# RootsMagic — user reviews > 146 indexed App Store user reviews of RootsMagic by RootsMagic, Inc, rated 3.90/5 from 257 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rootsmagic/id583724503/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rootsmagic/id583724503.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 137 · 4★ 47 · 3★ 19 · 2★ 13 · 1★ 41 ## What do users think of RootsMagic? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 📱 Ability to view genealogy data on mobile devices - 🔍 Convenient way to access family tree information - 🗓️ Useful for family gatherings and research trips **Cons** - 🔌 Requires external services like Dropbox or iTunes to sync data - 🚫 Limited functionality compared to desktop version - 📤 Outdated instructions and compatibility issues - 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability problems **Commonly reported bugs** - Incompatible with newer RootsMagic file formats - Inability to load or view database files - Crashing issues on various iOS devices **Most requested features** - Allow editing and adding data on mobile devices - Integrate with cloud storage services beyond Dropbox - Improve user interface and navigation ## Newest reviews (19 of 146) ### 3/5 — I’m missing something *2026-04-06, version 1.4* I would like the app more if I could work out how to update the database from Roots 11 ### 3/5 — Not so easy to use! *2026-01-07, version 1.4* I was so excited to find out there was an alternative to Ancestry to use to keep my tree up to date. I immediately purchased the RootMagic11 program. I downloaded my trees and loaded this app to my iPhone. Then spent way too long trying to get my data file downloaded to access through this app. The instructions that pop up and block entry to the app appear to be outdated. I spent too long trying to hook the app up via iTunes. Turns out that is no longer supported or available. Next I decided to try Dropbox. Whew! Finally figured it out and I’m in. There is no reason that the instructions listed can’t be more detailed, more accurate or just easier to use! A google search located step by step instructions and it all works now. I haven’t really tried the app out yet, but I’ll explore it soon now that I invested all this time setting it up! ### 4/5 — Works on my iPad but not on the iPhone!! *2025-05-31, version 1.4* Hi Roots Magic Support, this App works on my iPad but as I navigate to the file , the App exits!! Strange!! Please check the issue. I am using an iPhone 16 Pro. Please respond as it hs not worked since I used an iPhone 14 Pro! ### 4/5 — Stable, works, dated *2025-05-09, version 1.4* Brilliant software but feels very mid 2000s. The UI could do with some improvements to scroll around and see details on people. The actual import is very easy once you’ve booked up Dropbox but it would be nice if it could access drive on iPhone too. Great software but could do with a big UI upgrade. ### 4/5 — Works on my iPad but not on the iPhone!! *2024-09-14, version 1.4* Works on my iPad but as I navigate to the file to update, the App exits!! Strange!! ### 2/5 — Does not work with version 10 files without conversion *2024-08-01, version 1.4* This might be a good app, but for some reason, they do not allow version 10 to be loaded. You have to upload the file to dropbox which converts it to a previous version to then access it from dropbox from the app on your iPhone. Seems like a lot of effort - not sure why you can’t just transfer the file in iTunes as this is a standalone application. I don’t want a dropbox account. ### 1/5 — What a pity it doesnt work *2024-07-02, version 1.4* Downloaded, followed the instructions, doesn’t work so don’t bother ### 3/5 — Needs to Be Updated *2024-05-04, version 1.4* This app is in serious need of an update, in comparison to the RM software. ### 2/5 — Multiple issues *2024-04-06, version 1.4* Can’t import from iCloud Can’t import from Google drive Not updated the software in 6 years. ### 1/5 — Don’t waste your time *2024-04-04, version 1.4* I have followed the instructions, watched videos, and it still will not link to my Dropbox. This app doesn’t work at all. ### 1/5 — Youtunes? *2023-12-15, version 1.4* Cant use the phone app without youtunes which no longer is available, need an option to use it ### 1/5 — Fail *2023-11-15, version 1.4* I have been using it since I downloaded it a few years now. It now refuses to find files on my Dropbox. Also note that this only worked on Roots Magic 7. 8+ now uses another file format ### 3/5 — RootsMagic 9 still works *2023-11-08, version 1.4* The iOS app has not been updated to the new RootsMagic version 8 & 9 file format (.rmtree) so you must import your GEDCOM file into the free RootsMagic Essentials desktop program, then select File/Export Data/Dropbox and wait for Upload of the .rmgc file to complete. Then in the iPhone RootsMagic app select Files/Dropbox and the app will upload the file and open it. Works fine. Interface and Navigation are kind of Klunky but I can view all my genealogy data on the iPhone now. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work *2023-10-19, version 1.4* I have RootsMagic 9 on my computer and I would like to have the information available to me on my IPad but this app won’t work at all. If I click on any of the options it immediately shuts down. Disappointing. ### 2/5 — Does not work with RootsMagic version 9 files *2023-10-07, version 1.4* This app looks like it could be good but alas it does not work with RootsMagic version 9 database files and I don’t see anyway to convert back to an earlier version. ### 1/5 — Mobile app information doesn’t work *2023-09-08, version 1.4* I’m unable to access my database through the mobile app. The link for help is broken. ### 1/5 — Does not work with Roots Magic 9 *2023-08-24, version 1.4* Does not work with Roots Magic 9 ### 1/5 — Poor Install Instructions *2023-07-12, version 1.4* The instructions within the RootsMagic app refer to features that no longer exist in iTunes. There isn’t an “apps” tab in iTunes and I cannot see RootsMagic in iTunes at all on my computer when my iPhone is connected to my computer. It’s also not clear whether I need a Dropbox account to use RootsMagic. If so, I will be deleting the iPhone RootsMagic app. I don’t need any additional accounts to track. There’s no reason I shouldn’t be able to just drag the RootsMagic file to my device. I’ve been using RootsMagic software on my Windows computers sine 2010. It’s been a good product. But this app so far isn’t working for me. ### 1/5 — Constant Crashes on iPad *2023-07-03, version 1.4* Crashes as soon as any database is accessed. Old and not updated. Developers clearly don’t care. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Not easy to use *2026-06-07, version 1.4* Very unfortunate ### 1/5 — Obsolete *2026-06-02, version 1.4* Not updated in years and doesn’t run on the more recent OS. Don’t bother ### 1/5 — Abandoned *2025-09-26, version 1.4* Years ago this app was a good idea allowing you to have your RootMagic genealogy info on your iPhone. However, this app has long since been abandoned and is not functional. It doesn’t sync with today’s RM files and is essentially useless. I’d pay for a good and maintained RM app on my iPhone, but as is, I don’t understand why the developer hasn’t pulled this app from the store years ago. ### 1/5 — Program Crash *2025-09-04, version 1.4* Disappointed program opens to help info page then crashes when any function is pushed. ### 1/5 — Too many steps… *2025-08-16, version 1.4* Theirs a lot of steps you take first before you can start. No thanks…deleting! ### 1/5 — Poor *2025-02-28, version 1.4* It is not functional as a program, it is awkward to keep up to date and misses all the functionality of the PC version (FamilySearch and Ancestry links) it is ok for viewing your data but becomes out of date quickly. ### 1/5 — Needs Updating *2025-01-30, version 1.4* This app is NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE LASTEST VERSION ROOTSMAGIC 10 ### 1/5 — Out of date *2025-01-03, version 1.4* This app has not been updated for 7 years. It does not reflect the usefulness of the full program. Result? I cannot edit any of my records. But I can look at them.. Not worth the download. ### 1/5 — This app is not working *2024-11-08, version 1.4* It is in serious need of an update. Last update was 7 years ago. I can no longer link this app to my database which is shared in Dropbox from RootsMagic version 9. I tried v.8 and no luck either. Please step up with a new update and I will revise my review. ### 1/5 — File formats *2024-07-09, version 1.4* The is app is several years old and does not support the file type from the latest RootsMagic software. The only way to get data from the RootsMagic software to the app is through a DropBox account. Also, they do not provide any support for the app. Very poor management!!! Do not waste your money on RootsMagic! ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Excellent app- needs version compatibility info. *2023-07-10, version 1.4* Works perfectly with RM7 (even the free version) & at least up to iOS12. Easy to use - just follow the instructions in the app. Upload your file to Dropbox & download to the app. The only problem is they don’t say which RM versions it will work with. Now that RM9 is out, older files (up to RM7) have to be converted, even on the Windows program, so maybe the app will have to be be updated. They should add this info in the description. And if you update the app you can NEVER go back if something doesn’t work out. ### 5/5 — Great Reader App Only *2021-01-03, version 1.4* I am a long-time user of the RootsMagic software. While I generally enjoy desktop software applications that syncs both ways to mobile apps, I find this read-only app should be an exception to the rule. Due to the complexity of linking family relationships, I envision a far greater possibility of unforeseen software problems in trying to two-way sync desktop to a genealogy app—potentially corrupt data files and/or lose invaluable information that taken years to create or capture. I recognize a back-up file may save and allow recovery of a significant amount of genealogy data. As one ages, who would want to recall or recreate any data that were possibly lost. Therefore, it is appropriate Developers keep edit capability within the desktop software or web-based level only and keep this app as a read only capability. I am one user with one viewpoint. If the Developers desire to opt to execute or implement a two-way edit feature, then I will embrace their efforts and hopefully continue to use the product. ### 5/5 — Kim The Traveller *2020-11-13, version 1.4* Have had RootsMagic for sometime now and like most people we just let time go by well i updated all my file and programmes just recently and found that this programs is working second to none and is very easy to use Would strongly recommend this programme for Pc and Apple ### 5/5 — Please make this editable on devices!!!! *2018-03-17, version 1.4* This would be great to make edits on the go when meeting with family. Please make this happen. ### 5/5 — It does what it says *2017-12-01, version 1.4* This app allows you to view your information from your device, but not change it. It would be helpful if it were more than a reader, but would allow corrections when visiting family across the country. Probably too much to ask. ### 5/5 — Andre B *2017-10-25, version 1.4* This is a great program. I have used RM since the first version and would never Considee changing . ### 5/5 — Roots magic *2017-09-25, version 1.4* Good app, has all info from family tree to view including photographs. Saves taking all the paperwork and laptop away with you, just take the I pad. ### 5/5 — The app that does it all *2017-09-05, version 1.4* Switched from FTM and never looked back. Support and Facebook forum are the best. ### 5/5 — The RootsMagic app is a handy tool *2017-09-04, version 1.4* I use this app remotely whenever questions of family history come up with family or when doing research at FHL. ### 5/5 — Excellent Off-Line Roots Magic Reader *2017-09-01, version 1.4* This app is designed to allow you to view your roots magic files off-line using your smart phone. It does a wonderful job. I love having all that information available in my pocket. I wish it could also edit those files, as I rarely sit at my computer. --- *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 2026-08-22.*