# Cryptograms - Word Puzzles for Brain Training > Encrypted word puzzles using letter substitution for brain training. (iPhone/iPad app by Ross McNamara.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptograms-word-puzzles-for-brain-training/id895865562 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Ross McNamara](https://appshunter.io/developer/704612404) - Category: Games, Education - Price: Free - Rating: 4.70/5 from 291 App Store ratings · 50 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 6.1 · 6 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2014-07-17 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptograms-word-puzzles-for-brain-training/id895865562/reviews.md ## What is Cryptograms? A cryptogram, sometimes called cryptoquip, is a word puzzle based on a phrase or quote that has been encrypted by letter substitution. For example, the word 'FUN' might be encrypted as 'GHK.' By looking at the patterns in the decrypted text, the length of the words, and other context clues - you'll slowly decode the phrase or quote until it's back to its original text. I realize this paragraph you just read might sound dull - but believe me, these puzzles are super fun and addicting! While often found in the world of pencil and paper puzzles - this app gives a easy, clean way to solve these word puzzles without killing any trees. You can choose between the traditional layout (encrypted text appears below your decrypted text). Or you can switch to the 'condensed' layout I've invented just for this app - where you can see the encrypted and decrypted text all at once (it sounds confusing, but I think you'll end up really liking it). With the recent popularity of puzzles like Sudoku or KenKen, it's easy to forget that there are some really great word puzzles to keep your mind sharp. Cryptograms will push your brain to think in different ways, and really make you work through your whole vocabulary trying when trying to come up with an answer. The app comes with a starter pack of 20 puzzles for you to try out and see if cryptogams are your thing. If they are, there are several more packs of puzzles available through the app - and I'm always working on more I'll be adding in on a regularly basis. Have fun puzzling!! ## Key features - Letter substitution puzzles - Traditional and condensed layouts - Brain training exercises - Starter puzzle pack - Additional puzzle packs available ## Recent user reviews (10 of 50) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptograms-word-puzzles-for-brain-training/id895865562/reviews.md ### 5/5 — I love cryptograms❣️ *2022-08-29, version 1.3.2* I’ve always solved them in newspapers , books or copied from internet. I’ve never solved a cryptogram like this. It is a fun and easy way to work them. Glad I found this app! ### 5/5 — Fun game *2021-12-24, version 1.3.2* I love cryptograms but I hadn’t done them for some time. Then I ran across a pack of printed cryptograms that I had printed out a long time ago to take with me when I fly. This was before the popularity of iPhones. I thought, “ I bet there’s an app for that.” And I found your game. After I went through the free puzzles, I bought the app at a very reasonable price. I’m continuing to enjoy it very much. And I don’t have to carry around loads of printed ones! ### 5/5 — I love the format. It makes working it very easy! *2021-09-01, version 1.3.2* Just like the ones in our local paper. I absolutely love doing those but these are so much easier because you don’t have to erase so much!! ### 5/5 — Love this app. *2021-02-09, version 1.3.2* I am good at solving cryptograms, but some of these were a challenge. I feel like I am doing something to stimulate my brain. I like that I can take as little or as much time as I want to solve them. Highly recommend the app. ### 5/5 — Fantastic Fun *2020-12-29, version 1.3.2* No commercials - first pack is free and then only 99 cents for additional big packs - good for hours of solving ### 5/5 — Great crypto quote puzzle game. *2019-12-12, version 1.3.2* Better than the one in the newspaper since they give you a clue. ### 5/5 — Packs *2019-07-03, version 1.3.2* Love this game but sure would like it if you added some new packs. Thank you ### 5/5 — Cryptograms *2019-06-17, version 1.3.2* This is one of my favorite “go to” apps. Once I start it’s hard to quit playing. Keep up good work & more is better 👵🏻 ### 3/5 — Author author! *2018-11-24, version 1.3.2* Love doing cryptograms, but am wondering where the new packs are. You advertise that new packs will be automatically downloaded, but I haven’t seen that yet. Redoing old cryptograms just doesn’t cut it. ### 3/5 — Issue with UI *2018-08-29, version 1.3.2* Long story short this is an Enigma type game. However. Let’s say I want to change the letter K (original letter being K) to T and then change K to O instead. I have to go and click Undo and then select either K or T (I don’t remember which and that’s part of the issue) and click it to undo my change. It’s clunky and weird and not like any enigma game I’ve played before. A shame as I enjoy the logic puzzle game app by this same app author, and that is a game I recommend. ## Frequently asked questions about Cryptograms ### What is a cryptogram puzzle? A cryptogram is a word puzzle where a phrase or quote is encrypted using letter substitution. For example, 'A' might be replaced with 'X', 'B' with 'Y', and so on. You use patterns, word lengths, and context clues to decode the original message. ### What are the unique features of this app? This app provides a digital platform for solving cryptograms, offering both a traditional layout and a unique 'condensed' layout that displays encrypted and decrypted text simultaneously. It also focuses on brain training and vocabulary enhancement. ### How much does the app cost? The app is free to download and includes a starter pack of 20 puzzles. Additional puzzle packs are available for purchase within the app. ### What kind of puzzles are included? The app features cryptograms, which are word puzzles based on letter substitution of phrases or quotes. These puzzles are designed to challenge your vocabulary and logical thinking skills. ### Who is this app for? This app is designed for anyone who enjoys word puzzles and wants to engage in brain training. It's particularly suitable for those who like logic puzzles and want to improve their vocabulary and critical thinking. ## Version history (last 1 release) ### 1.3.2 — 2015-07-24 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. 'See Solution' functionality now also on the iPad version (was supposed to be in the last update, sorry!) ## Apps similar to Cryptograms | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Cryptogram Round](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-round/id1013610861) | 4.8 (3,214) | Free | Games | | [CryptoQuip](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptoquip/id428848389) | 2.0 (9) | Free | Games | | [Daily Puzzles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/daily-puzzles/id594653435) | 4.9 (10,496) | Free | Games | | [Crossword: Arrowword](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossword-arrowword/id1485345280) | 4.5 (37) | Free | Games | | [Word Tropics: Crossword Games](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/word-tropics-crossword-games/id1378815380) | 4.9 (1,165) | Free | Games | | [Word Hexagon (Big Dictionary)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/word-hexagon-big-dictionary/id1511624020) | 4.0 (1) | Free | Games | ## More apps by Ross McNamara - [Logic Grid Puzzles - Word Games For Brain Training](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/logic-grid-puzzles-word-games-for-brain-training/id704673019) - [Jumble Jamble - Word Games For Brain Training](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jumble-jamble-word-games-for-brain-training/id1003414888) - [Elkonin Boxes: A Literacy Tool for Beginning Readers](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elkonin-boxes-a-literacy-tool-for-beginning-readers/id1035185824) - [Letter Box - Word Games for Brain Training](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/letter-box-word-games-for-brain-training/id1058435580) All apps by Ross McNamara: https://appshunter.io/developer/704612404 --- *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.*