# Happier — user reviews

> 93 indexed App Store user reviews of Happier by Keyboard, LLC, rated 3.90/5 from 57 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/happier/id1555961966/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/happier/id1555961966.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 32 · 4★ 5 · 3★ 8 · 2★ 5 · 1★ 7

## What do users think of Happier?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 🎡 Fun spinning wheel feature for 5-minute challenges
- 📱 Beautiful and intuitive design
- ✍️ Multiple tracking methods (photos, journals, numbers)
- 💡 Personalized content based on Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies
- 🎯 Effective habit tracking and accountability tools
- ⭐ Motivating star/reward system for daily completion
- 📚 Helpful quotes, tips, and happiness-boosting content
- 🔔 Useful reminder notifications for habit tracking

**Cons**

- 💰 Expensive subscription pricing ($7.99-$10/month or $80-$100/year)
- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezing issues
- 🔐 Persistent login and authentication problems
- ❌ Cannot edit or backdate entries after creation
- 🚫 Limited free version (only 1 active aim allowed)
- 📊 No calendar view to visualize progress
- 🔄 Subscription recognition failures despite payment
- ⚠️ Immediate billing despite 'free trial' claims
- 🔄 App logs users out repeatedly
- 📝 Limited new content for existing Gretchen Rubin fans
- 🎯 Inflexible aim settings (daily/weekly only, no specific times)
- ❌ Cannot group or organize aims by frequency

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes and prevents app access
- App stuck on subscription page in endless loop
- Password validation rejects valid passwords
- App crashes repeatedly on launch
- Daily quote doesn't update to new day
- Wheel spin challenges show as used when not completed
- Don't Break the Chain shows false X marks for completed tasks
- Blank white screens that cannot be closed
- App doesn't recognize new day for daily challenges
- Subscription not recognized despite successful payment
- Error message 'Something went wrong' blocks access
- 5-minute challenge instructions don't display fully on screen
- App only fills small portion of iPad screen
- Request timeout errors when accessing aims
- Data loss after app updates
- Inconsistent time zone handling causing broken chains
- App won't accept valid password combinations during signup

**Most requested features**

- Ability to backdate or edit entries for past days
- Calendar view to see progress over time
- Support for multiple tracking methods simultaneously (journal AND photo)
- Ability to edit aims after creation
- More flexible aim scheduling (specific times, days of week)
- Photo captions for tracked images
- Community features to connect with other users
- Lower subscription pricing
- More diverse 5-minute challenges (currently repeats)
- Integration of Neglected Senses quiz into app
- Recording one-word themes within the app
- Ability to track yearly lists and accomplishments
- Better organization/grouping of aims
- More substantial free version with multiple aims
- Email notifications when app issues are resolved

## Newest reviews (12 of 93)

### 2/5 — Basic Features

*2026-05-07*

This is a decent app that I enjoy using, but the features are really basic especially for a paid subscription. It’s frustrating that none of the tracking features let you set a date for your activities. I’d like to be able to track something I did on a previous date and have accurate data. This seems like a major design oversight.

### 3/5 — Wish it offered more

*2026-01-05*

I wish that we could record our one word theme here as well as keep our yearly list and mark off what we’ve accomplished. Having to go out of the app for the design your year prompt was disappointing.

### 3/5 — I like it but it glitches

*2025-07-16*

I absolutely love Gretchen Ruben and really do love this app, but it’s very glitchy. I use the free version. I will open the app and it won’t register that it’s a new day so my “daily quote” is the same and my wheel spins for 5 minute challenges will still show as being used up. I don’t know why sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I keep uninstalling and re-installing it hoping to get it to unfreeze.

### 2/5 — Stuck

*2025-01-05*

I had the app on my iPhone for 3 days. Thought it would be fun to take the 4 Tendencies test only to find it stuck on the results. And there my progress on the app has remained for the past 3 days. I would love to see the rest or to even track my progress with the 25 in 25 challenge but all I can access is the Obliger description.

### 2/5 — Crashes a lot

*2025-01-01, version 1.8.2*

I love the idea. I’ve had it less than one day and had to reinstall it several times…

### 2/5 — Nice but overpriced

*2024-01-20*

Its a very simple app with techniques that any fan of Gretchen Rubin’s will be familiar with and love. I keep getting “request time out” almost daily when accessing aims (despite software updates and logging out/logging in) so it’s very glitchy. Also, if you forget to log a day for don’t break the chain you cannot retroactively add it to tick that day’s box and continue your streak—thats frustrating for marking your progress! I think its really just too expensive as a result and for what it is. I am not sure how or why they decided to price it as high as it is. I doubt I will continue using it after this year. A shame, because I love Gretchen Rubin’s books and podcast and I know she invests a lot of time and energy into her work and what she puts out.

**Developer response:** Hi! 
Thank you so much for the feedback, we're sorry to hear about your experience with the Happier App. The timeout issue has been fixed, and you do have the option to change the date on the Don't Break the Chain tool. We hope that these changes make your experience more enjoyable! If you have any other specific questions, feel free to email support@the-happiness-project.com.

### 2/5 — Not good

*2023-11-03, version 1.6.12*

The free version is very poor so if you want this just pay for the full version. It should be better

### 4/5 — Review “Your Aims”

*2023-09-26, version 1.6.11*

I enjoy the Happier App. But I have one wish on the “Your Aims” page. Please allow the user to backfill. I’m more likely to reflect on a day before on the next morning when my brain is fully charged. I often forget to record the days deed during the day performed and almost never at the end of the day when I’m tired and few brain cells are firing. 

Thank you. 
Jb

### 3/5 — Good, but a little bland without the subscription.

*2023-03-28*

My first impression of the app was rather good. If an app isn’t appealing in style to me, I just cannot use it. I liked this one. Sign up was easy. I think the quiz was spot on for me. So far it hasn’t helped me make any good habits, but I think it will in time. I like the tips, I think those are actually helpful. I also appreciate the know yourself better section.

I’m a little discouraged because without a subscription, you can only have 1 active aim. I also think the neglected senses quiz should probably be intergrated into the app in the same way that the tendencies are, but it’s not. That part isn’t a big deal anyway, I’m mainly focused on the subscription and the aims. I understand subscription models. I know it’s unrealistic to ask for everything in life to be free. However, I feel that the free version could have a little more to offer. I cannot get a real grasp and feel for what it’s like to truly use the app and benefit from it because I need at least a couple aims to try out. I hope this changes. I also do not want a free-trial option… free trials are scammy. I hope they don’t take that approach as it’s hard to cancel a free trial once it begins and still requires the commitment of a credit card unfortunately.

So, to do better I really think the base application wirhout a subscription could use one or two more aims. It doesn’t have to be substantial, but it’s a little empty as it stands and makes it harder for me to consider the app long-term.

**Developer response:** We're so glad you're enjoying the Happier app! And thank you for providing this constructive feedback—we're always working to improve. We'll pass it on to the development team for consideration. Onward!

### 3/5 — Could be MUCH more

*2023-02-24*

I discovered this Happier app after a podcast from Erika Kullberg and really loved the concept.  I do like the newly added prompts to complete my aims as an Obliger, but wish I could add more without paying.  I wish it also told me how many other people are on track with their sims like I am for motivational inspiration.  The helpful tips and tools should be a separate built in feature; I don’t like the scrolling.  Overall, I do like it, but know this could be MUCH better.

**Developer response:** We're so glad you're enjoying the Happier app, Jaclyn. And thank you for providing this constructive feedback—we're always working to improve. We'll pass it on to the development team for consideration. Onward!

### 2/5 — Unhappy I wasted $79.99 on this primitive app

*2023-02-16, version 1.6.0*

Really amateur, wow.

### 3/5 — Just ok

*2023-01-08*

Really enjoyed The Happiness Project book. Just started using the app to track my “aims” for the new year. Found it to be a bit clunky. Switching to an Excel based tracking sheet instead.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback about the Happier app. We're sorry to hear that you found the experience clunky. If you ever want to revisit the app, we're here to help. Contact us at support@thehappierapp.com to troubleshoot all issues.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Has potential but massively unuseful

*2025-07-20*

For example…The reading challenge is a fun idea, with a flaw. There’s no way to post-date an entry or edit an entry, so if you miss recording a day then you’re out of luck. I’m not going to set another reminder to pick up my phone daily to record something in yet another app. I know I read daily and that’s enough for me.

### 1/5 — Paid but keep getting kicked out

*2025-02-18, version 1.8.4*

Lovely content when I can access it and great notifications to remember my habits 

But I haven’t been able to track anything for over a month because I keep getting logged off , kicked out and have long windows looking at a blank white screen

Not good when I wanted this app for tracking streaks!

### 1/5 — App keeps freezing

*2025-01-06*

Of the content I was able to see, I think I’d really like the app, but it keeps freezing. I’ve restarted my phone, have quit and reopened the app, and uninstalled/reinstalled it. The frustration of getting stuck on a screen and not being able to get back to the home page caused me to choose other ways to track my habits.

### 1/5 — Can’t get past inputting my name

*2024-07-18*

Would’ve liked to try this app.  Can’t get past the “What would you like us to call you?” screen when first opening the app.  iPhone 13.  Tried removing and redownloading.  Clicking the “App support” link in the App Store just takes me to a web page that advertises the app with links to download it.

**Developer response:** Thank you for reaching out, we're sorry to hear about your experience with the Happier app. We have since made performance updates and bug fixes that have resolved this issue. We hope this makes the app a more enjoyable experience for you!

### 1/5 — So sad

*2024-04-23*

I remember having this app the last time I had an iPhone (10+ years ago) and thought it was a brilliant idea. Was SO excited to download it again.

So sad you had to ruin it by caving in to the whole “subscription service” mentality that is choking society to death these days though.

### 1/5 — Terrible

*2023-12-10, version 1.7.0*

This APP is terrible!  I can’t even get on…  I received a note that Gretchen Rubin was discontinuing her daily quotes (which I have enjoyed for many years) and that you now need to load the APP to receive these… Here’s trouble, I thought (…and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it..!). APP appears to be unworkable, so the end of a beautiful relationship with Gretchen Rubin, sadly… 😔

### 1/5 — Notifications do not work on IPhone

*2023-01-13, version 1.5.2*

Paid $79 for annual subscription on 12/29  and still unable to get functionality to work on IPhone. Tech support unable to help acknowledging this has been an issue.

### 1/5 — Definitely won’t pay for a subscription when free version doesn’t work!

*2023-01-07*

I downloaded the app for the Get Outside 23 in 23 challenge and have a “Don’t Break the Chain” Aim set up but it is very buggy. Every time I log that I completed it, there are random entries making my chain look broken when it shouldn’t be. I emailed customer service and they got me to confirm app version and time zone (both were correct) and then told me it was a time zone problem and they couldn’t fix it. Based on this, I won’t be paying for a subscription. I had higher expectations for such a simple app. If you can’t do simple, then how can you charge?

### 1/5 — Subscription function not working

*2022-06-02, version Happier 1.3.2*

I was excited to try this out.  But though I paid for a subscription, “Happier” hasn’t recognized the subscription and won’t let me access the subscriber functions. It’s frustrating.

### 1/5 — Something went wrong

*2022-01-23, version 1.0.8*

I have never been able to log in to it. I get the message, “Something went wrong”

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Helps with your goals

*2026-07-09*

I love this app because there are so many ways to track your goals. You can snap a picture, check it, or write about it!  It also has so many whimsical elements. It’s free, but I think it is worth the paid version to get unlimited goals to track.

### 5/5 — Lots to help you develop

*2026-04-13, version 1.13.3*

I’m a newbie to Happier but am enjoying it a lot so far: There’s great tools to help you grow and develop positive aims, even on the free level. I like the daily tracker that nudges me to log my progress. The app UI is also bright & colourful (not TOO much!) to lift the dopamine levels and encourage you to take part as well. Great integration with Gretchen’s theories, looking forward to seeing solid results - thank you!

### 5/5 — Love this app!

*2024-06-09*

I just started with this app, and I love it! It’s a great hack for keeping track of habits. After a few days I subscribed. There’s so much good information, and I keep making new aims/habits to track. I especially like tracking with photos since this is something I couldn’t do in a note book. Also, spinning the wheel feature is fun for inspiration.

The only thing I haven’t been able to  figure out yet is how to track using more than one method, like a journal AND a photo. I do think it’s a bit pricey so I’m not sure yet if I’ll keep it long term.

### 5/5 — Love this app!

*2024-02-10*

This app is so much fun.  I am a rebel (see tendency quiz) and making things fun and interesting is what helps me get things done.  There is so much helpful advice, tips, quotes and that wonderful little color wheel that spins me into accomplishment!  Yay, Gretchen!  Loving the podcast too!

### 5/5 — So much fun!

*2024-01-03*

The spinner wheel is a real joy for me and my daughter! Thanks for making our lives Happier

### 5/5 — Best habit tracking app!

*2023-03-13*

I have a few habits I wanted help tracking for this year and this app has been super helpful! With a subscription, you can track multiple aims. You can set reminders to keep you on track which is great! I’m also taking part in the yearly challenge which is “Go outside for 23 minutes a day in 2023.”

**Developer response:** We're so glad to hear that the Happier app in working for you! Onward!

### 5/5 — Love it

*2023-03-01*

Really helps me to stay accountable and I just enjoy reading the quotes and all the other goodies on the app!

**Developer response:** Thank you for the gold stars! We hope you continue to enjoy the Happier app.

### 5/5 — Keeps Me Going!

*2023-02-24*

I love the app (and the weekly emails). I do life better when I keep track of things. And the 23/23 practice is great for keeping me attentive to getting out in nature. I live in a part of the country where weather sometimes impacts my efforts. I do have all the gear, but if it is raining AND windy, I just do my QiGong meditation in front of an open window! Whatever works! BTW, I found the "doing" quickly became routine, but had to set an alarm to remind myself to make my mark in the app! Thank you, Rachel, for all the Happiness!

**Developer response:** We're so glad to hear that the Happier app in working for you! Onward!

### 5/5 — Outside 23 in 23

*2023-02-24*

I add a picture of something I see each time I go on a walk. It motivates me to go out even if I don’t want to. I do wish there was a way to caption them. Sometimes I forget to add the picture till the next day and sometimes I think of funny titles.

**Developer response:** We love using the photo log too! Thanks for sharing. We'll consider your caption feedback for future versions of the app.

### 5/5 — Love this app

*2023-02-24*

Very easy to use and I love getting stars for my daily success because that encourages me to continue.

**Developer response:** Thanks for rating and reviewing—Gold Star!

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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 2026-08-24.*