Customer Reviews (500)

1#game tester • 2025-03-27T11:55:18-07:00

I can hide all my secrets so I recommend this app it has a lock and it’s easy to set up I recommend it❤️👌

L🩵🩵🩵 • 2025-03-27T02:42:50-07:00

This diary is the best diary i ever used + you can choose the background + it has lock + asks how you feel every day + no ads Just one thing is bad - it’s not free But i really like it Thank you 🙏🏻 for this good diary 😊😊😊😊

sexyandemo • 2025-03-26T00:39:15-07:00

the notes app is literally better than this. if i wanted to buy a subscription i would stop showing it every time i open the app. at least in the notes app i can get a piece of mind without ads and popular jesus christ

Summary of Key Insights

The My Diary - Journal with Lock app generally receives positive feedback, with users appreciating its privacy features, ease of use, and customization options. The lock feature is a significant draw. However, the heavy emphasis on premium features and recurring reports of data loss, bugs, and lack of customer support are significant weaknesses. Many users feel that essential features are locked behind a paywall, diminishing the value of the free version. There's a strong sentiment that more features should be available for free. The app has an overall positive sentiment, reflected in the high number of 5-star reviews, but addressing the reported issues could significantly improve user satisfaction.

Overall Rating: The app has an average rating that skews high due to the large number of 5-star reviews. However, the 1-star reviews highlight critical issues that need attention. Score Distribution:

  • 5-star: 60.6% (303 reviews)
  • 4-star: 13.8% (69 reviews)
  • 3-star: 8.2% (41 reviews)
  • 2-star: 6.4% (32 reviews)
  • 1-star: 11% (55 reviews)

Key Strengths:

  • Strong privacy features (lock functionality).
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Customization options (themes, backgrounds, fonts).
  • Mood tracking feature.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Over-reliance on premium features.
  • Data loss issues.
  • Bugs and glitches (e.g., formatting problems, app crashing).
  • Poor customer support.
  • Lack of cross-platform syncing.
  • No landscape mode on iPad.

Data & Methodology Overview

Data Sample Size: 500 reviews Time Frame: Not specified, but likely covers a significant period based on the version number (2.8.5). Analysis Methods: Manual review and thematic analysis of user reviews to identify recurring patterns, sentiments, feature requests, and pain points. Keyword extraction was used to identify frequently mentioned topics.

Key User Pain Points

  • Excessive Premium Features: Many users complain that too many features are locked behind a paywall, making the free version feel limited and less enjoyable. This is the most frequently mentioned pain point.
  • Data Loss: Several users reported losing their diary entries, which is a critical issue for a journaling app. This undermines trust in the app.
  • Bugs and Glitches: Users experience formatting issues, app crashes when adding photos, and disappearing stickers. These technical problems negatively impact the user experience.
  • Poor Customer Support: Numerous users mention the lack of response from customer support when facing issues like account problems, billing errors, or data recovery.
  • Lack of Cross-Platform Syncing: Users want the ability to sync their diaries across different devices (iOS and Android).
  • No Landscape Mode on iPad: iPad users find the lack of landscape mode inconvenient, especially when using a keyboard.
  • Ads After Purchase: Some users who paid to remove ads still see them.
  • Difficulty Canceling Subscriptions: Some users find it difficult to cancel their subscriptions and receive refunds.
  • Limited Editing Capabilities: Users note issues with editing text, formatting, and handling images.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Free Customization Options: Users want more free themes, backgrounds, stickers, and fonts.
  • Cross-Platform Syncing: Syncing between iOS and Android devices.
  • Landscape Mode on iPad: Support for landscape orientation on iPads.
  • Data Recovery Options: An easy way to recover deleted entries.
  • Improved Editing Tools: Better formatting options, an undo button, and more precise text selection.
  • Handwriting Support: The ability to write entries using a stylus (Apple Pencil).
  • Voice-to-Text: Speech-to-text functionality.
  • Export Options: More flexible export options (e.g., HTML, PDF) that include images and formatting.
  • Calendar Year View: A calendar view that shows the entire year at once.
  • Customizable Templates: The ability to create personalized templates.
  • Fast Forward/Rewind for Audio Entries: Controls for audio playback.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Privacy and Security: The lock feature (passcode, fingerprint, Face ID) is highly valued for keeping personal thoughts private.
  • Ease of Use: The app is generally considered user-friendly and easy to navigate.
  • Customization: Users appreciate the ability to personalize their diaries with themes, backgrounds, fonts, and stickers.
  • Mood Tracking: The mood tracker feature is seen as helpful for mental health and self-reflection.
  • Photo Integration: The ability to add photos to diary entries is a plus.
  • Motivational Quotes: The inclusion of motivational quotes is appreciated by some users.
  • Organization: The app helps users organize their thoughts and memories.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Data Loss Issues: Investigate and fix the causes of data loss immediately. Implement robust backup and recovery mechanisms.
  • Improve Customer Support: Provide timely and helpful responses to user inquiries. Consider adding a FAQ section and in-app support options.
  • Reduce Reliance on Premium Features: Offer more free customization options and core features to enhance the value of the free version.
  • Fix Bugs and Glitches: Prioritize bug fixes, especially those related to formatting, app crashes, and disappearing stickers.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Cross-Platform Syncing: Allow users to sync their diaries across iOS and Android devices.
  • Add Landscape Mode on iPad: Enable landscape orientation for iPad users.
  • Improve Editing Tools: Add an undo button, better formatting options, and more precise text selection.
  • Enhance Export Options: Offer more flexible export options that include images and formatting.

Low Priority:

  • Add Handwriting Support: Implement the ability to write entries using a stylus.
  • Implement Voice-to-Text: Speech-to-text functionality.
  • Calendar Year View: A calendar view that shows the entire year at once.
  • Customizable Templates: The ability to create personalized templates.
  • Fast Forward/Rewind for Audio Entries: Controls for audio playback.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Secure Cloud-Based Journaling Platform: A journaling app that focuses on secure and reliable cloud storage with robust data recovery options, catering to users concerned about data loss.
  • Cross-Platform Journaling Ecosystem: A journaling app with seamless syncing across all major platforms (iOS, Android, Web) and a consistent user experience.
  • AI-Powered Journaling Assistant: An app that uses AI to analyze journal entries, provide insights into the user's mood and behavior, and offer personalized prompts and suggestions.
  • Subscription-Free Premium Journaling App: A journaling app that offers a one-time purchase option for all features, appealing to users who dislike subscription models.
  • Handwriting-Focused Digital Journal: A digital journal app that prioritizes handwriting input with advanced stylus support and realistic pen-on-paper feel.

Trends and Observations

  • Language Preferences: The reviews are primarily in English, but there are also reviews in Spanish and Russian, indicating a global user base.
  • Sentiment Shift: Users often start with positive reviews but become frustrated over time due to the limitations of the free version or technical issues.
  • Recurring Themes: The most common themes are privacy, customization, ease of use, and the frustration with the premium features.
  • Age Demographic: The language and concerns expressed in some reviews suggest a younger user base (teens), particularly regarding privacy from siblings and parents.

Conclusion

The My Diary - Journal with Lock app has a solid foundation with its privacy features and user-friendly design. However, the app's potential is being undermined by its heavy reliance on premium features, data loss issues, bugs, and poor customer support. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving user satisfaction and retaining users. By focusing on reliability, affordability, and customer service, the developers can create a truly exceptional journaling experience.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize fixing the technical issues and data loss problems, and re-evaluate the pricing model to offer more value in the free version. This will significantly improve the app's reputation and attract more users.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-diary-journal-with-lock/id1579321589?uo=2