Crosswords for iPhone $9.99

Available on the iPhone App Store

System Requirements

Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch devices connected to the internet via EDGE, 3G, or WiFi. Requires iPhone 2.0 Software Update.

Frequently Asked Questions:

General Questions

  1. What is the difference between Crossword Light and Crosswords for iPhone?

    Crossword Light is free and has the same puzzle solving features as Crosswords for iPhone, but you can only use it to solve the pre-installed 31 puzzles that come with it. If you want to download new puzzles from crossword providers, you have to upgrade to Crosswords for iPhone.

  2. What newspaper puzzles and providers does Crosswords for iPhone support?

    Crosswords for iPhone can retrieve puzzles from the following free providers:

    • Houston Chronicle/Washington Post (CrossSynergy Syndicate)*
    • New York Times Classic Crosswords
    • The Onion A.V. Club Crossword
    • Philadelphia Inquirer Sunday
    • Sydney Morning Herald
    • Thinks.com
    • Wall Street Journal
    • Village Voice
    • Chronicle of Higher Education
    • The Independent
    • The Globe & Mail
    • The Herald
    • Manchester Evening News
    • King Features Crosswords
    • Le Monde
    • Easy Kentucky
    • New York Times (New York Times subscription required)
    • Telegraph UK Quick & Cryptic Crosswords (Telegraph CluedUp subscription required)

    Washington Post puzzles are identical to the Monday-Saturday Houston Chronicle and Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer crosswords.

  3. Does Crosswords for iPhone support cryptic crosswords?

    Yes, Crosswords for iPhone supports cryptic crosswords!

  4. Does Crosswords for iPhone support diagramless crosswords?

    Unfortunately, at this time, Crosswords for iPhone does not support diagramless crosswords, however, support for diagramless puzzles may be added in a future version.

  5. I have a paid account with a newspaper – can I use my account to download puzzles from their website?

    Yup! If you're using v.1.5, tap the 'Options' gear at the bottom of the screen and scroll down to the provider you've subscribed to. Tap on 'Edit Premium Subscription Info' and enter in your username and password. If you're using an older version, just scroll down to 'Premium Subscription' and enter in your username and password. The next time you download new puzzles, it'll retrieve the latest puzzle from that website!

    If you want to verify that your credentials are correct, tap on the 'Validate' button. If you've entered your username and password correctly, you should see the following alert:

  6. Can I upload or import my own puzzles?

    At this time, Crosswords for iPhone does not allow you to upload or import your own puzzles.

  7. Can I use Crosswords if my iPod touch isn't connected via WiFi?

    Yes, you can fill in crosswords if you aren't connected to the internet. However, you can only download puzzles via your phone's internet connection or via WiFi.

  8. How many puzzles can Crosswords for iPhone hold?

    There is no limit to the number of puzzles Crosswords for iPhone can contain, however, the program may take longer to display the puzzle list screen if you have stored more than 400 puzzles.

  9. How do I re-install Crosswords for iPhone?

    If you've purchased Crosswords for iPhone, you can re-install it by logging into the App Store using the same account you used to purchase Crosswords. Then simply access the Crosswords App Store page (either by searching for 'Crosswords', or using this link) and tap or click 'Buy App'. You will not be charged again for the download. The App Store will recognize that you've previously purchased it and automatically re-download Crosswords for you.

  10. How do I delete Crosswords for iPhone from my handheld

    To delete Crosswords from your handheld, simply go to your iPhone/iPod touch home page, then tap and hold the Crosswords icon until the icons start shaking. Tap the 'X' in the corner of the Crosswords icon, then confirm that you want to delete it.

  11. I registered Crosswords for Palm OS/Pocket PC. What is your upgrade policy?

    Unfortunately, due to limitations with the iPhone App Store, we cannot issue free upgrades for previously registered Crossword Puzzles users. For current Crosswords for iPhone users, all updates and upgrades will be free.

  12. I have some ideas and suggestions for Crosswords for iPhone!

    We'd love to hear your feedback! Simply email them to us at sales@standalone.com and we'll get right back to you!

Downloading and Playing Puzzles

  1. How do I get new puzzles?

    To get new puzzles, simply tap the 'Get Today's Puzzles' button at the top of the puzzle list. This will automatically download all of the latest crossword puzzles to your handheld.

  2. But I want more puzzles! How do I play older puzzles?

    You can download older puzzles from our archives by tapping the + button at the top of the puzzle list screen. Then all you have to do is choose which day you want puzzles from!

  3. I'm sick of my puzzles. How do I remove them?

    To delete puzzles from your puzzle list, tap 'Edit'. Want to delete all of the puzzles, or just your incomplete, or completed puzzles? Tap the 'Delete' button and then select an option. Want to delete a few puzzles? Tap the 'Edit' button, then tap the button the left of the puzzle to select it, and tap the red 'Delete' button.

  4. Can I download a puzzle that I've already deleted?

    No problem - just tap on the '+' and bring up the puzzle archive calendar. Tap and hold on the date of the puzzle you deleted. A prompt will come up asking you if you want to re-download all puzzles for that day, then tap 'Download'.

  5. How do I navigate the puzzle grid?

    You can simply tap on the squares in the puzzle grid. If you're playing in portrait mode, the left and right arrows at the bottom of the screen move you to the next/previous clue. You can also 'swipe' the clue bar with your finger to advance to the next available adjacent square. If you're playing in landscape mode, you can simply tap on the clues to navigate the grid.

  6. How do I switch between across and down?

    Just double-tap on the active, yellow, square to toggle from across to down (and vice versa). If you're playing the puzzle in portrait mode, you can also tap on the middle of the clue bar at the bottom of the screen. In landscape mode, tap the 'Across' or 'Down' button to toggle your orientation.

  7. Can I fill in my answers in 'pencil' instead of in 'pen'?

    Yes, you can! In the bottom-left-hand corner of the keyboard (below the 'A'), you should see a pen or pencil icon. Tap that button to change whether you want to answer in pencil or pen. When entering in pencil, you'll automatically skip over letters in pen.

    If you've already a puzzle in one mode and would like to switch the entire puzzle over to another (say, from pencil to pen), simply tap and hold down on the 'pen/pencil' icon until you see the options 'To Pen' and 'To Pencil' appear, then select your mode.

  8. Can I enter multiple letters in a square?

    Yes – simply tap and hold on a square until the magnification loupe appears. Just tap the magnified area with your second finger to enable entering multiple characters.

  9. Can I enter numbers in a square?

    Some puzzles, such as the occasional puzzle from the New York Times, requires the ability to enter a number into the grid. To enter a number into a square, simply tap and hold down any letter key on the keyboard.

    After holding for a second, a numeric pop-up keyboard will appear – do not lift up your finger! Simply drag your finger up onto the number you want to enter into the grid. Once you lift your finger from the screen, the numeric keyboard will disappear.

  10. Can I hide the keyboard?

    Yes! To hide the keyboard, simply tap and swipe from the top of the keyboard down to the bottom. If you're having problems, try tapping down on 'Y' and then quickly slide your finger down to the bottom (or side) of the screen.

    To display the keyboard, simply double-tap any square.

  11. I like to get up close and personal with my puzzles. Can I zoom in on the squares?

    Certainly! To zoom out, simply 'pinch' the section of the grid. To zoom in, simply 'unpinch' the screen. If you'd like to change these settings, read this answer.

  12. How can I view both the puzzle and clues at the same time?

    All you need to do is turn your iPhone so it's in landscape mode. The puzzle will be on the left side of the screen, and the clues on the right.

  13. How can I view all of the clues at once?

    While viewing a puzzle, simply tap the 'Clues' button at the top of the screen. As of v.1.5, you can also enter in answers on this screen! Simply tap 'Keyboard' to bring up the keyboard, then tap on the clue you'd like to fill in and enter in the answer.

  14. Can I cheat and have the program tell me when I've made a mistake?

    Of course! Go to your puzzle list and tap the 'Options' gear at the bottom of the screen. Toggle the 'Show Mistakes' option so that it's set to 'On'.

  15. What are the black triangles that sometimes appear in a square?

    Those black triangles only appear in a square that you've previously revealed. These marks will not be displayed if you have 'Show Mistakes' turned on.

  16. I see 'Unknown Provider' in my Puzzle List, what should I do?

    This indicates that Crosswords doesn't have the provider data for the puzzle at this time. As Crosswords periodically checks for new provider data, this issue should resolve itself within 24 hours. If not, please feel free to contact us.

  17. I see 'Telegraph Quick' and 'Telegraph Cryptic' in my provider list, but I can't download any puzzles from them!

Leaderboards and Accounts

  1. What are the leaderboards?

    Leaderboards allow users to compete to see who can finish a puzzle first. All you have to do is sign up for an account (see the following question) and every time you complete a puzzle, your elapsed time will be uploaded to the leaderboard for all players to see!

  2. How do I sign up for an account?

    To create an account, all you have to do tap the 'Settings' gear on the 'Puzzle List' screen, then tap 'Configure Account'. Simply enter in your email address, a password and a nickname. The nickname is the name we'll use for the leaderboard, so please keep it considerate. If you do not enter in a nickname then your leaderboard scores will not be displayed to the public.

  3. What if I don't remember my account password?

    If you've had to re-install Crosswords and you don't remember your account password, just enter in your email address, then fill out the password field with your new password. If you last used your account with this iPhone or iPod touch, that password will become your new password. Otherwise, an email will be sent to you containing a link to reset your password.

  4. What if I don't want my times to be posted on the leaderboard?

    If you've created an account but don't want your scores to be posted to the leaderboard, just delete your nickname from the 'Edit Account' screen under 'Settings'.

  5. What happens to my score if I use hints?

    We have two separate leaderboards: one for users that don't use hints, and one for those who do. If you've used a hint, then your time will be displayed on the 'Hints' leaderboard.

  6. My puzzle times aren't showing up in the leaderboard! Why not?

    Right now, scores aren't displayed for solution-less puzzles until a solution is available. This includes 'Today's' New York Times puzzle as well as 'Today's' and 'Sunday' Telegraph puzzles.

    Otherwise, make sure you've created an account by going to 'Settings' > 'Configure Account'. Make sure you have a nickname assigned to your account. Also, to keep the 'Hints' leaderboard fair, we will not submit a score if less than 75% of the puzzle is complete and the user selects 'Solve Entire Puzzle'. If you're still having problems uploading scores, please contact us.

  7. Can I view the leaderboard scores without completing the puzzle?

    Of course! Just tap on 'Info' while viewing the puzzle and you'll find the leaderboard displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  8. How often are leaderboard scores updated?

    Leaderboard scores are updated every 30 minutes.

  9. Can I turn off the leaderboard?

    If you'd prefer that Crosswords not update leaderboard scores, or post your completion times to the leaderboard, you can disable it by tapping on the Settings gear, scrolling down to 'Display Leader Boards' and toggling it to 'Off'.

  10. Can I use Twitter to tweet my latest scores?

    Yes, all you need is a Twitter account (you can sign up at https://twitter.com/signup)! Simply tap on the 'Settings' gear at the bottom of the Puzzle List screen, then scroll down and tap on 'Twitter'. Enter in your Twitter username and password, and Crosswords will automatically tweet your scores whenever you finish a puzzle!

Additional Options

  1. Can I set the program to zoom in when I double tap?

    By default, this option is turned off. To turn it on tap on the 'Options' gear in the bottom-right-hand corner of the Puzzle List screen and toggle 'Double tap to Zoom' to 'on'.

  2. Where are my clue numbers?

    For larger puzzles, clue numbers aren't shown when you're zoomed out. Zoom in and you should see the clue numbers.

    If you're still not seeing clue numbers, you may have your clue numbers preference toggled to 'off'. Simply go to your puzzle list and tap the 'Options' gear. Slide 'Show Clue Numbers' so it's toggled to 'On'.

  3. The program keeps changing the puzzle orientation - can I always have it display in portrait mode?

    Yes - to lock Crosswords for iPhone from displaying the puzzle in landscape mode, just tap the 'Options' gear in the bottom-right-hand corner of the Puzzle List screen, and change the 'Disable Landscape' option under 'Display & Sound' to 'on'.

  4. I don't like the game skipping squares for me. Can I change that?

    Not a problem. Just tap the 'Options' gear at the bottom of the puzzle list screen and change the 'Skip Filled Squares' option to 'Off'.

  5. Can I keep it from automatically jumping to the next clue?

    Yes - tap the 'Options' gear at the bottom of the puzzle list screen and toggle the 'Auto-Jump to Next Clue' option to 'Off'.

  6. I think I screwed up my puzzle big time. Can I wipe the puzzle clean?

    Yup - while viewing the puzzle you want to reset, just tap and hold down on the 'backspace' key. Three options will appear, and you can choose to either clear the entire puzzle, or just the current clue.

  7. Can I delete just the errors, instead of the entire puzzle?

    Not a problem. Just tap and hold down the 'backspace' key until the deletion options appear, then select 'Clear All Errors'.

  8. Can I set which papers and providers I download puzzles from?

    Yes! Simply tap on the 'Options' gear and scroll down to 'Get Puzzles from These Sites', then simply toggle the providers you want to download puzzles from. Additionally, you can turn off all providers of a certain type; for instance, if you'd rather not receive Cryptic Crosswords, scroll down to the bottom of the 'Cryptic Puzzles' provider list and tap 'All Off'.

  9. Can I turn off automatic puzzle downloads?

    As of v.1.5, Crosswords for iPhone will automatically look for the latest puzzles when you open the program. If you'd like to turn this off, simply tap on the 'Settings' gear in the 'Puzzle List' view, then turn 'Auto-Download Puzzles' to 'Off'.

  10. The keyboard keys are too big/small. Can I change the keyboard size?

    Yes! Tap on the 'Settings' gear in the 'Puzzle List' view, then scroll down to 'Use What Sized Keyboard?' and tap on the size you prefer.

Common Problems

  1. The directional pad won't let me use the keyboard!

    If you're having problems using the keyboard when the directional pad is turned on, press the center of the directional pad and move it up off of the keyboard.

  2. Help! Crosswords used to download puzzles, but now it doesn't!

    First, make sure that you don't have an incorrect username or password in any 'Premium Crosswords', or crosswords that require a subscription (such as New York Times or Telegraph crosswords). An incorrect username or password will prevent you from downloading puzzles.

    If you're still having problems downloading puzzles, you may have encountered an operating system bug on your iPhone or iPod touch. Make sure that your device has been upgraded to the latest version, then double-check and make sure there's no available Crosswords upgrade in the App Store. If you still cannot download new puzzles, try deleting and re-installing the program.

  3. I'm having problems seeing errors!

    If you're having problems seeing errors, and you're sure that Crosswords is set to 'Show Mistakes', try inverting errors. To invert errors, simply go to the Puzzle List and tap the 'Settings' gear. Scroll down to 'Invert Errors' and toggle it to 'On'. Mistakes will now be displayed using white text on a red background.

  4. I no longer receive New York Sun puzzles!

    Unfortunately the New York Sun ceased publishing on September 30th, 2008. The last available puzzle was October 3rd, 2008.

  5. I can't view hints for today's New York Times/Telegraph puzzle!

    Unfortunately the New York Times and Telegraph don't publish hints for a puzzle until the next day's puzzle is available (and, in some Telegraph cases, even longer).

    However, Crosswords for iPhone will automatically look for available hints every time you tap 'Get Today's Puzzles' and update the puzzle when they're available, so if your current puzzle is hint-less, try viewing it again the next time you download new puzzles.

  6. I've upgraded Crossword Light to v.1.6, but where are the new puzzles?

    Unfortunately there's a known issue where the 60 new puzzles aren't added if you're upgrading from an older version of Crossword Light. We're working on a new version that will fix this but, for now, you can simply delete and re-install the program to receive the new puzzles.

  7. There are two November 2nds on my November 2008 download calendar!

    You're using an older version of Crosswords, and need to upgrade to v.1.5.

  8. Why aren't numbers visible in my puzzle?

    Numbers are not visible in puzzles larger than 15x15, as the squares are too small. You'll need to zoom in on the grid in order to view numbers.

  9. Help! The program automatically duplicates every letter!

    This is a known issue and has been resolved in v.1.12. If you cannot upgrade at the moment, see our Known Issues answer for a workaround.

  10. I can't see all of the keyboard in landscape mode!

    This is a known issue and has been resolved in v.1.13. If you cannot upgrade at the moment, see our Known Issues answer for a workaround.

  11. Crosswords resets when I try to view a puzzle! How can I fix this?

    If Crosswords resets when you open a puzzle, your puzzle database may be corrupted. In order to fix this, we suggest deleting and re-installing the program.

  12. Are there any known issues with Crosswords for iPhone?

    There is a known issue where you may see multiple separators for the same day in the Puzzle List View. This bug is fixed in v.1.6, currently awaiting approval from Apple.

    There is a known Daylight Savings Time issue that affects the date sorting of some puzzles: some puzzles may be listed as being one day older than they actually are. The current workaround is to delete the puzzle, and re-download it by tapping on the archives, then tap-and-hold on the puzzle's day on the calendar. This bug will be fully resolved in 1.6.

    Previously known issues:

    • Crashes in low-connectivity areas: Crosswords v.1.5 may crash if it's trying to access the internet and your device is in a low-connectivity area. This issue has been resolved in v.1.51, currently available in the App Store.
    • Calendar date problems: There was a known bug with the calendar that displays two November 2nds, offsetting subsequent days in the calendar.
    • Keyboard problems: If you've upgraded your iPhone or iPod touch to v.2.1 then unfortunately the landscape keyboard will no longer display correctly. This has been resolved in v.1.13 but, if you're temporarily unable to upgrade, we suggest going to 'Options' (tap on the gear under your Puzzle List) and set 'Disable Landscape' to 'ON'.
    • Duplicate letters: If you're using v.1.11, there's a known issue where, when you enter a letter into a square, the subsequent squares may get filled in with the same letter. This issue has been resolved in v.1.12, currently available in the App Store.

    If you have encountered an issue, please feel free to email us!