# Names in a Hat — user reviews > 55 indexed App Store user reviews of Names in a Hat by Thomas Peters, rated 4.60/5 from 131 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/names-in-a-hat/id310533991/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/names-in-a-hat/id310533991.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 111 · 4★ 8 · 3★ 3 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 9 ## What do users think of Names in a Hat? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 👍 Easy to use - 💡 Great for random draws - 👍 Useful for teachers - 👍 Handy for fantasy sports - 👍 Good for giveaways - 👍 Quick team assignment - 👍 Helpful for Secret Santa - 👍 Saves time over pen/paper - 👍 Developer responsiveness (auto-save update) - 👍 Can handle many entries **Cons** - 🐛 App crashes frequently - 🐛 Doesn't work on newer OS versions - 🐛 Poor UI/UX (outdated) - 🐛 Difficulty editing/deleting names - 🐛 No clear instructions/directions - 🐛 Paid app doesn't work for some - 🐛 Team names not saved between launches - 🐛 Manual entry is tedious **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes on startup/randomizing - App closes unexpectedly - Team names not saved between launches - Support link leads to a blank website - Email function not working - Phone auto-corrects spelling of names with no edit option - Cannot delete lists once created - Cannot edit past names - Cannot delete names from current lists - People getting their own names (Secret Santa issue) **Most requested features** - Ability to edit names - Ability to delete lists - Ability to shuffle order of names - Full-size iPad version - Ability to import names from a file - Option to continuously recycle names - Ability to pick pairs from main screen - Save multiple lists/rosters - Option to turn on/off draw all names before repeat - Better keywords for searchability ## Newest reviews (12 of 55) ### 4/5 — Needs iOS 11 update!!! *2017-10-03* Please get an update our ASAP! I use this in my class daily but it won’t work with new Apple update. ### 3/5 — Can I delete names from current lists? *2015-10-07* The support function for this app is not working, it directs to a blank website. I would really like to delete names from the lists once i’ve used them, and can’t figure out how to do so. If there is any help available I”d appreciate it! **Developer response:** You can swipe to delete a name. You can also tap the “Edit” button at the top and then use the delete icons to remove a name. I also added a Help page for further help with the app. ### 3/5 — Good idea but needs improvement *2013-08-11* There's got to be a better way of inputting 100 names in this app other than me typing them in one at a time. ### 4/5 — Almost there! *2013-04-17* A wonderful app! Always use it and it almost does everything I need it too. With two slight edits I will most definitely change this to a five star app! The two things I would really really appreciate in an update is 1. The ability of editing a name etc. without having to delete and re-enter the whole thing first and 2. The ability to shuffle the order around (I really need this as I keep items numerically and alphabetically) and when I have to delete things (as I am not able to edit them) I REALLY REALLY battle to search through the entire list first to see if there is a duplicate when a re-enter the correct name etc. You really can't have a duplicate on a randomizer - won't be fair ;-) great app though ;-) oh yes, and maybe a full size iPad version will be wonderful too :-) ### 3/5 — Question *2013-01-25, version 2.0* Why can't I delete names on the group list???? Close but yet so far from 5 stars ### 5/5 — Amazing! Best App of its Kind! *2012-12-04* I love that this app is able to randomly draw names or choose teams! I also really like that there is a history tab so you can go back to any of the drawings you've created. Another fantastic feature is that the lists can be copied or emailed! Genius!!! As for other reviews, editing and deleting IS possible, just slide your finger across the name, list, or team and click delete. Wish it were free but worth all 99 cents!!!!!!! If you're looking to put a name back in the hat after drawing it, check out "HAT by Cool Classroom Software" but it is not even half as good as this app. ((Note to app designer: add a feature to turn on/off draw all names before repeat; with that feature your app would feel complete)) ### 2/5 — Needs improvement *2012-11-12* Should have the ability to accept the name... I was trying to choose names for secret Santa and people kept getting their own names, then we had to restart... If you could accept or decline the name it would be a lot more beneficial ### 3/5 — Ok *2012-11-01, version 2.0* Pretty simple, but phone auto corrected spelling of names and there is no way of editing the names once they are listed!! Cannot delete lists either once they are created. Really annoying. For $0.99 you should be able to have these two essential functions. Upgrade necessary people!! ### 4/5 — Good app! *2012-09-12* This is a good app for teachers but have found that I can't go back and change the spelling of names once lists are saved. Please fix in next update???? ### 4/5 — Great App *2012-07-03, version 2.0* Like it so far... Lets me easily walk around my classroom and call out random names. Wish for two functions that I'm not seeing: -ability to pick pairs from main screen -setting so that names are continuously recycled. Keeps the students from slacking off. Love that it is clean and easy to use. Worth the $1 spent any day. ### 5/5 — Exactly what I was looking for *2012-05-18* I have a summer job as a camp counsellor and this is EXACTLY the sort of app I needed. Great for teachers, coaches, or anyone who has to manage groups of people. You can divide people into any number of teams, randomly order a list of people, or simply pick a name from a hat without having to go through the trouble of making several slips of paper and finding a hat. It's easy to customize, easy to organize, and all around easy to use. I'm really glad I found it. ### 5/5 — Deleting works just fine *2012-04-26, version 2.0* Just swipe left or right on the name or list. Just like you do for any other iPhone app. And if you pull a name from a hat, how does it make sense for the name to still be in there? People are dumb. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Names in a hat *2019-10-03* How do I get a refund? This app doesn’t work at all! **Developer response:** bluepoodke9 - I created a help page to walk you through how to use the app. See: https://namesinahatapp.com/help If you are still having issues, please reach out. My contact is on that site. ### 1/5 — Robbed me! *2018-11-23* Absolutely poor! Paid 99p and doesn’t work. You can enter names. Doesn’t do anything else :-( **Developer response:** Please see the help page I created here: https://namesinahatapp.com/help If you are still having difficulties using my app, please feel free to reach out. My contact is available on that site. ### 1/5 — Directions *2017-10-09* Not clear how to use. Does not come with direction. Will update review when I know how to use. Very disappointed I wasted .99 cents. **Developer response:** Hi Patriots1969. I'm sorry that the app wasn't clear for you. There will be an update shortly that will provide more guidance. In the meantime, here's some help. If you're looking for just names randomly drawn, use the "Standard Draw". If you want to divide names randomly into two or more teams, use "Team Draw". If you just want to keep pulling random names forever, use "Infinite Draw". When you select a draw type, the first screen will be your list of hats. If you're a teacher, you might have a hat for your Math class, and a different hat for your English class. Hit the plus sign in the top right to create and name your new hat. You'll then be taken to the Edit screen where you can enter names. Tap the "Add name..." to start adding names to your list. When you are done adding names, hit Done to dismiss the keyboard and Save to proceed. If you are Team Draw, you'll be taken to similar set of screens to create manage your teams. For example, if you want to divide names into four teams, you might create a "Colors" set, and add Red, Green, Blue, Purple. Once you are at the draw screen, simply tap the screen to start drawing names one-at-a-time. If you just want to quickly see the results, tap the Finish button in the top corner. When the draw is completed, you'll see the results. Use the action button in the lower left corner to share your results or hit the Done button in the corner to return to the home screen. The History button is used to review your previous draws. Please feel free to reach out directly if you have any additional issues (or suggestions to make it better). ### 1/5 — Can’t wait for the update! *2017-09-28* I’m a teacher, and I need this updated ASAP! I count on this app to run my classroom. Please get it going soon! I cannot use the app at all until it is updated, so I’m very sad. 😔😪 **Developer response:** Version 3.0 was released on Oct 3 which added support for iOS 11. Please let me know if you continue to have any issues. Thanks. ### 1/5 — Doesn't work *2016-12-24* Not sure what's wrong, but other than setting up a list of names it doesn't do anything else🙈 **Developer response:** There is now a help page that will guide you through the process of using the app. Please reach out if you have any other concerns. ### 1/5 — Waste of $ *2016-09-22* Could get it to work:( **Developer response:** There is now a help page to guide you through the app. Please reach out if you still continue to have any issues. ### 1/5 — Takes too long to shuffle names again *2016-06-16* A complete waste of $0.99. The interface reminds me of iOS 4. No joke. But what's worse is that when I'm tutoring a group of kids & I want to shuffle their names in random order (so each can take a question), it works fine... despite all the tapping I have to do to get there). But when I want to do a second round, I have to tap a total of six times just to shuffle their names again. Might I add that there's a plethora of unnecessary taps & that the options (animations) are relatively slow. A complete waste of money & time! **Developer response:** All of your concerns have been addressed. 1. I added an Infinity Draw option so you can continue to pull names out of the same hat. There’s also two methods for drawing names, one that will allow repeats, and one that won’t. 2. I added a redraw option to the standard draw types to limit the number of taps if you don’t want to use the Infinity Draw. 3. The interface has a fresh coat of paint. I appreciate you taking the time to provide your feedback. I hope you are able to find the app useful. If you have more suggestions, please reach out! ### 1/5 — Editing *2013-07-25* Unable to edit past names. Please update for a better score ### 1/5 — Not worth a penny *2010-12-07, version 0* I bought this for use in the classroom. I teach six different classes in a day and it would be nice (and EASY I would think from a programmer standpoint) to have multiple rosters stored from which to draw random names each day. Until that happens, this app, which I bought over a year ago, stays off my iPhone. ### 1/5 — App does not work *2010-11-27, version 0* App closes every time I try to use it. Glad I wasted 99 cents :( ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Perfect app for my need highly recommend *2020-04-08* I was having a two week long raffle and I had to input entries daily. I was having saving issues so I contacted the developer. I given suggestions to make sure I was saving correctly and then they took it one step further and wrote and pushed an update with auto save functionality. Very impressive response and assistance. Thank you Thank you. ### 5/5 — Perfect for school! *2019-10-11* I let my students tap to get the next name and they love it. Keeps everyone on their toes. I also like the lightening picking for teams. Makes assigning random groups quick and I don’t get blamed for the students put together. Can’t wait to use this on the iPad! ### 5/5 — The hat to end all hats *2019-10-11* Say bye bye, berets. Farewell, fedora. Sayonara, safari hat. Names in a Hat will allow you to clear out your entire hat wardrobe, because this app does it all. Whatever your random draw needs, Names in a Hat offers a solution. I use this app regularly whether at work, with friends, or by myself. There is one problem... I don’t know what to do with all the space I gained when I threw out all my hats. C’est la vie. #YOLO ### 5/5 — Love this app! *2019-10-10* As a regular fantasy footballer, this app comes in handy when picking draft positions and divisions. Who doesn’t love a random draw? Here are a few of the things we’ve use NIAH for: meatloaf draw, FF long pick cash, secret Santa, not so secret Santa and poker dealer. Stop denying yourself fun and download this baby ### 5/5 — Nice little app *2019-10-09* Does just what I need it to do ### 5/5 — Great app *2019-10-09* Have been using this app since it was originally released and it still comes in handy. Highly recommend if you’re over using the old fashion pen/paper method. Secret Santa option is great and so useful as well. If you haven’t downloaded yet then you’re missing out. ### 5/5 — Names in a hat *2019-10-09* So easy to use!!! Makes picking names for games or Christmas so easy!!! ### 5/5 — Nice *2019-04-04* The team names shuffle every time I open the history **Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. The issue you raised was fixed in version 3.4. ### 5/5 — Great app! *2018-05-30* Great app! I run a smallish youtube channel and use this application to host giveaways for my subscribers. You manually enter the names of all the people and it randomly selects a winner. There is no (from what i have seen) limit as to how many people can be entered into one draw either which is wonderful! ### 5/5 — perfect little surprise! *2014-01-04* Didn't think such an app existed but it does - works great if you can't decide on which restaurant to go to, if you need to pull names for gift swapping...type in the names, tap the screen, and you've "pulled" one. Genius and so helpful! --- *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 2026-09-11.*