# Spy Words - Decode and Decipher Cryptograms

> Logic puzzle game to decode encrypted phrases by deciphering letter substitutions. (iPhone/iPad app by Tony Ngo.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spy-words-decode-and-decipher-cryptograms/id588578368 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tony Ngo](https://appshunter.io/developer/447304326)
- Category: Games, Education, Board, Word
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.16/5 from 2,277 App Store ratings · 50 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 4.3 · 37 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2013-02-27
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spy-words-decode-and-decipher-cryptograms/id588578368/reviews.md

## What is Spy Words?

This is a great cryptoquote app. The best I've played so far. -Pxystck

Figure out the code in this fun logic game. A phrase is given to you that is encrypted. Each letter corresponds to a different letter. In the beginning an "A" may stand for a "G." Later on down the line, you may find this is not the case.

Use hints if ever you need a little help. Each hint will reveal a set of vowels within the puzzle. Earn more hints by completing the puzzle. Fewer hints used will give you more hints in return.

Spy Words will have you tinkering with the letters until you get the right word, then ultimately the correct phrase. Test your logic and deduction skills along the way. Spy Words is easy to grasp but hard to let down.

Highly recommended for fans of Crosswords, Cryptoglyphic, Enscripted, Cryptoquiz, and Cryptoquote!

Spy Words Features:
- An easy to understand interface
- The ability to change single letters and restart puzzles
- Hints for you to tackle difficult phrases
- Multiple puzzle packs filled with a variety of challenging codes for you to solve

For more information or support, please visit www.omnomapps.com

## Key features

- Decipher encrypted phrases
- Logic and deduction challenges
- Hint system for assistance
- Earn hints by completing puzzles
- Easy-to-understand interface
- Multiple challenging puzzle packs

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Access to the Arts Folder | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Access to the Comedy Folder | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Access to the Famous Words Folder | $0.99 | one-time |
| Package of 250 Hints | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Access to All Puzzles | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Access to the Science Folder | $0.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Spy Words?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🤔 Challenging puzzles
- 💡 Unique cryptogram design
- 🎉 Fun and addictive gameplay

**Cons**

- 🤑 Paywall for additional content
- 📝 Forced reviews to unlock features
- 🔍 Lack of hints/solutions for stuck puzzles
- 🔍 Precise controls on smaller screens

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App slowdown on some devices
- Compatibility issues on older devices

**Most requested features**

- Ability to move between letters without reaching up
- Option to show quote author
- Automatic letter advancement
- Larger playing area for easier visibility

## Recent user reviews (10 of 50)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spy-words-decode-and-decipher-cryptograms/id588578368/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Good so far!

*2018-01-17, version 1.36*

I would like to see a feature next to the keyboard that allows me to move to the next letter without having to reach up into the puzzle to click it.

### 3/5 — It's okay

*2018-01-09, version 1.36*

It's decent. I suppose it's what you would expect from one of these games. I only had the chance to play the mini training round before I was compelled to write this review, so I don't have much more I can say. My 8-year-old daughter likes the one available music option.

### 4/5 — Makes you think

*2017-02-08, version 1.36*

Great thinking and problem solving puzzle. Definitely takes some time to figure out the puzzles, but the app is user friendly. I received a note as soon as I downloaded that it makes your phone run slower, hopefully they can fix that.

### 4/5 — Good so far

*2016-09-29, version 1.36*

The app is asking for a review pretty early on in exchange for a free pack of puzzles, which is kind of strange since the tutorial literally just finished... But, so far the game is good. If you love cryptograms, this looks to have a lot of puzzles in it and it's very easy to use.

### 4/5 — Fun

*2016-07-15, version 1.36*

Pretty good so far, though really wish they would provide the author as part of the cipher - kind of an essential part of cryptoquotes. Also, only works in landscape mode for some reason. Nice interface.

### 4/5 — Fun

*2016-06-29, version 1.36*

I love cryptograms!! This one is unique from others that I have played, and it is considerably more challenging as well, but it is still really enjoyable, and when I recognize what a phrase is, it gives a sense of success. One thing that could be done better is a way to get hints without having to buy them and/or beating a level.

### 3/5 — Forced review too early

*2016-06-11, version 1.36*

The tutorial was good. If anything, maybe too easy. However I haven't had a chance to play past the tutorial before the app is pushing me to review it. I will update my rating after actually having a chance to play it.

### 5/5 — Very good

*2016-05-18, version 1.36*

I play a lot of cryptogram games. This one is a little different in that you can only get hints for vowels. That makes it more challenging but also frustrating.  I've only finished one category so far and none have stumped me even though I did have to leave a couple and go back later to finish. You have to buy each category separately. I would prefer buying several or all at once. Overall, a fun game

### 4/5 — Fun & Addictive

*2016-05-11, version 1.36*

Now I am annoyed. I took time to write a well thought out review only to find the nickname I'd chosen was already taken.  So here's the deal; it is fun & addictive, but I don't like having to write a review to move to a second category, especially since I don't get to choose the category.  An0yd!

### 4/5 — Review for more games...

*2016-01-30, version 1.36*

I am enjoying this cryptogram game and it's interface. It would be nice to have the option to turn on a wrong input indicator. Minus one star for having the review machine going in return for a free puzzle pack. But $0.99 adds up so I'll give my minute time for it.

## Frequently asked questions about Spy Words

### What is Spy Words?

Spy Words is a logic game where you decipher encrypted phrases. Each letter in the puzzle corresponds to a different letter, and your goal is to figure out the original message by testing your logic and deduction skills.

### How do hints work in Spy Words?

Hints can be used to help you solve difficult phrases. Each hint will reveal a set of vowels within the puzzle. You can earn more hints by completing puzzles, and using fewer hints often results in earning more.

### Is Spy Words free to play?

Yes, the application is free to download and play. There are no in-app purchases mentioned, and the monetization model appears to be free.

### What kind of puzzles can I expect?

The app features multiple puzzle packs filled with a variety of challenging codes for you to solve. These puzzles are designed to test your logic and deduction skills as you work to uncover the correct words and phrases.

### What are the key features of Spy Words?

Key features include an easy-to-understand interface, the ability to change single letters and restart puzzles, a hint system for difficult phrases, and multiple puzzle packs with diverse codes to solve.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.36 — 2013-12-20

Updated app to fix some bugs and make it smaller in size.

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## More apps by Tony Ngo

- [Scribblr - Draw Fun and Random Things About Your Friends](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scribblr-draw-fun-and-random-things-about-your-friends/id455491266)
- [Anagram Twist - Jumble and Unscramble Text](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anagram-twist-jumble-and-unscramble-text/id483449516)
- [Anagram Academy - Jumble Text, Spell Words, and Become an Unscramble Master](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anagram-academy-jumble-text-spell-words-and-become-an-unscramble-master/id518461967)
- [Hashi Link - Build Bridges and Connect Islands](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hashi-link-build-bridges-and-connect-islands/id778197920)

All apps by Tony Ngo: https://appshunter.io/developer/447304326

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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 2026-06-10.*