Robin, etc. this app should work better. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work!! *2019-04-15, version 1.0* I down loaded the app and tries to send a test message to my contacts but it didn’t work. It sounds so simple on Dr Phil show but clearly there is a problem. I have read the directions several time and tapped three times on different areas of the tool bar and nothing happens what does it take to make this work ### 1/5 — Doesnt fully work *2019-04-12, version 1.0* It does have an x button that takes you to a news article now. The main issue is that triple tapping the tool bar never worked for me. It never sent a distress message to my trusted contact. I tried it a bunch of times. Made sure my location was on. It didnt work. Also another issue someone else pointed out is that it links you to resources outside of the app so you have to clear your search history if your in an abusive relationship. Also maybe the reason it didnt work is because the number i added has a 1 before everything but it only lets you type in 9 digit numbers so idk if that plays into why it didnt work. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work *2019-04-10, version 1.0* I got this app because I thought the secret distress signal would be an excellent way to stay safe!! .... too bad it doesn’t even work. I triple clicked the top bar and nothing happened, followed all the directions correctly and still nothing. When I first downloaded the app it worked for the first time but I just deleted the app and redownloaded it to see if it would maybe work again ... not surprised that still nothing happened! Please fix this app because it would be great if it did what it advertises. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Amazing App! *2023-04-27* Clearly people don’t read or even look at instructions. This app is very easy to use once you figure it out. You go to the four little lines in the top left corner, click Help, then the Get Help button. It will then take you to where you can add trusted contacts. You can type a message that will be sent, you can choose to send a voice message, and a location. To alert your trusted contacts you tap the tool bar at the top (the green bar) 3 times at any time! What ever you set to be sent will then send to said trusted contacts. I love this app so much it makes me and my daughter at ease when we are every away from each other. ### 5/5 — Good *2021-12-26, version 2.5* It saved my cousin idk what all the bad reviews are about probably people who can’t read! It clearly states how to set it up……. I swear our world is full of such entitled people…. ### 5/5 — Great App for Domestic Violence *2021-09-20, version 2.4* Robin, this is an awesome app! Wish I had this app when I was in an abusive relationship, but then smartphones was in its infancy. Luckily I eventually left and I met my current husband who was patient with me (due to PTSD, anxiety, etc) and very understanding when he knew my past with my family (disowned) and my past abusive relationship. I couldn’t ask for a better man/husband. I’m keeping your app on my phone if I need it for myself or for someone who I care about. I love everything that you and Dr. Phil does to help others. Love you guys! Melinda G. ### 5/5 — Please correct … *2021-07-30, version 2.4* On the help tab section that prompts users for emergency contact data, please correct the spelling of ‘receive’. Remember it’s I before E, except after C. It’s not spelled recieve but receive. Thanks I’m using the Aspire application in case I ever get adducted. I was kidnapped as a child and it’s always in the back of my mind that it could happen again. Ever though I’ve given my husband access to track my iPhone when I’m traveling on the long trips in my car, he doesn’t automatically do. In the event that I ever run into trouble, I can send a quick alert to him & the police. My husband can then quickly follow up with the police. I hope that I never have to use this application but it’s nice to know that it’s here in case I do. I’m giving the application five stars because I think the overall concept is fabulous. I am not in an abusive relationship but I can see the potential of the application for those that are in unhealthy relationship. It also has other uses as I described above for myself. Please do fix that one spelling error though. Thank you. ### 5/5 — I love this app! *2021-02-15, version 2.1* Definitely my new favorite app. It’s such a good way to keep people safe & learn a little too if needed. I wish I would’ve had this months ago when I was going through a situation it was definitely needed in. Five stars!!!! Love it. ### 5/5 — Awesome *2019-12-01, version 2.1* What a wonderful idea. It works really well! I tested it and all of my contacts I added received my distress message. It gives me a little peace of mind. Thank you! ### 5/5 — This is an essential resource for everyone! *2019-08-17, version 2.1* I am so grateful for this life-saving app! My husband and I teach self-protection/defense classes together. Many women who attend our classes are seeking education and resources to protect themselves from domestic violence situations. We recommend the Aspire News app to ALL of our students! When Georgia Smiled is a blessing and has been life changing for so many women and families! Thank you so much for offering this life-saving FREE app! ### 5/5 — I’ve had no issues *2019-06-16, version 2.1* Maybe I just got lucky but I’ve had no issues with the app! As someone who was previously a domestic violence victim this app is so so important to me. I wish it existed back when I needed it. I tested out the alert thing and it’s worked every time and got my location correct, which is surprising because the Uber app never even gets it right. You can tell when it sends the message because after you tap three times on the tool bar the white words subtly blink once. I didn’t even catch it the first time I tested it. Also- for those saying you can’t save contacts or anything, after you go through the intro click on the menu icon in the top left corner. Then click on help. And then click on get help. You’re able to add your contacts right there! ### 5/5 — X in the Corner Issue *2019-05-18, version 2.1* I love this app and although I hope I never have to use it, I am grateful that it is an option for me. I was reading reviews and many people could not find the X in the corner. The X only appears when you are in the Help section. Nowhere else. And to notify your trusted contacts and local authorities, you tap three times at the very top of the screen where it is green. It has the small icon with the white lines. Hope this is useful! ### 5/5 — So needed *2019-04-10, version 1.0* What a needed app! Aspire is well-designed, easy to use, and could be a lifesaver for someone in need. What a clever idea. Once a user enters the help tab, a prominent “x” appears in the upper right. Tapping it exits immediately to a random news article. Within that help section though, accessed through the master menu in the upper-left, one can set up multiple emergency contacts and select other settings. I hope I’d never fall into a situation to need this, but I’m committed to being ready with resources whenever a woman around me asks for help. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*