# GiveBlood — user reviews

> 129 indexed App Store user reviews of GiveBlood by Canadian Blood Services, rated 4.90/5 from 255 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/giveblood/id804765636/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/giveblood/id804765636.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 232 · 4★ 17 · 3★ 2 · 2★ 4 · 1★ 0

## What do users think of GiveBlood?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🚀 Quick and easy appointment booking
- 📱 Seamless app functionality and stability
- 🎯 Convenient location and date filtering
- 💳 Digital donor card feature
- 📊 Donation statistics and tracking
- 🔄 Simple appointment rescheduling
- 📅 Calendar integration with reminders
- 👥 Friendly and professional staff
- ✅ Efficient pre-appointment questionnaire completion
- 🎁 Comfortable donation experience

**Cons**

- 🗺️ Limited clinic locations in some areas
- ⏱️ Inconvenient clinic hours and frequency
- 🐛 Booking system shows unavailable dates
- 🔍 Difficult search and filter functionality
- 📍 Location permission requirement excessive
- 🔐 Excessive calendar access permissions
- 📋 Lengthy questionnaire deters donors
- 🍔 Unhealthy snack options provided
- ⚠️ False positive testing results reported

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Recent update broke booking system
- App crashes on first page load
- Plasma donation booking shows false donation history
- Selected dates show as unavailable after selection
- Dates visible in map view but not in list view
- iPhone SE compatibility issues
- Login functionality not working on app
- App won't load on some devices
- Appointment availability discrepancies between views

**Most requested features**

- Weekend and specific day filtering
- Dark mode icon for iOS 18
- Linked family member appointments
- Improved date/time display precision
- Apple Wallet integration for donor card
- QR code quiz in Apple Wallet
- Better search algorithm for availability
- Minimal calendar permissions (add-only)
- Support for international zip codes
- Expanded clinic availability in underserved areas

## Newest reviews (15 of 129)

### 3/5 — Booking online

*2026-08-09*

I had a lot of trouble navigating the website to book a blood donation appointment. 
In the “location” box, it was unclear whether I was supposed to enter my location or the location of the blood donor clinic I was wanting to attend. 
First, I entered one address then I entered my other address and neither one got me to the point where I could book an appointment at the 95 Lavenia.
You need to make this website more user-friendly because it’s very frustrating and time-consuming/wasting!

**Developer response:** We regret to hear you had issues trying to book an appointment online. When you include a street address, you must include the city or town. By selecting advance search you can also increase the date range or distance. Once you select a location you can make it a favorite by tapping the heart icon. It will then save to your GiveBlood app or online account. Thank you for being a donor. Your selfless act of donating blood makes a significant difference in someone's life. - MB

### 2/5 — Availability unavailable

*2026-07-23*

Date and time was showing open on selected date. When I tried to book it was not open and advanced by several days

**Developer response:** We have had some donors experiencing booking issues with the GiveBlood app. We have been working hard to correct the issue. If you're unable to complete your booking in the GiveBlood App, please use myaccount.blood.ca or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to schedule your appointment. - MB

### 2/5 — App frozen

*2026-07-08*

No work as of this week

**Developer response:** We regret to hear you are having issues with the GiveBlood app. Could you please call us at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or send an email to feedback@blood.ca. Please include a description of what happened. We will also need the following information: Your donor number and
 Phone Model (e.g. iPhone 8 or Samsung Galaxy S10)
Phone OS (e.g iOS 13.2.3 or Android version 9) 
GiveBlood version number
Are you using WiFi or cellular data to access app? (i.e. possible internet firewall/router issue)

-MB

### 3/5 — Ottawa Canadian Blood Service

*2026-06-16*

It takes time effort and a certain kind of dedication to donate blood. The Ottawa experience was not great. The needle was not put in properly. I asked if I should squeeze the ball to help the blood flow (the norm for me, not a problem but I always check) and was told yes. 
The needle fell out immediately and I could no longer donate as there was too much blood taken already. This was the first time I donated in Ottawa. It has always been in Halifax or the Annapolis Valley. The team is based in Halifax and are excellent, very on top of everything and double check, 
I have ONeg. blood so the need is high. I am not impressed. I know things can happen and everyone trying hard but this definitely could have been avoided. Thank you.

**Developer response:** We appreciate your efforts to donate blood. Our goal is to provide every donor with a positive experience every time they donate. We regret to hear that your donation did not go as expected. Could you please call and speak with one of our trained health professionals at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or you can visit our chat line via our website www.blood.ca. Thank you for being part of Canada's Lifeline. - MB

### 5/5 — Anomaly

*2026-05-05, version 4.10*

Easy process and helpful
Staff.

### 5/5 — Excellent

*2026-04-10, version 4.10*

Easy access to book for my appointment. Great help for people who shares the gift of life from Above.

### 5/5 — Easy!!!!!!!

*2026-04-09, version 4.10*

I went for the first time to donate. Wanted to do it for years and finally did. People there were great right from my entrance. So painless. I even brought my child to watch to see how easy it is to donate and help people who really need blood. I’ve already booked my next appointment :)

### 5/5 — Easiest experience ever!

*2026-04-03, version 4.10*

That was super easy, and I coordinated with my partner easily. Thanks!

### 5/5 — Awesome feeling

*2026-02-25, version 4.10*

Nothing for me is everything for someone

### 5/5 — .. yes you know you should..

*2026-02-25, version 4.10*

As a donor for many decades, and I’ve never needed blood from an injury or operation, it’s what we must all do for our society. We have incredible, miraculously made bodies that easily recovers the donated amount.. so.. please give the gift of life, as yes, you may need it one day, and your loved ones will pray that ‘people’ will have given blood, so that you can live. It’s your turn, today.

### 5/5 — Great app!

*2026-01-26, version 4.9.4*

Great app that is very user friendly, good for booking appointments and has cool fun aspects as well.

### 5/5 — Reliable and useful

*2026-01-23, version 4.9.4*

The app has always worked well every time I’ve used it. Booking appointments, filling in the questionnaire, signing in at my appointment, finding answers to questions.

### 5/5 — Blood services

*2026-01-19, version 4.9.3*

Easy to navigate- extremely efficient

### 5/5 — Excellent

*2025-12-20, version 4.9.2*

Intuitive, easy

### 5/5 — Staff

*2025-12-03, version 4.9.1*

I’ve been fortunate enough to have had a wonderful lady named Josie do my blood and she always puts me at ease and is very gentle with the procedure. A big thanks to Josie and your staff.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — App sucks

*2026-06-02, version 4.10.1*

The app needs major updates.

### 1/5 — Live in Parksville

*2026-05-29*

I live in Parksville and my profile has my address but I am always directed to book in Victoria. No notifications for my area.

**Developer response:** Please contact us at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) so we can look at your file. If you donated previously in Victoria, it may be listed as your preferred centre. - MB

### 1/5 — Garbled

*2026-05-12, version 4.10.1*

The app is all smashed together. Impossible to read!

### 1/5 — Clunky

*2026-04-09, version 4.10*

I keep wishing improvements would be made to this app. I would donate much more frequently if it was smoother. Saving my location would be a start. If my location settings are not on (which they are not for privacy) why do I have to look at a world map?

### 1/5 — Plasma donation

*2026-01-21, version 4.9.4*

It’s impossible for me to book an appointment for plasma donation, it always says that I have made a recent donation even if it has been months since my last donation.

### 1/5 — Bad app!

*2025-07-28, version 4.7*

It’s not intuitive and hard to navigate.

### 1/5 — It's unbelievable

*2025-07-07, version 4.6*

I have NEVER seen a blood bank like this. 🥲🥲🥲 Very Bad and complicated experience. I decided to stay away…. BYE

### 1/5 — Ease of use

*2025-05-28, version 4.4.2*

This app is not user friendly. It should be a fairly simple
Process to search for available
Locations in my community, then pick a date and then pick a time but it isn’t.

### 1/5 — Just got showstopping error at the very first page

*2025-03-19, version 4.3.1*

And there is no please for the screenshot unfortunately

### 1/5 — Location request really should not be necessary

*2024-10-24, version 4.1.1*

App keeps insisting it needs location to find a blood centre.  That should be an option but the app should not act like it is a requirement to obtain location.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Donating blood

*2026-08-16*

Because I was not allowed to donate blood until recently and because my husband died of blood cancer a few years ago, I feel I need to do something positive for him. The staff and experience at the Bayers Road Donation Centre has been wonderful.

**Developer response:** Thank you, BVivianR, for donating in memory of your husband.  Your kindness is a lifeline — thank you for making a difference. - MB

### 5/5 — Easy to use

*2026-08-09*

Allows easy modifications of appointments if you need to reschedule

**Developer response:** Nixego, we are quite happy to hear you are enjoying the app. With every new app version we are introducing new features and improving existing ones. Thank you for being a donor. The strength of Canada's Lifeline and our ability to improve the lives of patients relies heavily on the commitment of donors, like you. - MB

### 5/5 — It’s in you to give

*2026-08-07*

I have always been treated like a queen when I donate blood, I can save someone’s life that makes me feel good

**Developer response:** Thanks, ToddstersMom, for the five star review. We appreciate you taking time to donate. Your selfless act of donating blood makes a significant difference in someone's life.  - MB

### 5/5 — Give Blood!

*2026-08-05*

Such a good service and they make it so easy to book and get to a convenient location!

**Developer response:** Thank you for the five star review. We want to make it as easy as possible for our donors to book. Our goal is to provide every donor with a positive experience every time they donate. Your selfless act of donating blood makes a significant difference in someone's life. - MB

### 5/5 — Sense of belonging

*2026-07-24*

Barrie has the most kind volunteers and staff. Always so grateful you came and they have good snacks 🤪

**Developer response:** Thank you for the kind words. Our goal is to provide every donor with a positive experience every time they donate. Your blood donation is a reminder that small acts of kindness can go a long way. 
- MB

### 5/5 — Finally!

*2026-07-23*

A dark icon at last. Thanks.

Now please add a dark version of the startup splash image.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your comments. I will forward them to the appropriate department for review. Your donations make a real impact on the lives of others. - MB

### 5/5 — Nice

*2026-07-14*

Makes donating blood really easy

**Developer response:** We are quite happy to hear you find the GiveBlood app makes donating easy. With every new app version we are introducing new features and improving existing ones. Thank you for being a donor. The strength of Canada's Lifeline and our ability to improve the lives of patients relies heavily on the commitment of donors, like you. - MB

### 5/5 — Finally!

*2026-06-27*

A dark icon at last.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your comments. I will forward them to the appropriate department for review. Your donations make a real impact on the lives of others. - MB

### 5/5 — Appreciate the appt suggestion

*2026-05-28*

Love the appt suggestion! Great idea- pops up at a time that’s available om your area

**Developer response:** We are quite happy to hear you are enjoying the app. With every new app version we are introducing new features and improving existing ones. Thank you for being a donor. The strength of Canada's Lifeline and our ability to improve the lives of patients relies heavily on the commitment of donors, like you. - MB

### 5/5 — Television over phone

*2026-05-09, version 4.10.1*

It would be nice if there were televisions to watch instead of using my phone.

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*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 2026-09-09.*
