# :) Sudoku — user reviews > 305 indexed App Store user reviews of :) Sudoku by Jason Linhart, rated 4.80/5 from 4,360 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku/id286516944/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku/id286516944.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 3,780 · 4★ 433 · 3★ 50 · 2★ 30 · 1★ 67 ## 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 ## Newest reviews (12 of 305) ### 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. ### 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. ### 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? ### 2/5 — Hasn’t adjusted to newest iOS *2024-12-09, version 5.2.7* As of 10 pm Dec 8, -the Picnic level can’t be worked and is permanently showing as available -there’s no scoring or timing indicated at the end if each game, it just suddenly snaps back to home page (where it shows the ever-present Picnic level). This is a fun app when it’s functioning properly; I look forward to the update. ### 5/5 — Superb *2024-10-27, version 5.2.7* Easy to use, challenging and provides genuine help when needed. A little disappointing that we have lost the colouring feature. ### 5/5 — App crashes *2024-10-26, version 5.2.7* Problem: hint causes app to crash on IOS 18.01 ### 5/5 — Play AND Learn *2024-10-23, version 5.2.7* I wish I had found this app before my Dad passed away. We were searching for lessons to help us using more strategies. He really loved the challenge of the higher levels. Thank you for creating an app that helps us to grow. ### 5/5 — The best sudoku app out there *2024-09-26* I have been using this app on and off for maybe 10 years now. My mom first found it, and I would play it on her tablet, and when I was looking for a good puzzle app for my new phone this was one of the first things I thought of. The learning/hints in this app are incredible, it’s really made me better at sudoku. There are a variety of hints available, so you can get a gentle nudge in the right direction, a full explanation, or just a random number revealed. It truly meets you at whatever level you want. It’s not just the best sudoku app, it’s probably the best free app game I’ve ever had. There are no ads that take over your whole screen ever, the only ones that exist are tiny banner ads that show up at the bottom of the menu. They’re not loud and obnoxious, they’re never in a place that you might click accidentally, and half the time they’re for the paid version of the app if you want unlimited games rather than dailies. I might buy that one, not because I desperately need more sudoku (I like being pushed into harder difficulties every day when I finish the ones in my comfort zone), but because I want to support the developer and thank him for creating such a good app. ### 5/5 — Settings *2024-09-15, version 5.2.7* The setting I wish was available is to lock the puzzle in portrait or landscape mode. Other than that I’ve played this game for many years when I’m ready to sleep for the night. ### 5/5 — My Favorite Sudoku *2024-09-05* This has been my go to app for years. I love the daily games, I love the setup, and I love how consistent it is. I’m so glad there are no ads! It is the only game app I’ve kept, and still use regularly, because I can’t stand intrusive ads. Nothing will make me delete an app faster. My favorite way to play sudoku! Thank you! ### 5/5 — Good mind activation *2024-08-28, version 5.2.7* Use this to keep my mind active AND i thoroughly Enjoy Theju different level of Sudoku on this app. Thank YOU. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 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 ### 1/5 — Used to be great. *2024-12-03, version 5.2.7* This app changed all of a sudden in dropping Hints, so I deleted the app and reloaded the app. Now the app clicks loudly with every keystroke without an option to silent the app. When I select Settings, it drops the app returning to my phone’s wallpaper. Why did you do this to your app? ### 1/5 — Messed up display *2024-11-29, version 5.2.7* Not displaying properly with iPadOS18. Please correct. ### 1/5 — They ruined the app *2024-09-22, version 5.2.7* After years of enjoying this app I had to delete it twice. I don’t know how they ruined it. When I complete a puzzle, as soon as I hit the last number, it throws me out of the app. When I go back in I’m at the start of that same puzzle with 0 best time. I deleted the app 2 months ago, I got it back tonight with hopes of it being fixed, but no such luck. I guess I’ll have to find another sudoku app. ### 1/5 — gone down .... *2024-09-09, version 5.2.7* long time user of this app. Always satisfied. However, lately it's playing up 😕 Specifically when in the middle of a game (diabolical) i press hi ya the game instantly quits, losing all my marks when re-opened. Frustrating!!! Deleted the app and downloaded the latest version, alas still the same is happening. Fix it please or loose more players ### 1/5 — Full of bugs *2024-08-25, version 5.2.7* This app used to be the best Sudoku. Now this version is full of bugs. And closes the app for every action. Apparently, they push you to buy the paid version of the app. ### 1/5 — Used to be great *2024-08-11, version 5.2.7* Settings, hint just exits the app now. ### 1/5 — crashing *2024-08-06, version 5.2.7* tap setting or finish the gane will crash. ### 1/5 — Was great. Until today. *2024-07-25, version 5.2.7* Great app, love no ads even though it means limited new games each day. Today it doesn’t work. Every time I try to play, the app disappeared the second I hit the last number to solve. Poof! Gone! No time or percentile stats, no personal best messages, no warnings. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 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. ### 5/5 — Great game *2024-12-21, version 5.2.7* I have been playing this for years. It has never disappointed. ### 5/5 — Relaxing *2024-12-05, version 5.2.7* Just challenging enough to get the accomplishment endorphins. The highlight numbers is a big help. No adds whatsoever! ### 5/5 — I really like this Sudoku app *2024-11-26, version 5.2.7* I use this app almost every day because it’s so convenient. A particular feature is the great graphic design and excellent system for offering suggestions, recognising errors, and updating the annotations as answers are filled in. ### 5/5 — Challenging *2024-11-19, version 5.2.7* Very challenging ### 5/5 — The best. *2024-11-16, version 5.2.7* This is,by far, the best sudoku app I’ve found. ### 5/5 — Love It *2024-11-13, version 5.2.7* Lots of choices, lots of fun. Great to be able to compare performance with that of other players. ### 5/5 — Lvely game! *2024-11-08, version 5.2.7* I have had this game on my Ipad for some time. Usually, I download a game and delete it after a few days. This game is so well-designed that I play it to unwind most days. Never a glitch and always engaging. --- *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.*