Cipher Genius
Accessible, ad-free cryptogram puzzles for iPhone and iPad.
Classic cryptograms with a fun twist: emoji tiles 🧩. Free ~100 puzzle sampler pack. Hints when you need them. No timers. No ads. No trackers.
Play your way
- Two puzzle styles: List — around ten short entries per game — and Long-Answer — a single phrase, quote, or recipe to decode.
- Over 100 free puzzles: the app is fully playable with the included Sampler Pack — no account, no ads. In-app purchases simply unlock additional themed puzzle packs.
- Difficulty you control: Easy, Medium, or Hard.
- Easy: start with several letters revealed; guesses show correctness; hints and “clear errors” available.
- Medium: start with a few letters; hints available; guesses aren’t auto-validated.
- Hard: tougher, more obscure answers; no hints; no “clear errors”; guesses aren’t auto-validated.
- Comfort first: no timers, no pressure, and support for larger/smaller text sizes.
- Emoji tiles: playful, readable, and great on iPhone and iPad.
Smart, not fussy
- Fresh every time: the List style uses a recency-aware picker so you don’t see the same entries too soon.
- Topic & phrase selection: a smart algorithm rotates topics for variety across a session.
- Zero tedium: all matching letters highlight instantly; the cursor advances automatically; there’s Undo; Easy/Medium include “Clear Errors” and a one-tap hint.
See it in action
Who is it for?
Perfect for cozy puzzlers, cryptogram fans, word-lovers, travellers, and anyone who enjoys a bit of quiet logic-solving on iPhone or iPad.
What’s in each pack?
Review all the puzzle packs and topics included. Note: puzzle packs may change over time as fixes are made or entries added.
Privacy & comfort
- No data collection: Cipher Genius does not collect personal data. See our Privacy Policy for details.
- No ads, no trackers, no nagging popups.
FAQ
Is the app actually playable without purchases? (what's the catch?)
Yes. The ~100 puzzle Sampler Pack is included and fully playable. In-app purchases are only for additional themed packs.
No 'catch' ... I'm a retired software developer and love playing puzzle games on my iPad and iPhone. I hate having to watch the ads between levels, I always click 'do not track' and I like to know up-front what the 'in-app-purchases' will be. I don't like the timer running out or paying for 'lives' and I ignore the "story-line". This app is made for me... if you want to try it then all it costs is the download data and your time. If you like it as much as I do then buy some puzzle packs.
What makes your puzzles special?
Emoji tiles, zero-tedium interactions, and a smart rotation of topics. We focused on flow and comfort so you can relax into the solve.
Some topics are a little off-beat (e.g. 'Things that are round', 'Recipes', 'Red Things', 'Elephant Jokes' etc.) They amused me. If they aren't your cup-of-tea then ignore them (or let me know).
I tried to make the puzzles family friendly but there may be mentions of alcohol, battles, humor etc. that isn't appropriate for all audiences. Some quotations use English (vs Canadian/US) spelling or out-dated language or ideas.
Did you use AI?
Yes ... it is quite good at making lists of things (Jazz Legends, Tennis players etc.). It can also find quotations and their author by person or topic. However, a real-live-person (tediously) reviewed each entry before inclusion. Let me know if you find any mistakes.
Which devices are supported?
iPhone and iPad, portrait or landscape
Ideas / Issues?
Have a topic idea??
Send me an email: support@smartphonedesign.com
Found an issue??
Send me an email: support@smartphonedesign.com
Ready to play? Download Cipher Genius on the App Store.