# :) Sudoku

> Sudoku puzzle game with 17 difficulty levels and advanced hint system. (iPhone/iPad app by Jason Linhart.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku/id286516944 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Jason Linhart](https://appshunter.io/developer/285994154)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Board, Puzzle
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 4,360 App Store ratings · 305 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 9 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2019-02-01
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku/id286516944/reviews.md

## What is :) Sudoku?

With daily games at 17 difficulty levels, novices and expert players alike will appreciate :) Sudoku. Our tutorial, extensive feature set, and advanced hint system offer something for every player. The more you play, the more you will enjoy it!

For unlimited puzzles, check out our other Sudoku products: :) Sudoku + (paid) and Sudoku Joy (free).

Our multi-stage hint system starts with a gentle reminder to get you back on track and works up to an illustration of the exact technique to use and how it applies to the current board. Use our hints to ease those frustrating moments and to learn how to be a better player.

Features include:

- 17 difficulty levels, something for everyone
- Tutorial teaches you new techniques
- Large, high contrast digits are easier to read
- Advanced techniques at the higher levels, including X-Wings, sashimi fish, and coloring
- User interface optimized for fewer touches
- Choice of six color schemes
- Never covers up the board while you are playing
- Infinite undo/redo
- Undo to the last solvable position
- Board solvable indicator
- Automatic or manual pencil marks
- Save your game while you try alternatives
- Automatically saves your game when you get a phone call, switch applications, or lock the phone
- Highlighting helps you discover patterns
- Game clock; compares your time to other players
- Avoids graphic frills that distract from play
- Choice of digit styles, including Kanji and Hanzi

All games are true Sudoku, with symmetry and a single solution that can be discovered by logic alone. If you doubt that a puzzle can be solved by logic, simply have the hint system explain it to you step by step.

If you enjoy Sudoku daily, this is the app for you!

## Key features

- 17 difficulty levels
- Advanced hint system
- Tutorial for learning techniques
- High contrast digits
- Infinite undo/redo
- Board solvable indicator
- Automatic pencil marks

## What do users think of :) Sudoku?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Excellent user interface
- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 💡 Helpful tutorials and hints
- 🔒 No intrusive ads
- 🧠 Challenging puzzles
- ⏱️ Detailed performance tracking

**Cons**

- 🐛 Crashes after completing puzzles
- 🐛 Settings menu not working
- 🔧 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🕰️ Overly harsh time penalties for hints

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes when accessing settings
- Puzzle progress not saving correctly

**Most requested features**

- Option to disable sound effects
- Ability to import custom puzzles
- More daily puzzle variations

## Recent user reviews (10 of 305)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku/id286516944/reviews.md

### 3/5 — needs an update ?

*2025-02-05, version 5.2.7*

on iPhone 16, the app crashes when you tap « hint »

### 3/5 — Crash

*2025-01-28, version 5.2.7*

It’s a nice app. But for recently it keep on crashing when you try for hint or setting . Please fix it.

### 5/5 — Fantastic!!

*2025-01-26, version 5.2.7*

Like many others, I’ve had the app for many years and have been spoiled by its ease of use and helpful features. Number highlights, pencil marks, and technique lessons for learning strategies make it super-convenient and an enjoyable experience to use.

### 5/5 — Great job

*2025-01-25, version 5.2.7*

Great game to keep your mind focused!

### 5/5 — If you have a choice CHOOSE THIS!!

*2025-01-21, version 5.2.7*

The best for beginning and learning. Great for daily competition. I start with intermediate and work my way up as my brain wakes up every day. No ads. No cream to watch. Just the best.

### 1/5 — Updates ruined this program

*2025-01-06, version 5.2.7*

I used to play :) Sudoku pretty often, at least until recently.  The change came when l was invited to update my version of the game.  I installed the update,  and now hate the game.  During game play whenever you select a number to fill an empty cell, the game gives you an obnoxious click.  You would think you could turn off this feature in settings,  but l have been unable to so far.  When I click on the settings button, I am ejected from the program.

### 1/5 — Does not work anymore

*2024-12-24, version 5.2.7*

Only crashes

### 3/5 — Not working on iPad Air.

*2024-12-22, version 5.2.7*

Tech support has been notified but no reply. Too bad it was a great game.

### 5/5 — Great game

*2024-12-21, version 5.2.7*

I have been playing this for years. It has never disappointed.

### 3/5 — Layout changed

*2024-12-12, version 5.2.7*

I’ve played this game for years on my iPad and suddenly the layout has changed to be full screen and I absolutely hate it. Is there any way to change it back?

## Frequently asked questions about :) Sudoku

### What is :) Sudoku?

:) Sudoku is a mobile application designed for playing Sudoku puzzles. It offers a wide range of difficulty levels, from beginner to expert, and includes features to help users learn and improve their Sudoku-solving skills.

### What are the key features of :) Sudoku?

Key features include 17 difficulty levels, a multi-stage hint system that explains techniques, a tutorial, large and easy-to-read digits, infinite undo/redo, a board solvable indicator, and automatic or manual pencil marks. It also offers various color schemes and digit styles.

### Is :) Sudoku free to play?

Yes, this version of :) Sudoku is free to play. The description mentions other Sudoku products like :) Sudoku + (paid) and Sudoku Joy (free) for unlimited puzzles, implying this specific app offers a free experience.

### How does the hint system work?

The hint system starts with a gentle reminder and progresses to illustrating the exact technique needed and how to apply it to the current board. This feature is designed to help users overcome frustrating moments and learn advanced Sudoku strategies.

### Can I learn new Sudoku techniques with this app?

Yes, the app includes a tutorial that teaches new techniques. Additionally, the advanced hint system can explain complex strategies like X-Wings and sashimi fish, helping users become better players.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 5.2.7 — 2019-02-01

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Improved compatibility with newer versions of iOS.
Added support for split view multitasking (when available).
Fixes disappearing digits in wild and weird play.
Fixed on/off sliders in Settings sometimes getting "stuck".
Forcing the screen orientation is no longer available. Please use the system supplied orientation lock.
Now requires iOS 8 or newer.

### 5.2.4 — 2014-12-29

Minor bug fixes.

### 5.2.2 — 2014-11-04

Minor bug fixes.

### 5.2.1 — 2014-10-12

Fixed the digit pad locking out in some situations. Fixed statistics failing to reset. Various other minor bug fixes. Updated in 5.2: Added a new difficulty level: Maelstrom. Now supports iOS 8 and the new iPhone 6 & 6 Plus.

### 5.2 — 2014-09-24

Added a new difficulty level: Maelstrom. Now supports iOS 8 and the new iPhone 6 & 6 Plus. Various minor bug fixes.

## Apps similar to :) Sudoku

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Sudoku Quest - Puzzle Games](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-quest-puzzle-games/id671755288) | 4.7 (1,789) | Free | Games |
| [Sudoku Master Edition: Puzzles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-master-edition-puzzles/id1260190370) | 4.7 (7,880) | Free | Games |
| [Sudoku Classic Brain Puzzle](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-classic-brain-puzzle/id6444699070) | 4.8 (3,609) | Free | Games |
| [Sudoku: Classic & Variations](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-classic-and-variations/id537201666) | 4.8 (1,040) | Free | Games |
| [Real Kakuro™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/real-kakuro/id459669325) | 4.7 (2,544) | Free | Games |
| [Cracking the Cryptic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934) | 4.7 (24) | Free | Games |

## More apps by Jason Linhart

- [:) Sudoku +](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-plus/id285994151)
- [Sudoku Joy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-joy/id331585707)

All apps by Jason Linhart: https://appshunter.io/developer/285994154

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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.*