# Sainsbury's — user reviews > 686 indexed App Store user reviews of Sainsbury's by Sainsbury's, rated 4.80/5 from 751 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sainsburys/id1086056964/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sainsburys/id1086056964.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 634 · 4★ 91 · 3★ 5 · 2★ 5 · 1★ 16 ## What do users think of Sainsbury's? Overall sentiment: neutral **Pros** - 👍 Convenient shopping - 👍 Easy to use app - 👍 Excellent delivery service - 👍 Friendly and helpful delivery drivers - 👍 Great for online shopping - 👍 Excellent shopping experience - 👍 Reliable and consistent service **Cons** - 🐛 App crashes and glitches - 🐛 Unavailable items and substitution issues - 🐛 Difficulty logging in and accessing account - 🐛 Checkout and payment problems - 🐛 Missing or unreliable features - 🐛 Poor search functionality - 🐛 Delivery issues and short-dated products **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes during checkout - Unable to add payment methods - Nectar card integration issues - Delivery address changes unexpectedly - Items disappearing from basket - Incorrect pricing and unavailable offers **Most requested features** - Add notes for item substitutions - Improve search and browsing experience - Integrate Nectar card and points management - Provide delivery tracking and status updates - Allow saving and reordering of previous orders - Improve app stability and reduce crashes ## Newest reviews (18 of 686) ### 3/5 — Not efficient set up *2026-09-06, version 3.67.0* Set up asked me to enter the same details a number of times, logged in then took me to another page to log in again. And even worse - I have to add the Nectar App separately to get the benefits from that. I can see my nectar points balance but it’s asking me to download yet another app. ### 3/5 — App is not good. *2026-09-05, version 3.67.0* I am really fed up with this app, I use Ocado and Waitrose on occasions and their apps are great. I love Sainsbury’s the staff and its food. Quality in the food and service are always good I would give 5 stars were it not for the app, the app and technology is terrible. The technology- I had a call from the store this morning to say my order was going to be late due to a technical issue, which in itself can happen but. The technology appears to be un reliable and not as smooth as it should be. I then had a text telling me my order would be delivered tomorrow between 18.00 and 22.00, I called customer services who told me to ignore this as there were technical issues! App - My major moan is mostly this is about the app which I think is dreadful and needs a completely new system. If you try to look at something it can freeze and you have to come out then it lets you back in eventually. If you see a product you want to read more about it either throws you out or lets you look at the product then sends you right back to the begging of the app! Sometimes the payments don’t go through so I have to go into the website and finish the order by paying on the website. It is nearly impossible to get into the app at certain times it just lets you see 2 pages then freezes or throws you out completely. I have facial recognition yet sometimes it still sends me a code I have to enter! I have mentioned these issues numerous times when asked for feedback but not a lot changes. I know technology can go awry sometimes but it is not always a positive experience using the app. Also sometimes vegetation products are listed as vegan. Which is very confusing. Smart shop - this is great when it works. Sometimes it works brilliantly, sometimes it doesn’t work at all and can’t find a signal, sometimes it works initially then half way round the store with half a trolley of scanned shopping it stops working meaning I either have to go to the till and scan it all including the self scanned things or I just leave my trolley and the shop and go elsewhere. Sainsbury is wonderful but the technology really lets it down. Can you sort it out please. Thanks ### 4/5 — Good app but *2026-09-05, version 3.67.0* Constantly having to sign in, very tedious. would like to request two modification to it… After clearing the search bar (X) the app should automatically put the cursor back in the search bar, trivial but irritating. ### 2/5 — Frustrating Replacement *2026-09-05, version 3.67.0* Was forced to switch from the SmartShop app to this, and it is significantly worse from scanning through to check out. Most annoying, is the sound-despite turning sounds and haptic off, it still pauses music on your headphones to make an annoying beep EVERY time you scan something, and doesn’t start it again after it is done interrupting you. So frustrating. ### 2/5 — No add payment card option anymore *2026-09-05, version 3.67.0* Why has the option to update add or change payment cards been removed. To do it now I have to go onto the website. So I might as well do everything else there and delete the app. ### 3/5 — Desperately needs a list function *2026-09-03, version 3.67.0* No point replacing the SmartShop app with this, if this doesn’t have a list option. Best thing about SmartShop app was being able to add items to my list throughout the week before I went/ordered shopping. With this new app, whether I shop in store on online I have to keep switching apps to find what I have added to my list!! ### 3/5 — Intergrated list function please! *2026-09-03, version 3.67.0* Bring back the intergrated list function like the one in the SmartShop app! Now having to toggle between a shopping list in a notes app and the Sainsburys grocery app is very annoying…please & thank you. ### 3/5 — Favourites list not by category anymore *2026-08-31, version 3.67.0* Don’t like the new update as you can’t order favourites by category anymore so having to check back that I haven’t ordered 3 different types of ham etc. Please bring that back! ### 2/5 — SmartShop “beep” stops music? *2026-08-31, version 3.67.0* Listening to Apple Music and doing a SmartShop. When I scan an item, the music fades out and this app makes a beep….. then silence. Why are you interfering with my music? Maybe just buzz rather than beep? Or beep without pausing? The old SmartShop app didn’t do this but it did have a shopping list feature. ### 2/5 — Browse by aisle feature removed or buried. *2026-08-30, version 3.67.0* The “browse by aisle” feature appears to have been removed. The search feature only shows 6 lightbulbs bulbs available, which for a store the size of hedge end seems unlikely. And the “start your shop” function for homes, garden and toys only lists 30 products. No homeware, no toys, no lightbulbs. If I can’t actually buy products I want what is the point? Could you put it back, or make it easier to find please. ### 2/5 — Replacing SmartShop but missing key features? *2026-08-30, version 3.67.0* Doesn’t work at Sainsbury’s Local which is pretty shocking, especially when Locals require the app to unlock Nectar prices. The lack of shopping list is a nightmare.. as someone with ADHD, I relied on it. Feels like a big step back just to advertise home deliveries. Needing to use the Nectar app to unlock discounts remains a big irritation and regular waste of my time. ### 1/5 — Terrible App *2026-08-30, version 3.67.0* Cannot use Blue Light Store Cards within the app, the app constantly freezes, keeps on saying delivery slot not available when you select a free spot, kept on rejecting the card I was using. Took about 15 attempts to actually check out. Will never use again. Deleted. ### 2/5 — Needs a List feature *2026-08-30, version 3.67.0* I would agree with other reviews that say that if you are trying migrate people from the SmartShop app to here for in-store shopping, then it urgently needs that app’s List functionality. Please add this in, otherwise this app is of no use to me. ### 4/5 — Shopping List! *2026-08-29, version 3.67.0* The separate Sainsbury’s smart shop app has a shopping list function that allows you to create a basic tick box list of items to find that is still visible whilst doing smart shop scanning. Please fully integrate the experience of the smart shop app into this Sainsbury’s app if you wish for us to fully switch to just using this one. ### 1/5 — One step forward, two steps back! *2026-08-29, version 3.67.0* Pleased that Smart Shop is now integrated but it beeps after every scan even if you have sounds turned off in settings. It also cuts off all other audio, so no music while shopping. As an autistic person this has a real impact for me. Also disappointed that sort by category was removed from favourites yet it’s still available on your website. ### 2/5 — No shopping list *2026-08-28, version 3.67.0* The best thing with the old smart shop app was the shopping list. Can we have this feature added to the Sainsbury’s grocery app please? Also why do I still have scan before I can start shopping in my main store? Surely as this doesn’t happen in every store it’s about time it was scrapped it’s very annoying! ### 3/5 — Smartshop app better *2026-08-28, version 3.67.0* I used to use smartshop app which was useful to scan items in store and keep track of my shopping list. The shopping list seems unavailable on this app which is quite frustrating. The features within the migrated smartshop seem improved, such as quicker barcode scanning and more up to date UI However, for people like me who don’t purchase items online, this app migration seems unnecessary especially with the lack of a shopping list feature. Seems this migration could have been a bit postponed until this became available. Further comments to make this migration more seamless include UI improvements like the Waitrose app. A static button for smartshop above the bottom nav bar would make smartshop easier to find and click. This may be a small change but would greatly improve my user experience. This would make it a lot more accessible especially when needed quickly while carrying items. Some bottom nav items also seem useless for me as a previous smartshop app user. For example, favourites and trolley. Also, like the waitrose app, it would be useful to just scan the kiosk QR code on the same page as normal scanning instead of needing to click the checkout button and reconfirming. When the kiosk QR code is available to scan should be enough indication you completed your shop. ### 3/5 — SmartShop Downgrade *2026-08-28, version 3.67.0* Disappointed that this app has taken over SmartShop which always provided an easy, quick and seamless in store experience. The new app always tries to automatically collect to in-store WiFi (which I’ve never accepted on my phone) and the WiFi doesn’t work so everytime I have to manually turn WiFi off to proceed with my shop, very frustrating. Also cannot see my nectar prices anymore? Connected my nectar but it still doesn’t show in app even though when I follow link to the website it says it has. Bring back smart shop! ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Unable to listen to music and shop? *2026-09-06, version 3.67.0* I downloaded the Sainsbury’s app because I kept getting a message on the SmartShop app that it would soon be replaced. Used it for the first time the other day with Spotify on my AirPods and as soon as I started scanning, the music paused and I just could hear annoying beeping instead every time I scanned. The scanner is really really sensitive and scans anything you get too close to. Plus it’s not as obvious whether what you scanned has added to your basket. I much preferred the SmartShop app, as this one is awful. ### 1/5 — Broken for me *2026-09-06, version 3.67.0* Endless login loop for me with this update ### 1/5 — Awful *2026-09-06, version 3.67.0* Why have you made the smart shop app soo confusing to use!? No basic shopping list? Trying to be too clever. I think most of the shoppers will agree. Add a basic shopping list that was on the smart shop app. I won’t be using this app. Awful. ### 1/5 — Beware of Trackers *2026-09-05, version 3.67.0* This app is full of privacy invading trackers and cookies that you can’t fully opt out of. Avoid. ### 1/5 — What Was Wrong With SmartShop *2026-09-05, version 3.67.0* I used this app today for the first time to do a SmartShop after years of using the SmartShop app. Why do updates to apps that work well often end up with something worse! Supermarket shopping is not fun, I usually start by putting my earbuds in and listening to music. With this app every time an item is scanned it beeps and stops the music - why, other apps can beep without interfering with what you are listening to? Scanning is also less effective, with SmartShop you point the phone camera and it just works, with this app it takes much more effort to get it to focus. I’m going back to using the SmartShop app until forced to change. ### 1/5 — Moving smart shop here terrible! *2026-09-05, version 3.67.0* I used to use smart shop all the time but now it is in the app the scanner is open all the time then crashes. When you reboot the app the whole shop is list. Sort this out! ### 1/5 — Was this even tested? *2026-09-04, version 3.67.0* The previous Smartshop app did what it did simply and well. It’s hard to imagine that those developing the new integrated smartshop ever even used the old version. The downgrade is shocking. Every scan now generates a beep, and immediately stops any podcast you’re listening to. Previously, as you scanned the running total and list of scanned items would appear on the screen - now you have to click another button to view that list. The result is that shopping in Sainsbury’s suddenly feels like a hellish chore where you are constantly pressing at your phone and unable to numb that by listening to a podcast. Absolutely shocking from Sainsbury’s. ### 1/5 — Nectar prices not coming up *2026-09-04, version 3.67.0* Nectar prices not showing I had to log back onto old smart shop app and all my personalised prices showed up but not on the new app ### 1/5 — Absolutely Hate it *2026-09-02, version 3.67.0* Smartshop isn’t great, but at least when I provide my free labour I can listen to a podcast. This new version, for the vanity of providing a “ding” on adding a product stops it playing. Dull very dull. ### 1/5 — But why??!? *2026-09-01, version 3.67.0* Quite honestly, this is a horrible move by Sainsbury. Take an app which does exactly what it needs to do (Smartshop) - open it as you enter the store, used to be one click to see your personal Nectar prices, scan stuff, check out - and "replace" it with an app where you have to use your credentials three times just to log in (because it doesn't seem to tie in your Nectar account to your Sainsbury's one, and then it doesn't know your Nectar card number even though you've just logged in, so you have to log into the Nectar app to copy and paste it), and then you have to try and find out where on earth the scanning part of the app is. What an utter waste of my time. Having finally got logged in, I've deleted the app out of sheer frustration. I'll continue to use Smartshop until it dies, and then I'll go to a personed-checkout in store. This app is a terrible development for people who just want to shop quickly and conveniently. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — The driver *2026-09-02, version 3.67.0* He was brilliant as we had Covid & he packed our stuff in our bags for us! Hope you can find out who he was I would like him to have a recognition & thank him again for us ### 5/5 — Delivery drivers *2026-09-01, version 3.67.0* Sainsbury’s delivery drivers are, across the board, some of the best in the business. However , today’s went one step further! Not only did he ring to ask if I was in for an earlier delivery but he was so pleasant when, due to poor reception, it took some time to get his message across! He then went above and beyond when helping me unpack the goods. Brilliant service as always from Sainsbury’s but an especial thank you to today’s driver ### 5/5 — Smart shop update *2026-08-28, version 3.67.0* I was a regular user of the smart app and its inclusion in this does add some improvements. Especially with the scanning of items. However the loss of the list, which was one of the most useful items on the Smart shop. Allowed access to build your requirements between shops and then tick them off as you shop. Can the list please be added back to the smart shop. ### 5/5 — Excellent *2026-08-25, version 3.66.0* Easy to navigate ### 5/5 — Unable to see Smart List (beta) in store when doing a Smart Shop *2026-08-19, version 3.66.0* I use the app in store to complete a Smart Shop. Beforehand, I create a Smart List (beta) of items I wish to purchase. However, once I have started an in store Smart Shop, there is no way to navigate to the Smart List (beta) so I am having to rely on screenshots to see what is on my list. Great if you can fix this on the next update. ### 5/5 — App developers have listened! *2026-08-14, version 3.66.0* I appreciate the recent improvement to the app where I can view similar products! ### 5/5 — Add to cart *2026-08-12, version 3.66.0* I love the new “add to cart” buttons that lets you add an item straight into the basket of your next delivery - great idea! ### 5/5 — Fantastic customer service *2026-08-11, version 3.65.0* I’m now disabled and every time I have a online shop or go to the shop with the access bus I’ve never been disappointed the staff are helpful and always polite ### 5/5 — Sainsbury’s *2026-08-07, version 3.65.0* I used SmartShop on the Sainsbury’s app for the first time today. I found it very user-friendly. Thanks for consolidating everything. ### 5/5 — Silly bugs! *2026-08-03, version 3.65.0* Can no longer sort favourites by category and accidentally clicking into an item in the favourites list, and then back, randomly takes you back to the top! Do you use your own app??? --- *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 2026-09-10.*