# The Family Handyman

> DIY home repair and improvement guides with expert advice and how-to content. (iPhone/iPad app by Trusted Media Brands, Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-family-handyman/id493021280 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Trusted Media Brands, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/411524301)
- Category: Lifestyle, Magazines & Newspapers
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.21/5 from 416 App Store ratings · 87 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 23 MB
- Languages: Arabic, Catalan, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese and 5 more
- Released: 2012-01-27
- Data updated: 2026-08-28
- Monetization: subscription
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-family-handyman/id493021280/reviews.md

## What is The Family Handyman?

The Family Handyman delivers expert and understandable advice for do-it-yourselfers. Save money when you repair and improve your home yourself, and feel the pride of independence and accomplishment; The Family Handyman will guide you along the way. Fix plumbing problems, add storage space, save on appliance repairs, build bookcases, learn about cool tools –– even build a shed! Each issue has how-to videos and step-by-step photography that simplify and demystify even the most complicated of home improvements, and is jam-packed with tips to improve your skills.

SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. Download the Family Handyman app and enjoy the free sample issue. Then choose your payment plan: SAVE UP TO 62% off the single-issue price. 

Note: Downloads of issues can take a few minutes—that’s because we’ve included bonus content such as photos, exclusive videos, interactive content, and more. Take full advantage of Apple’s Newsstand feature by connecting your iPad to your Mac or PC and installing iOS 5 before downloading this app. 

Subscriptions Available 
• 1-month subscription for $1.99, automatically renewed until canceled 
• 1-year subscription for $14.99, automatically renewed until canceled 
• NOTE: Your subscription starts with the latest issue; back issues are not part of your subscription but may be purchased as single issues ($3.99). 

SUBSCRIBERS’ AUTOMATIC-RENEWAL FEATURE: Your credit card will be automatically charged for another subscription period (another year for annual subscribers, another month for monthly subscribers) unless you change your subscription preferences in your App Store account settings.

Terms of Use:
https://www.familyhandyman.com/terms-of-use

Privacy Policy:
https://www.trustedmediabrands.com/privacy-policy/

## Key features

- Expert DIY advice
- Home repair tutorials
- Improvement project guides
- How-to videos
- Step-by-step photography
- Tool guides

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Family Handyman 1 Year Subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| The Family Handyman 1 Year Subscription | $1.99 | per month |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Family Handyman Feb 2012 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Family Handyman March 2012 | $3.99 | one-time |
| The Family Handyman May 2012 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Family Handyman July/August 2012 | $3.99 | one-time |
| September 2012 | $3.99 | one-time |
| October 2012 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Family Handyman June 2013 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Family Handyman September 2013 | $3.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of The Family Handyman?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 📚 Great magazine content
- 🔍 Helpful how-to articles and instructions
- 🎥 Embedded videos and additional content

**Cons**

- 🐛 Buggy app with frequent crashes
- 🔒 Poor customer support and account management
- 💰 Paid content despite subscription
- 📥 Difficulty downloading and accessing issues

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App not recognizing valid subscriptions
- Latest issues not showing up for subscribers
- Frequent login issues and account problems

**Most requested features**

- Zoom functionality for better readability
- Ability to download full issues offline
- Improved sync between print and digital subscriptions

## Recent user reviews (10 of 87)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-family-handyman/id493021280/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work

*2026-08-25, version 6.2*

Subscribe to this magazine over a month ago, and I have been working with Support since then to try and get access to this app. They just responded today with a password that I could use. However, when I try to use it, I now get some random error with a retry button that doesn’t work. I am very disappointed because one of the things I was looking forward to was reviewing old issues from the app.

### 1/5 — Cannot download latest 3 issues from August to October 2020

*2026-08-25, version 6.2*

Nothing but problems since the beginning of the year with issue downloads.

New version of the app made you redownload previously purchased issues, but the latest 3 issues are not available.  

Emails go unanswered, you are left coming back everyday trying to access those latest issues, only to find they are still not available.  

Very poor communication and customer service.

### 1/5 — TRY AGAIN!

*2026-08-11, version 6.2*

Cant open site, says TRY AGAIN!

### 1/5 — Missing latest issue

*2026-02-11, version 5.9*

I got the email in January saying the latest (February) issue is now available. It does not show up in the app. I have written to customer service and have not heard from them. This morning I canceled my subscription. The new owners are turning the magazine into printed TV with cheap “lifestyle” stories. “Look Muffy, I’m storing screws in an old peanut butter jar!” This isn’t the magazine it was even two years ago.

### 3/5 — Not all change is good

*2024-11-01, version 5.6*

For years I’ve looked forward to rew issue each month.  I’ve tried to give the new format a chance, but just don’t work for me or for a few of my buddies.  We discussed, we are not going to renew our subscriptions.  Another frustration for me is the inability to zoom.

### 1/5 — Was great while it worked.

*2023-10-12, version 5.4.9*

I still have issues left on my subscription. However, the app tells me I must pay for the current issues.  Reloading, resetting, etc does no good.

### 1/5 — Magazine must want to go out of business

*2023-07-28, version 5.4.9*

As with the other subscribers, I have had a subscription for over 20 years.  They have been print, digital, and apple subscription.  It has continued to be a fight to access anything.  The company has sold me magazines that I cannot access.  I recommend that apple discontinue this app as a selection and cease selling the subscription.

### 1/5 — Where are the magazine?

*2023-02-16, version 5.4.9*

Went from around 9 issues to one so far this year, they turned it into a seasonal magazine. Right now winter 2023 replaced December/January and of course there’s is never a February issue. Let’s see what they do for spring, summer and fall or if they’ll actually produce monthly issues. If is is seasonal I’m cancelling my subscription.

### 1/5 — Family Handyman

*2022-11-03, version 5.4.9*

I have always been able to read current and past issues on my iPad. My subscription expires in June, 2024. in the past week I cannot even open the app. It says I am an unauthorized user. Called customer service, and after long waits the agent could not help. I deleted and re-installed the app. When I try to open it, it shows up for a few seconds and then disappears. Tired of messing with it. Will unsubscribe as soon as I can. Don’t waste your time or money.

### 1/5 — Can't activate

*2022-09-01, version 5.4.9*

9/1/22 - app absolutely refuses to even try to open on my iPad Mini 5. Deleted app, reinstalled. Rebooted iPad. Nothing has helped. Love their print magazine,  but whoever’s been responsible for their app all these years should be fired. The entire department/team. Ridiculous!!!!!

——Original Review——

Unlike other reviews which say they can now activate their print subscriber access, I am NOT able to. I enter my account number, and zip. It takes me to a page asking for my email address, which I provide, then it takes me to my account summary. All my info is there and correct, BUT NO FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS?!?!? What the F*** am I to do next? I go back to the app and still nothing, so I follow the process again. Annoying thing is it once again asks for my email address, saying it doesn't have it. Really!?!?!? Thanks for wasting my time, uninstalling and sticking with the good ole fashioned tried and tested print method of reading.

## Frequently asked questions about The Family Handyman

### What kind of content does this app offer?

This app provides expert and understandable advice for do-it-yourselfers. It covers a wide range of home repair and improvement projects, including plumbing, storage solutions, appliance repairs, building furniture, and even constructing sheds. You'll find how-to videos and step-by-step photography to simplify complex tasks.

### How does the subscription work?

Subscriptions are available on a monthly or annual basis. A 1-month subscription costs $1.99, and a 1-year subscription costs $14.99. Both subscriptions automatically renew until canceled. Back issues can be purchased separately for $3.99 each.

### Is this app free to download?

Yes, the app is free to download and includes a sample issue. However, to access the full content and all features, a subscription is required. You can choose between a monthly or annual subscription plan.

### What are the benefits of using this app for DIY projects?

The app helps you save money by guiding you through DIY repairs and improvements. It fosters a sense of independence and accomplishment by demystifying complicated home projects. The detailed guides and videos are designed to improve your skills and confidence.

### What devices is this app compatible with?

The description specifically mentions taking advantage of Apple's Newsstand feature by connecting your iPad to a Mac or PC and installing iOS 5 before downloading. This suggests compatibility with iOS devices, particularly iPads, and potentially older versions of iOS.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 6.2 — 2026-07-03

Resolves an issue with restoring subscriptions on iOS 26.

### 5.9 — 2025-07-10

Performance enhancements
Miscellaneous bug fixes

### 5.8 — 2025-04-08

Updates the underlying code platform to the latest version

### 5.7 — 2025-02-11

Updates the underlying code platform to the latest version

### 5.6 — 2024-08-15

Updates the underlying code platform to the latest version.
Ensures correct purchase options display on paywall.
Improved start-up speed and caching.
Removes ability to create an account in the application.
Miscellaneous bug fixes and improvements.

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## More apps by Trusted Media Brands, Inc.

- [Reader's Digest](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readers-digest/id411524298)
- [Taste of Home Magazine](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/taste-of-home-magazine/id494090075)
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- [Country Woman](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/country-woman/id603563828)
- [Country Magazine](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/country-magazine/id640330708)

All apps by Trusted Media Brands, Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/411524301

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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 2026-08-28.*