# History Extra: Unlock the past — user reviews > 41 indexed App Store user reviews of History Extra by Immediate Media Company Limited, rated 4.70/5 from 365 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/history-extra-unlock-the-past/id1608050088/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/history-extra-unlock-the-past/id1608050088.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 307 · 4★ 39 · 3★ 9 · 2★ 5 · 1★ 5 ## What do users think of History Extra? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 👍 Excellent content quality - 👍 Informative and educational - 👍 Great for history enthusiasts - 👍 Reliable source for history - 👍 Engaging articles and podcasts - 👍 Good for learning history - 👍 Valuable resource - 👍 Brilliant concept - 👍 Bite-sized history overviews - 👍 Well-researched information - 👍 Uplifting and knowledge-rich **Cons** - 🐛 App is buggy and crashes - 🐛 Difficult to navigate - 🐛 Access issues for print subscribers - 🐛 Paywall for most content - 🐛 Subscription confusion - 🐛 Poor app functionality - 🐛 Unreliable access - 🐛 Counter-intuitive interface - 🐛 Clunky and jumbled interface - 🐛 Constant sign-in required - 🐛 Eurocentric content - 🐛 Sound cuts out on videos - 🐛 No subtitles/captions for Deaf users - 🐛 No memory of playback position - 🐛 Video subtitles incorrect - 🐛 No queuing or auto-play - 🐛 Confusing navigation - 🐛 App demands payment despite subscription - 🐛 Subscription linked to another user - 🐛 No free trial or preview of content - 🐛 App is a waste of space - 🐛 Signed up for unwanted subscriptions - 🐛 Too many purchase prompts - 🐛 Error 504 - 🐛 No sign-in with Apple info - 🐛 Lack of support **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes often - Takes a while to load - Sound cuts out after 30 seconds on videos - No memory of where you left off in audio - Video subtitles run for wrong videos - No ability to queue up a playlist - No auto-play the next in a series - App keeps wanting to subscribe - Subscription linked with another user - App demands payment despite print subscription - Digital site refuses access intermittently - Lost saved collections - App doesn't remember playback position - App plays the same episode over again - Does not automatically start the next episode - Wishlist doesn't always sync across devices - Error 504 - App doesn't let you sign in with Apple info - Print subscriber access not recognized - App says only subscribers can view content **Most requested features** - Playback speed adjustment - Set timer for playback - Queue podcast episodes - Auto-play next episode - Chronological list of podcasts - RSS feed for podcasts - Audio read-along feature - Completely ad-free website for subscribers - Free 1-2 week trial plan - Improved search functionality across content types - Filters beyond genre - Sleep timer for audio - Ability to see chronology of podcasts through the years - Sync Wishlist across devices - Basic features like playback speed and queueing - Captions/subtitles for Deaf users - Fix subtitle issues - Fix sound cutting out on videos - Allow sign-in with Apple info - Make content more accessible without subscription ## Newest reviews (14 of 41) ### 3/5 — SMS *2026-06-08* (En,)tge Mahestis Tudorsarticle ;;;had to admitted ,to be humble !throughout reading it & coz this article makes me fell like to be uplifted :and :lessons to belearnt: ?so ?Tudor brings wells ; !knowledge and all you can wish for in this country the centuries in this land shows ,!high supremecy, giverment ship and wellness to the people who been suffering before ; High sciences,and, knowledge ;::seeking for uplifting ; people; for the future;bringing-the possibilities of the near future or :driving for the present to be hear ,in no circumstances and cut the roots all evil!Plant the seeds if good and nourish it **Developer response:** Thanks for the review, Cyrrril! Great to hear the Tudors article uplifted you and offered lessons. For more, explore our Tudor podcasts, articles, and quizzes in the app. What could we improve to reach 5 stars? Go to Help > Contact support—keen to hear your ideas. ### 3/5 — Sound cuts out *2026-01-09* Sound cuts out after about 30 sec on videos and you have to keep starting and stopping it, at least on a iPhone 12 anyway **Developer response:** rumble strip, Sorry to hear you're experiencing issues with the video playback. Please contact our customer service team with details of your device and the problem so they can help investigate this further. ### 3/5 — Great content, average app *2025-12-11* The stories and interviews are super interesting but the app is missing basic features - you can’t change playback speed, stop playing after set time or queue podcast episodes **Developer response:** Claire Runge, Thank you for your feedback. We're glad to hear you're enjoying the content and really appreciate your suggestions about the app features. We'll be sure to share your comments with the team as we continue to improve the experience. ### 2/5 — Captioned or Subtitled *2025-12-04* There are no subtitles or captions for me cause I’m Deaf. I’m so disappointed because I paid $. I really love history and read History Extra magazines so often. ### 3/5 — Why do I have to subscribe to almost everything? *2025-10-22* Hello, I hope your having a great day. And I would like to submit one of the flaws I have for this application. As a history nerd and history lover, I got this app to learn more about wars like The Seven Years’ War, The Punic Wars, and others. But I noticed that I had to subscribe to almost everything (like articles, videos, podcasts, et). Now, do be noted that this was only a few things, so take that with a grain of salt. But I personally think you shouldn’t need to really subscribe to much just to learn history. Because people (like me) shouldn’t need to just watch YouTube about history, anyways. Sorry for the sloppy review, but that is my flaw with this app, I hope you can fix it (maybe some sort of way to have a free 1-2 week long plan that’s free, idk if you have that), and yeah. That’s all, other than that flaw, I would definitely use again. 👍 ### 4/5 — Eurocentric *2025-10-05* This is a brilliant app but it’s completely Eurocentric. It should be called “European History Extra”. ### 2/5 — Counter intuitive *2025-09-21* That’s it! **Developer response:** We're sorry to hear that you’re having a bad experience with our app. Your feedback is important to us and has been noted. It would be really helpful if you could get in contact with us directly by emailing: apps@immediate.co.uk. Thank you, The History Extra Team ### 2/5 — Content good but access is very frustrating *2025-08-15* I have been a member for 2 years and totally enjoy your content but have found the History Extra app very frustrating and unreliable. I have a magazine with digital subscription but every so often the digital site refuses me access. I have just had such a problem and currently appear to have lost all my saved collections. Even emailing your online support (shown on the site) resulted in an acknowledgment that they would get back to me in 24 hours but didn’t deal with app issues????? Love the content but very unhappy with accessing the site. **Developer response:** We're sorry to hear that you’re having a bad experience with our app. Your feedback is important to us and has been noted. Our team is working to improve our app performance, but in the meantime, it would be really helpful if you could get in contact with us directly by emailing: apps@immediate.co.uk which is our dedicated app team. Thank you, The History Extra Team ### 1/5 — Signed up for subscriptions I never asked for *2024-12-23* When i entered my card details to confirm a trial, I was signed up for 2 random subscriptions that have tried to take £38 each from my account in past few days!!!!!! Do not sign up!! **Developer response:** Q1nny, We are very sorry to hear there has been an error, please contact us directly by phone 0333 0162 141 where one of our Customer Service Team will be able to go through this in more detail. Thank you, The History Extra Team ### 2/5 — Terrible interface *2024-11-28* This app is so clunky. There is no way to search between podcast and video and article. It is all jumbled together with a huge font, and no filters beyond genre. I subscribed to avoid the ads. But any other podcast app is better than this. There’s no way to set a sleep timer or change the speed of the podcast. There is no way I can find to see a chronology of all the podcasts thru the years. Some are set up as collections & you can individually search by historic era, but you have to click on each item to see if it is audio, video, or print. This is one of my favorite podcasts, and I hate the ads, but I cannot figure out how to navigate this ad-free interface effectively. **Developer response:** Hi Ahimsamonkey, We're sorry to hear that you’re having a bad experience with our app. Your feedback is important to us and has been noted. Our team is working to improve our app performance, but in the meantime, it would be really helpful if you could get in contact with us directly by emailing: apps@immediate.co.uk. Thank you, The History Extra Team ### 2/5 — Not easy to navigate *2024-05-27, version 300.0.0* Very confusing and not easy to navigate to where you left off. My app just plays the same episode over again and does not automatically start the next episode. A timer to switch off automatically would be good. ### 3/5 — Messy, confusing app *2024-01-27* Love the content, don't like the app. Don't like having to continually sign in almost every time I open the app. Would prefer to be able to have an RSS feed so I could listen to the podcast in a better app (Apple is the only other option and that's awful in different ways). Layout much too busy, difficult to find what I want. My Wishlist doesn't always sync across the app on different devices. If the content wasn't excellent, I wouldn’t be a subscriber. **Developer response:** Thanks for your rating! We really appreciate your feedback. We want to make the app the best possible experience for you, your comments will be shared with the whole team to help us deliver the best possible content and product changes going forward. ### 3/5 — Love the content, hate the bugs *2023-12-05* I am a history nerd and love reading the articles to relax before bed. The app however is buggy. It crashes often and takes a while to load. Would give 5 stars for an update on the app and bugs to be resolved. Otherwise there’s a ton of well written and thoughtful content on tons of things I thought I knew but had barely scratched the surface on. **Developer response:** We're sorry to hear that you’re having a bad experience with our app. Your feedback is important to us and has been noted. Our team is working to improve our app performance, but in the meantime, it would be really helpful if you could get in contact with us directly by emailing: apps@immediate.co.uk ### 2/5 — Navigation too complex *2023-10-17* BBC History Extra podcast is by far my favorite podcast. I would love to subscribe and listen to it. ad-free on the app, but I can’t seem to find a simple chronological list of all podcasts in the app. Everything is pre-categorized, there are giant pictures, so you have to scroll and scroll. This is particularly challenging in the car, where I do most of my podcast listening. I don’t mind that they have all that fancy-schmancy user interface, but somewhere, there needs to be just that simple chronological list for bingers like me who just want to listen to one right after the other, in the order that they were broadcast. As it stands, I will continue to listen on Spotify (and pay Spotify) and put up with the ads, because the interface is better. BBC History Extra does AMAZING history, but their skill level is kind of mediocre when it comes to podcast GUI in an iPhone. **Developer response:** TheBarbaraBrady, Thank you for your review and feedback on the podcasts, please email our Team at support@historyextra.com so we can discuss this further, however, in the meantime, we will pass your feedback on to the Team so they are aware of the issues you are faced with. Thank you, History Extra ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Spam emails *2026-08-06* If I had known they’d bombard you with daily emails from multiple email addresses, I wouldn’t have signed up! Even if you unsubscribe to one, they’ll email you from another. I’ve already had to unsubscribe 3 times and now resorting to blocking. **Developer response:** Thanks for the review, and sorry for the email overload. Use the “Unsubscribe/Manage preferences” link in any email to opt out of all lists. If anything still comes through, open the app > Help > Contact support and we’ll suppress every mailing and fix duplicates. ### 1/5 — Still no digital after 5 months *2026-05-18* I have a magazine + digital subscription paid by direct debit. I have telephoned support several times. Difficult to communicate Scottish accent v Chinese. No success. After 26 years with BBC History Magazine it may be time to give up completely. Abandon all! **Developer response:** Thanks for the review, and we’re sorry—especially after 26 years. Sorry the calls were hard to follow. With magazine + digital, sign in and tap “Already subscribed?” or “Restore purchases”. If that fails, open app > Help > Contact support and we’ll get you set up. ### 1/5 — Access issues *2026-03-21* My wife brought this as a gift but I can t access the app keeps wanting me to subscribe 2 phones call last one not helpful at all I m on the point of giving up and not renewing **Developer response:** Thanks for the review, and sorry for the hassle. If it’s a gift, please sign in to the gifted account and tap “Already subscribed?” or “Restore purchases” in the app. If that doesn’t work, go to in‑app Help > Contact support—we’ll get you set up. ### 1/5 — Subscription *2026-01-22* Having been recommended to use your app by my history extra magazine to which I have subscribed for years and thought I would enjoy doing some quizzes I find I need to pay for this privilege. No I will not do this. So will now delete it!! **Developer response:** Thanks for the review, and sorry for the let‑down. Quizzes are part of the app subscription. If your magazine sub includes digital access, sign in and tap “Already subscribed?” or “Restore purchases”. If that doesn’t work, go to Help > Contact support—we’ll get you set up. ### 1/5 — Rubbish *2026-01-21* I just subscribed via the website to the digital plus app subscription. The money has left my account. I received a welcome email from Hisory Extra with my subscriber number. I put that into the app as requested and it tells me that the subscription is linked with another user. What rubbish! I called the helpline and was advised to ‘try again tomorrow’ which is very lame. **Developer response:** stevehogg, Sorry to hear you're having trouble accessing your subscription, that shouldn’t happen. Please contact our customer service team again with your subscription details so they can check your account and help resolve the access issue. ### 1/5 — Don’t buy it! *2025-11-06* Terrible app. They should have spent some of the $$$ they’ve spent on advertising on functionality. No memory of where you left off in an audio file, or even what you last listened to or watched. Video subtitles run for the wrong videos (not the one you are actually watching). No ability to queue up a playlist, or even auto play the next in a series. Truly a disservice to the hardworking researchers and presenters. ### 1/5 — Paywall *2025-09-21* Downloaded this app and deleted within five minutes. You have to pay for absolutely ALL content 🙄 I wanted to ‘try before I buy’ or read an article or listen to a podcast to see how I enjoyed it. Such a shame. But don’t bother. **Developer response:** We're sorry to hear that you’re having a bad experience with our app. Your feedback is important to us and has been noted. It would be really helpful if you could get in contact with us directly by emailing: apps@immediate.co.uk Regards, The History Extra Team ### 1/5 — Unreliable *2025-09-06* Too many access problems if you are a print subscriber! I have a print subscription to BBC History magazine, this is supposed to give you access to the online features but although I can acccess the website ok the App demands I pay a subscription!!! Now been asked to submit my details again - these were emailed to the support team over a week ago!!! Have given up! **Developer response:** Hi, please accept our apologies. We have identified a technical issue with access that is impacting some of our Print subscribers. Please get in touch with us by emailing digitalsubs@buysubscriptions.com, and we will be happy to look into this further for you. ### 1/5 — Unreliable *2025-08-27, version 395.0.1* Too many access problems if you are a print subscriber! I have a print subscription to BBC History magazine, this is supposed to give you access to the online features but although I can acccess the website ok the App demands I pay a subscription!!! ### 1/5 — Would be a good app if it worked *2025-02-03* Noticing the reviews on this app go back years and still nothing seems to be resolved. It’s just a waste of space being in the App Store! By reading these reviews I discovered it can be accessed by the web, which is now obviously my go to. Might be an idea to rename the app: (History Extra: Unlock the app if you can) **Developer response:** We're sorry you’re having a bad experience with our app. Your feedback is important to us and has been noted. Our team is working to improve our app performance, but in the meantime, it would be beneficial if you could get in contact with us directly by emailing: apps@immediate.co.uk ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Outstanding reliable source for history *2026-01-31* Excellent written and spoken information that helps us to understand our past. Some of the information is amusing and some is very troubling, but it all gives us information that may help us to improve our ability to make better decisions going forward. Unlike many sources, it is very well researched. **Developer response:** S.V. L'Audace, Thank you for the wonderful review. We're really pleased to hear you're enjoying the content and finding it informative and well researched. We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. ### 5/5 — The Middle Path with Content Consumption *2026-01-31* I’m Gen Z and recently turned 25 and woke up realizing I had given so much of my conscious attention away to algorithmically generated advertisements and horrors. History Extra is a way that lets me get the satisfaction of finding something genuinely interesting on my phone without opening a social media app at all. **Developer response:** egoossy, Thank you for the thoughtful review. We're really glad to hear the app is providing a more positive way to explore interesting topics and step away from social media. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. ### 5/5 — Review *2025-10-31* Review ### 5/5 — History revisited *2025-04-21* BBC has ignited my interest in world history. This is a very valuable resource for everyone. The editor and producers created a podcast that allows subscribers to organize content according to their interests. My library is building and allows me to access content whenever and wherever I may be. Brilliant concept BBC…thank you for your creativity. **Developer response:** Hi Johnny, Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're thrilled to hear that HistoryExtra has sparked your interest in world history. It's great to know the podcast’s flexible format is helping you build a personalized library. We’ll keep working to bring history to life—wherever and whenever you listen. ### 5/5 — Love it *2024-05-25, version 300.0.0* I call it bite size history giving overviews in nice easy chunks. I love it. Not scholarly too deep but explains it all. Brilliant. The promotion price makes it pennies for vast knowledge fun ### 5/5 — Exceptional *2023-11-27* Been a subscriber to both history/ revealed digital editions for a couple of years now and they are very informative and educational for all ages, for me the app is great, having audio read along would be a welcome addition like in the bbc history and revealed apps. Can the website be made completely adfree for subscribers? . I’ve never tried the print editions before but I’m thinking about taking them out at some stage:) **Developer response:** Thanks for the 5 stars! Delighted you’re enjoying the content. Noted your ideas: audio read‑along and a fully ad‑free site for subscribers—we’ll share with the team. If you try the print editions, we’d love to hear what you think! ### 5/5 — Thank you *2023-05-31* Thank you for producing such an informative series on the end of Roman Britain. Thank you also to the archeologists, historians and scientists who participated. I feel I have a much better understanding of the period now. **Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback! We're really happy you're enjoying the App. ### 5/5 — Great content! *2023-04-08* Love the articles and topics and podcasts! **Developer response:** Slaterdoginsc, thank you for your feedback. We are delighted to hear that you are enjoying the HistoryExtra app. We would like to use your review as a testimonial within future marketing communications. If you are happy for us to do so, please contact us at support@historyextra.com with the subject line "App testimonial - followed by your app store username". Many thanks, the HistoryExtra Team ### 5/5 — And free podcasts *2023-01-20* Love that I can listen on the go without any adverts - always find them so annoying **Developer response:** Thanks so much for the 5-star review, Flo! We’re thrilled you’re enjoying listening on the go and the ad-free experience—no annoying interruptions. If you have feature ideas or topics you’d like covered next, we’d love to hear. ### 5/5 — Amazing app if you want to learn more about history! *2022-10-06* Never in my life have I downloaded and subscribed to such an informative, fun, history-filled app before! I use it every week, I love it! **Developer response:** Thanks so much for the wonderful review! We're thrilled you're loving the informative, fun, history-packed content and using it every week. If you’ve got any feature ideas or topics you’d like to see next, we’d love to hear them. --- *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 2026-09-04.*