# Paper Sudoku — Play like pen on paper

> Digital Sudoku app replicating the pen-on-paper experience with advanced features. (iPhone/iPad app by Tobeas Brennan.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paper-sudoku/id1562442061 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tobeas Brennan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1454513051)
- Category: Games, Education, Board, Puzzle
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 1,076 App Store ratings · 94 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 33 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France), German (Germany), Japanese
- Released: 2021-06-24
- Data updated: 2026-08-27
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paper-sudoku/id1562442061/reviews.md

## What is Paper Sudoku?

The joy of sudoku is putting pen to paper, 'Paper Sudoku' recreates that experience while giving all the benefits of digital sudoku. Designed for use with Apple Pencil, this app lets you play unlimited puzzles as though writing on paper. Auto-fill notes on demand. Learn how to play with the interactive solver mode. Pencil marks & highlight support to aid even the most complex of solving strategies. Check your puzzle for errors with one click.

## Key features

- Unlimited Sudoku puzzles
- Pen-on-paper feel
- Apple Pencil optimized
- Auto-fill notes
- Interactive solver mode
- Pencil marks and highlighting
- One-click error checking

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium version | $6.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Paper Sudoku?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Very addictive
- 👍 Perfect sudoku game
- 👍 Incredible handwriting recognition
- 👍 Apple Pencil support
- 👍 Convenient to use
- 👍 Realistic game experience
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 👍 Helpful learning and tips features
- 👍 Customizable options
- 👍 Minimal ads
- 👍 One-time purchase option

**Cons**

- 🐛 Highlighter glitch
- 🐛 Incorrect error detection
- 🔋 Battery drain
- 🔋 Device heating up
- 🔋 Ads too frequent

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashes after latest update
- Notes color issue
- Handwriting recognition problems with new Apple Pencil

**Most requested features**

- Ability to input own puzzles
- More pen color options
- Customizable Apple Pencil gestures
- Multiple games in progress
- Undo/redo functionality
- Automatic note management
- Highlight notes of the same number
- Default note color option
- Puzzle timer and stats tracking

## Recent user reviews (10 of 94)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paper-sudoku/id1562442061/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Wow

*2026-07-30, version 3.1*

This game is amazing I am able to write the numbers in my own handwriting with my apple pen. This game is great when you are on a long car ride with nothing else to do.

### 5/5 — The best sudoku app, hands down

*2026-07-12, version 3.1*

This app is amazing! Tons of sudoku puzzles, clean UI, and the killer feature is being able to use the Apple Pencil. Even using it for notes is seamless, I love the new feature that automatically detects notes you write (even though my handwriting is awful lol). Highly recommend this to any fans of sudoku, 5 stars!

### 4/5 — Good

*2026-07-04, version 3.1*

This is a great app for playing Sudoku.  My only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that the “expert” level is not very challenging. I would love to see another level or more difficult puzzles in the expert category.

### 5/5 — Love this

*2026-06-19, version 3.1*

No notes. Love the app.

### 5/5 — The best pencil-compatible sudoku

*2026-04-19, version 3.1*

The “learn” function is so smart, and updates according to correct numbers I’ve placed. Hoping to get the highlight function that lights up an entire relevant row &/or column please.

### 5/5 — Amazing!!!!

*2026-04-01, version 3.1*

This app is compatable with the Apple Pencil and is everything I could have asked for as a sudoko app on my iPad.

### 3/5 — Need more options for visibility

*2026-03-26, version 3.1*

I’ve been using this for a couple of days. I have a sudoku app that I’ve used for over 10 years but wanted one that works with Apple Pencil. This is easy to use. But I’m struggling with the puzzles because it’s difficult to see the font & colors. I am also finding that the hardest puzzles are not challenging enough.

### 5/5 — Brilliant app, very well made

*2026-03-07, version 3.1*

Really well made app. Easy to share puzzles to compete with friends and works very well with Apple Pencil. Thank you!

### 5/5 — Perfect sudoku game

*2026-02-24, version 3.1*

Okay pros: highlight any number, everything’s free, ads do not bombard you (very few), auto note taking, auto error highlight, the option to turn those features off. You can write with your Apple Pencil and apparently 3rd party too. There are tips if you want to learn, and hacks if you’re a speed runner. Honestly worth the shot to try it, again it’s free. I paid for the app to show support. ALSO DEVELOPER RESPONDED TO ME FAST, THEY ACTIVELY WORK ON THIS MASTERPIECE.

### 5/5 — Very addictive!

*2026-01-10, version 3.1*

Thank you for making this game. I can't stop playing!

## Frequently asked questions about Paper Sudoku

### What is Paper Sudoku?

Paper Sudoku is a digital application designed to replicate the experience of playing Sudoku with pen and paper. It offers unlimited puzzles and provides the benefits of digital gameplay, such as auto-fill notes and error checking.

### What are the key features of Paper Sudoku?

Key features include unlimited puzzles, an experience that mimics writing on paper, optimized use with Apple Pencil, auto-fill notes, an interactive solver mode, support for pencil marks and highlighting, and a one-click error checking function.

### How much does Paper Sudoku cost?

The app is free to download and play, but it does offer in-app purchases. This means you can enjoy the core functionality for free, with optional purchases available for additional content or features.

### Is Paper Sudoku compatible with my device?

The description specifically mentions it's designed for use with Apple Pencil, suggesting it is compatible with Apple devices that support this accessory, such as iPads. Specific iOS version compatibility is not detailed.

### Who is Paper Sudoku for?

This app is ideal for individuals who enjoy playing Sudoku and appreciate the tactile feel of writing on paper. It's particularly suited for users with an Apple Pencil who want a digital yet authentic Sudoku experience.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.1 — 2025-12-19

We've been hard at work implementing the most requested features: 

Smarter Note Recognition
- Your handwritten notes are now recognized automatically
- Matching notes are deleted when you fill a related cell (optional setting)
- Double-tap cells to highlight matching notes across the board
- Use the highlighter in automatic notes mode to cross out notes
New Customization Options
- Set a custom action for Apple Pencil Pro squeeze gesture
- Choose your preferred highlight color for numbers and notes
- Dark mode app icon
Bug fixes and performance improvements

### 3.0 — 2025-11-28

We've been hard at work implementing the most requested features: 

Smarter Note Recognition
- Your handwritten notes are now recognized automatically.
- Matching candidate notes are automatically deleted when you fill a related cell (optional setting)
- Double-tap cells to highlight matching notes across the board.
- You can now use the highlighter tool in automatic notes mode (e.g to cross out notes)

Dark mode app icon

Bug fixes and performance improvements

### 2.15 — 2024-12-03

Fix a bug preventing users from changing the background

### 2.14 — 2024-10-03

Fixes a bug where completed puzzles stayed on the saved puzzle list

### 2.13 — 2024-08-19

Fixes some rare bugs. Minor UI improvements.

## Apps similar to Paper Sudoku

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Sudoku ∙ Classic Sudoku Games](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-classic-sudoku-games/id1522685808) | 4.7 (23,088) | Free | Games |
| [Sudoku Joy: Number Master Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-joy-number-master-game/id1460985516) | 4.9 (738) | Free | Games |
| [Crossword+](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossword-plus/id1330947092) | 4.5 (11,316) | Free | Games |
| [Sudoku Master Edition](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-master-edition/id1260190370) | 4.6 (7,889) | Free | Games |
| [Crossword Puzzle — Bonmo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossword-puzzle-bonmo/id6445957141) | 4.6 (934) | Free | Games |
| [Pro Sudoku](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pro-sudoku/id1253239654) | 4.8 (36) | Free | Games |

## More apps by Tobeas Brennan

- [Sudoku Pro ~ classic puzzles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-pro-classic-puzzles/id1035112134)
- [500 Scorer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/500-scorer/id1554609969)

All apps by Tobeas Brennan: https://appshunter.io/developer/1454513051

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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 2026-08-27.*