The Family Handyman App Reviews

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Bring back zoom. This app is totally worthless without the ability to zoom in to text and photos. Bring back the zoom or lose subscriptions.

Dropped to 1 star. The magazine itself is great. That’s why I’ve been a subscriber for over 20 years. But, no matter how long you’ve subscribed, you can’t access issues older than 2021(!) and customer support doesn’t even try to help you get those issues you paid for. Also, the app should allow you to zoom into pictures.

Can’t Access. I subscribed for 1 year in May, was able to view 1st magazine fine, and now it tells me I have to purchase the July/August for $3.99. I tried restoring purchases with no luck. No idea how to get resolved. Next step, I’m calling Apple support to report this magazine a scam.

Handy Man App is truly HANDY!. I am really not a handy man so this magazine really comes in handy. Having it on my iPad gives me access to the articles and "How To" videos with just a touch. I have never had it crash or any sort of problem. Also, if I want to refer to a previous issue I just get it from "The Cloud" rather than having to look through old magazines or put up with the clutter of old magazines laying where my wife wants, well, empty space. That alone is worth the price! Using the app gives me the confidence needed to do any project that I find interesting. I really enjoy finding new ideas and tools, etc. that I didn't even know existed. I highly recommend the magazine and, especially, the app version!

Horrible customer service.. Unable to open the March addition and customer support does not reply back. What is going on?

Have to continuously reload the magazines.. Downloaded issues day before flight and they were gone the next day on flight. Continuous to happen.

Late issues. So far this year I have not received one issue and another was three weeks late. I get printed issues in the mail and like to read on my iPad so I know they are available

Family Handyman. 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.

No zoom feature. Then reason i like reading magazines on my i pad is so i can zoom in so reading and pictures are easier to see. Without it, this app is worthless to me.

Was great while it worked.. 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.

Tech issues STILL a problem!. I am a long time subscriber, paid up thru next year & am happy with the digital edition usually - UNTIL last month when the last issue available is the July issue. Have tried signing in/out, deleting/reinstalling the app, contacting customer support - only to be told that there is a tech issue & we’re working to resolve it. For 2 MONTHS?!

App issues. I have been trying to access my paid subscription for several months. I contacted Family handyman and they tell me it’s an iTunes problem. Please fix so I can use what I paid for.

I subscribed but can’t get in.. I subscribed and get an error message so can’t get in. The FH customer service people are no help at all. So I am out what I paid. Don’t waste your money on this app.

Article based and there are no articles or anyway to get an article. Don’t waste your money, this has gone from the best to the worst and there is no support or anyone answering how to solve.

Where are the magazine?. 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.

Was good. This app used to be good. Cannot get the latest issue, last one was June 2020. Subscription paid through April 2021......this is theft! Cannot get any answers to emails from app developer. Has turned to garbage. Have since moved on to getting mag through Zinio.

Useless !!!!!!!!!. After update the App does not recognize my subscription and does not recognize my account after registering it!! Purchased AGAIN and same issues. Still says I have to pay for the magazines even thought I paid a whole years subscription TWICE!!!

Like it... Easy to use and nice to read!

Updates. New issues are few and far between .

Something’s wrong with this App. I paid for a whole year and can’t download the March issue. I wrote to the App support and never got a response. I subscribed through iTunes so I am going to ask for a refund!

The app is Terrible! Do not waste your money! It will be nothing but frustrating!. The magazine is great, but I have had nothing but trouble with this app. I have subscribed to the digital issues almost since the beginning. I have lost years of subscriptions and customer service is non existent. Now I cannot even open the app. What a joke! Do no subscribe with this app. You will be wasting your money.

Buggy app that doesn’t download issues. This app basically doesn’t work for those with print subscriptions.

Worthless. After last app update, issues are harder to read and that’s if I get new issues at all. I basically threw away a year’s worth of subscription. It used to be great. Customer service is nonexistent and worthless. Obviously, they don’t really want online subscriptions.

No new issues show, no response from support. The last issue I have is June 2020. The July/August issue has been out for at least a month and till doesn’t show up in the store. Subscription renewed and they took the money, but no issues. Emailed the support link and hav not received a response in over two weeks.

Best How-To Magazine on the market. I’ve been reading this magazine for forty years. Times have changed but their home improvement technology has kept up. Countless easy to understand articles and useful knowledge packed into each month. You will find something informative even when your not interested in that subject. I’ve learned so much from reading it cover to cover. Recommended for all ages, young and old, truly an outstanding read.

Can’t Download Entire Magazine Pdf. This app will not allow you to download an entire magazine, in PDF format, onto your iPad to read offline. In fact, you have to download a page at a time while connected to the internet. Disgusting! Do not subscribe to the digital magazine with this app.

Can’t access issues. Can’t access any issues on the current subscription period. All prior issues are there but the app won’t let me log in.

Magazine must want to go out of business. 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.

Latest issue not showing up on iPad. I’m a long time subscriber and have an active subscription paid until July 2021. The latest issue July/August 2020 is not showing up in the iPad app. It’s been out for a while and promoted on the Family Handyman website.

Lousy App after update!!!!. Since the last update I have lost all of my 2012, 2013 and 2014 issues. I have sent emails through App and have not had a single response. Terrible customer service. Update; 2012, 2013 and 2014 issues have been restored. Still a one star app. Who ever came up with the idea of an article base magazine should be force to read this magazine!!

Without zooming app is not good. For some reason the removed the zoom function a while back and now you can’t read the text on most articles. Otherwise it was a decent app. Whoever made that decision has cost them many subscribers including me since I won’t renew.

Totally busted. App is totally busted. I am a long time, current subscriber. This app has gradually become worse and worse. Issues show up but when clicked on “nothing here“ message appears.

App. App is no good , printed issues come on a regular basis. With options to buy hardback of tips and plans.

Terrible app and support. Love the magazine, it the new issues show up 1 to 2 months late. Contacted support and they say online issues are released about 2 weeks prior to print issues so it must be an issue with my iPad. I then update the version of the app and the article based update is worthless..every time you swipe to the next page you have to wait until the page loads..will be going back to print version when this subscription is over,

Terrible. Almost impossible to download your magazine. Constant "unable to connect to the App Store" error. I will not re subscribe to this magazine if I can't read it on my iPad.

Paid for and can’t get. I have had this app for years. Enjoyed the app. One day I couldn’t log in. Called in and they could not find me. Everything was paid up to date. Told me to call Apple and wasn’t there fault. Kept my money though. Will be canceling after many years of use.

Tired of fighting for my subscriptions. I’ve subscribed by print, through the Apple store and from the app itself. I’ve lost access to all of my past issues (I had purchased every one back to the beginning of digital issues). Support was no help at all, refusing to look at my address and recognize that I have been a subscriber forever. I waited a year, then re-subscribed, hoping I could use my print subscription to access back issues. Nope! I can’t even access current issues! Once again, I have absolutely no subscription and the app refuses to accept my print subscription number. I’m done. You’ve completely destroyed my faith in my favorite magazine. If you could give zero stars, I would.

It has easily fixable issues. 1. Constantly says cannot connect to App Store. 2. Requires login every time you open it. For many years applications have been able to store login credentials. These two major, but easily fixable annoyances drove me to uninstall it. Let me know when you get your act together and I’ll give it another try.

Terrible App and subscription support. App keeps getting updated and requires login again only to get a message that it cannot find my account. Support is non-existent and will not reply about problems, just a redirect to common support issues. I renewed my subscription since November 2020 and haven’t red any magazines since January 2021. I cancelled my subscription today am giving up on this app and magazine.

Print Subscriber. Subscribed to the print version strictly because it cost less and included a digital subscription but good luck getting it to work with the app. I was chatting with support tonight who gave me an alternate way to set up my account to work with digital but even that did not work. So frustrating.

Downloading issue on my iPad. I have downloaded the Oct/Nov issue some time back. Now it seems after you changed the App recently, I can not access the same Oct/ Nov issue and it shows “nothing here”. Please note that my subscription is still valid until November and will renew one month before it is due. Just because you changed your icon recently, should not have affected my “already downloaded” issue. Please let me have access to this issue and enjoy it. Thanks Satish

No acces. Such a great magazine. I’ve been a subscriber since 2014. But I can no longer access the newest issue in the a— and customer support is nonexistent.

Doesn’t work at all. Simple. Won’t let me read any issues with my paper subscription that has digital access. Fix it!

They charge for everything. I like the magazine. I have an active yearly subscription and the app wants to charge for each new issue. It’s worthless.

Not updated. They do not upload the issues regularly. It is August and the most recent issue is June. July has been out for over a month. No response from customer support.

Downloading to my iPad app. IHave not been able to download the magazine to my iPad app since the June 2020 issue. Can anyone help me.

New Issues will not download. Tried to reinstall app but no luck

Zoom feature please!. Had to go to use another app (Zunio)for my family handyman subscription because it doesn’t have a zoom in function. Pathetic! Leave a bad review here and head over to Zunio it’s free

Inconsistent app and horrible for subscription!. The app is inconsistent at best. The keep changing formats and it freezes frequently. Why provide feedback if the never respond or make changes? I’ve emailed at least a dozen times as I keep getting charged for new releases WHEN I HAVE HAD A SUBSCRIPTION SINCE IT STARTED! No response... ever. luckily Apple takes care of it. Still hate the hassle enough that I will unsubscribe tonight.

New App. Now instead of downloading the whole issue, you have to download 1 page at a time. This is the worst magazine app I have. What a shame that one of the best written magazines has the worst magazine app in the App Store.

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dont waste your money. The ppl who make is app are really dropping the ball, i wish i didnt subscribe for a year. Trust me ppl, i would try this out for one mag and you will see what i mean.

Content very good but marketing rubbish mid-article is annoying. 4 stars for the content. If units were metric and a better description of the tools being used then this would be 5. I was very annoyed to be flicking through project instructions and have advertisements littered throughout, which knocked the score down to 3 stars overall. You expect ads in magazines but not mid-article and definitely not mid-instructions. Very uncool. I will not be renewing my annual subscription because of this. No easy mechanism for providing feedback other than App Store, hence why it's appeared here. No way to print out a hard copy of an article so you can take it to the workshop (rather than use your iPad). Worked around by screenshot to photos to print single pages, but tedious and annoying. Why isn't there a mechanism to print?

Disappointed. No responses to emails......

Scam. sopose to be free...... what a joke....

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WORST UPDATE EVER. This is a joke. Can no longer access any current issues despite having a current subscription. Restoring purchases DOES NOTHING! No response to emails! As a long time subscriber I deeply resent this kind of sloppy coding and an absolutely unnecessary updates to an app that functioned well until this nonsense.

Family Handyman. Excellent magazine. Full of useful tips. I really like the embedded videos.

Excellent!. This app has it all with being able to enlarge the photos, embedded video and additional articles. It is a must have.

Horrible. Slow and clunky at times, but the worst part is lack of support. Poor password reset and login mechanics.

Cannot download latest 3 issues from August to October 2020. 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.

Perfect!. Don't change a thing! What did I do before ate Family Handyman?

Un tres bon magazine. Very easy to navigate or should i say handy...

“Free” app is just full of paid content. Presented as a “free” app, once installed you have to pay $6.99 or more for each scan of their magasine. I feel they misrepresenting it as a free app: now I ow dear what else they may misrepresent after payment and in their magasines. Save your time:Go to your local library/news stand if that’s what you want.

Don't do it!. Absolute garbage. I can't even log into my account..... "Please try again later" Refund requested

Worst app won't let me sign in. Worst app I have ever used, won't let me sign in been trying for weeks. It keeps saying server is down. Thanks for taking my money. Avoid this app.

Re. Handyman app.. Great magazine ! Clear diagrams and great plans and for the beginner to the expert. Love the ideas.

You have no articles in this collection. So even though I have a paid subscription through iTunes, since the upgrade I can’t look at any issues since August 2020. Please fix ASAP!!!

Good magazine but no longer interactive. Previous versions has videos and interactive quizzes you can take. Now it is just a scanned version of their newstand complete with ads. Emailed their tech support hoping there was something wrong with my subscription but they never bothered to write back. Too bad.

Buyer Beware.. The app is sooooooo buggy it won't let u download magazines even after they are paid for!!!! Insane ripoff!!

Issue with march issue. Tried to download march's issue and it tells me I need to install the updated app...not sure what it is talking about. Newstand for iPad doesn't have an update and I uninstalled the magazine from newstand and reinstalled...still same message. February's issue is fine. Will change rating to 5 if fixed as I like the digital version.

Latest update needs some fixing. Since the latest update the most current magazines don’t load. There’s just a message that there is “no articles in this collection” and a reload button that just reloads the same page with the same message. Of the issues that do load, each page loads individually as you flip through the magazine. It works but it’s not very polished or presentable compared to the previous version of the app Hoping this gets better soon, it’s really not an improvement.

Doesn't work. Can't open magazines after subscribing, do not subscribe!

Does not work, Support non-existant. Stay away. This app doesn’t work and you don’t receive the magazine after you subscribe. Support is useless and doesn’t respond to email.

Great magazine. Fluid app.. Digital copy has awesome benefits such as embedded video and additional content. Highly recommended.

Lots of Subject Variety. Great IPad version, works very smooth, content helpful - covering a wide variety of subjects for around the home and shop.

App Never Worked. The app never worked and when I called Family Handyman they said it was Apples fault and they couldn't do anything! Very disappointed!

Disappointed. I wish Family Handyman was part of the "Next Issue" selection of magazines. With that app you get access to current and past issues for one low monthly premium. FH subscription is just for those issues forward at time subscription however all past issues are not available except by purchase per issue. I'm requesting a subscription refund and will probably stick with single copy purchase. Had I access to all past issues, I'd have kept the subscription.

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Room for improvement. As someone that enjoys carrying around several magazines, books and a couple newspapers, this app works perfect for me. It allows me to enjoy one of my favorite magazines. However, it still has room for improvement—auto downloads, landscape view and 0 crashes. Overall though I recommend this app

Nice app when it works. I really like the content and its presentation on the IPad. Full of great tips and info. I got a one year subscription and after four issues, the app now wants to charge to download a new issue. Also the resolution went south on a prior issue resulting in a grainy appearance and making the text very hard to read. Customer service have not responded to my emails.

App "forgets" I have a subscription.. App basically works but consistently forgets I have subscription via App Store and gives me sign in prompts that I presume are for web subscribers because nothing I do with iCloud credentials will work. CONFUSING! Signing out of iCloud then signing back in or powering completely off and back on seems to work for regaining access. Annoying- I don't have the problem with my other magazine subscriptions. On ipad2 with current OS.

Handyman mag. This is an excellent magazine. I bought it for my husband. It always has some good tips and ideas, and has proven to be quite helpful. Also has some good stories. I'm planning to get it for my brother, now.

Works on my second hand ipad2. In the interest of having fewer magazines sitting around taking up space, I've switched my subscriptions over to electronic. This app works for me. I have an old iPad2, and despite the old hardware, the app works just fine, and I don't have piles of magazines taking up space.

Good idea, poor execution.. I like the idea of having this in digital form, but there are heavy downfalls to this app. 1. Subscription should coincide with paper subscription (or at least priced with the promo deals). Shouldn't limit to 6 months. 2. Downloads can't run in the background. I have to leave this app open while downloading new/updated articles and can't use it for anything else in the process? Poor design.

Great after figuring out flaw. I wasn't able to link my print subscription until I saw the review with the tip to use the store button in the bottom of the app. Developers of this app: I strongly suggest to disable the print subscriber's option on top left of the app!

Also having issues.... I was also having the same issues where I was trapped in an endless loop of bologna. I literally had to walk away from trying to download the app because I got THAT frustrated. Well, when I finally got it to work, it is beautiful and as it should be, on my iPad. Fast forward to today, I received my print copy, tried to get the second free digital copy and once again, it's a no go. Here's my 2 stars. Fix it and get 4, give me a year since I am already a print customer and get 5. I will not be paying for both. Me personally I prefer the iPad version but it should be cheaper due to it is cheaper to make.

Regretting my purchase. I paid for a year subscription. I enjoyed it so I purchased several(5+) back issues. I recently had to reset my iPad. After installing the app, I noticed all my back issues were missing. I tried to contact costumer service several times. Each and every attempt, I did not get an answer or response for my request to make my purchase available for down. I recommend avoid the company. It looks like they complete ignore their customers after they have taken your money. In the future, I will not buy from this company again knowing that they are seriously lack in customer support.

Good content. I like the convenience of the app but to tell you the truth I do miss the ads! I have found some really great products and ideas from them over the years. I may be switching back to the print version for that reason.

Print vs Digital. The print version has always been great, but a bear to store and find articles in back issues. I really enjoy the digital issues.....easy to thumb thru, easy to read and each issue's how-to pictorials are superb. The only thing I miss is the ability to read in landscape mode. I still give it a five.

Excellent. I usually do not waste time writing reviews but really enjoy the way they have set up this magazine on the ipad. Really enjoyable to read and find it better to read on the ipad than the magazine.

Awesome. Love this app! Not sure what to say about the reviews that say it crashes on them. Works great for me and the content is top notch. Always useful info with tons of great ideas. I get excited every month when a new issue arrives to see what's in it. I would highly recommend to any homeowner!

Unable to Access Content. The app worked well initially and I enjoyed the articles. So I purchased a subscription and several back issues. After an update I was unable to sign in and access my library. I can not access my account info either. I have been shut out for months now due to error: "Unable to access server. Please try again later." Such a waste of money. Lousy support too.

Great app. I am sorry to see several poor ratings for this app because I think it's a very good app. I've had no problems with downloads. The content of the magazine is very good and the app is very easy to use. I was a subscriber to the paper version of the magazine, but dropped my subscription because I was more into woodworking than other subjects in the magazine and had several subscriptions to woodworking-specific magazines. Thought I'd give the digital version a try and am glad I did.

Slow downloads and crashing.. The content is great! But download speed is painfully slow, content will not download in the background, meaning you have to sit there and stare at the download bar waiting on it to complete. If you leave the app, the download stops. If you access another issue, the download stops. And you can't see the issue you are downloading until is is done. Other magazine apps allow you to at least access the content while it downloads.

Functional app; good mag content. I wish the format would rotate. Otherwise, the interface is intuitive with a good array of functions. The articles range from fluff to meaty. I remain very grateful for an in depth review of proper window installation that help us fix a critical bit inadequate construction (how it passed inspection remains a mystery) in our house.

Still not right. I had the same registration problems as other reviewers last month, and prompted by the ad in this month's print edition of FHM, I tried again. It worked. I am registered and downloaded April digital edition. While I enjoy the digital enhancements (slideshows, videos, hyperlinks) and that I can read in bed without the lights on, some of the articles are missing: download paused. I have not had this problem with my Sunset Magazine. So bugs still need to be worked on for FHM. I would be disappointed if this was my sole subscription source, and with only two more trial issues left I still need to be convinced that digital is the way to go. Sorry, only two stars.

Paid and not received. Used to buy the magazine every month, love the articles, information and ideas. Then I paid for a years subscription on my I pad and only received two issues, each time I tried to log in I was told the app had changed, and to download the new app. So in frustration I downloaded the new app only to be told my subscription doesn't exist any more. Buy the paper copy, don't buy the electronic version. Big ripoff.

No trouble activating. I had none of the issues of activating this app as other reviewers seem to have had. Perhaps the app activation function as debugged? One thing that I did not value is the fact that I have my paper copy in front of me which is the June 2012 issue. The activated app allows me to read the issues that I have already read but no access to the current issue I also get an app by The Week mag and it allows viewing of the iPad version immediately upon release of their latest issue. What good is this? I'll have the hard copy read before I reach for the iPad version. Kind of dumb!

Disappointed. I subscribed to the iPad version in February and was quickly impressed. Then, the March issue showed up in my library as available. When I tried to download it, it told me that I needed to update the app first. There wasn't an app update available. I tried rebooting my iPad, uninstalling/reinstalling the app, and a combination of uninstalling/rebooting/reinstalling. Nothing worked, I still couldn't download the March issue. Then they released the app update. My hopes were high when I updated it. I opened the app following the update and now the March issue isn't even listed for download. I tried the same uninstall/reinstall stuff, but it's still not listed. Needless to say, this has not only tainted my impression of the magazine itself (and it's support), but it's also tainted my overall Newstand experience.

Used to be great. Now.....buyer beware. I have been a digital subscriber since 2012. With the recent update to the app, I have lost access to every issue prior to 2014. After three unanswered emails to support, I got ahold of someone in a help chat. They referred me to digital support and provided me a phone number. Contacted Reader's Digest by phone and they said that because I subscribed through iTunes, they had no info on my subscription. Contacted iTunes support who said they could see it was a problem with the app. Re-contacted Reader's Digest, who insisted that it was an apple problem. They finally agreed to open up a trouble ticket when I directed them to the recent reviews showing this was not an isolated problem. Bottom line, I'm dealing with a company that offers a digital product but is still in a print mindset. They are unresponsive to customer issues, and have now essentially stolen three years of my subscription from me with no promise of a refund.

Works well with nice extras. Always thought it was a very useful magazine. The electronic version makes it even more useful. The interface works well, the included videos explain things more clearly, and the projects/topics are varied enough that there's always something useful. I'd recommend it to any beginning to intermediate dyi-er.

Wait to buy!!!. I subscribed to the digital version and am having the same issues as other reviewers accessing the actual magazines on my iPad. Customer support is no use - sounds like they're playing catch up to figure out why it doesn't work. I was told they're working on the problem. Hopefully they get it fixed - the one free issue they offer was pretty good but I wouldn't spend a dime until they figure out the subscription process.

THIS APP IS CR@P!. I've held a subscription for the last three years. I accepted RD's (this is a Readers Digest product) offer of using their iPad app a year or two ago, in lieu of the print subscription. The app has always been buggy, but was basically useable. I've deleted and re-installed it a number of times, as each time they updated the app, it would become unstable and crash. I continued to put up with the crappy software, in order to get the content. In the last two or three months, the app has crashed repeatedly with no unreliable access to the content, yet the developer does nothing to correct it. Now the app doesn't recognize I extended my subscription. I've had it! I've deleted the app and have written RD demanding my money back. They will never get another dime from me. So after reading this review, and you still think you want the subscription, go ahead... idiot.

Good for me. Just downloaded this app a few minutes ago so I could try the free six month iPad version. I downloaded the latest issue, December/January with no problems and have been scrolling through this issue. I also downloaded the free Preview that is offered and that seems to be OK also. Happy camper so far!

Great App. I have a 1918 Craftsman home that needs a lot of work. After having less than satisfying experiences with contractors I decided to take on several projects myself. I have used many of the Family Handyman articles to guide me through several successful projects including redoing my home's plumbing (both supply and waste lines) remodeling Amy first floor bath, adding a basement bath and and several built ins.

Crashes on startup oath wise good. When trying to get a new issue it crashes multiple times before beginning the download 3 or 4 times. Other than that I'd give it a higher rating as the video articles make this a perfect utilization of the iPad. Fix it and I'll re-rate it higher.

Great magazine and app. Too many magazines just convert their content to PDF's and at this point I have no use for them or their failure to adapt. These guys combine great, informative content and fantastic photos with a dynamic and useful array of media and layouts. Of all the magazines I subscribe to this is the most useful. It's an easy five star app.

With Improvement Will Be Great. I'm a fairly new print subscriber and I understand frustration with paying twice, but I feel the cost is reasonable with the added content and as another review mentioned the archive and easy access functions. I have had no trouble with the app working but I know how frustrating it is to pay for for something you can't use and sympathize. My advice is try one month and cancel the auto-renew do that with all recurring such apps so if I don't use it I don't forget I signed up until I see the next charge and there seems to be no penalty. I agree issues are a bit slow to download but with background downloading it's not much of an issue. I recommend giving it a try.

DO NOT SUBSCRIBE - ERRORS WITH NO SUPPORT. I love the print version of The Family Handyman but never subscribed. When I learned there was an iPad version, I was excited. I downloaded the app and then subscribed for one year. MISTAKE. I have never been able to download an issue. The first error said I could download but didn't have the latest version of the app. This was incorrect as there was no app update available besides I had just loaded the app. Next, "app support" only goes to a page designed to capture print subscriber information. In fine print at the bottom theres a customer service number that is disconnected. Apple doesn't provide support for in-app purchases so unless I hire a detective to find these people, I'm out $15. BE WARNED.

Glitches and confusing support. Often get "server error" when trying to access or download issue. App support in iTunes has a button for "CHAT", however, chat is ONLY for print edition! No one seems to care at Reader's Digest, the parent company. They just say "contact iTunes", but have NO contact information available. Don't try to log on in app! Go to library, if you can get that far. Try gear in upper right hand corner. If it works you can restore purchases and download editions.

Works fine. I installed the app, downloaded the free issue, and read the entire issue. Not a single hiccup. There are the same navigation problems I have with other magazines on the iPad (accidental page turns). Nice enhancements compared to the print version such as extra tips and videos.

Don't forget your subscribers. 6 free issues? You think I am going to pay double? You think I am going to choose paying more money for a digital version over less for a printed version? Think again! My wife has a magazine that gives her the digital zine for free and allows her to stop the paper version by choice. What a deal, and I bet that puts more money in their pocket.

Love Family Handyman. Great content, enjoy the tips & advice. The tutorial videos are excellent would love to see more. My only criticism is that the online version has some bugs. I subscribe to the online version yet I still get the hard copy, much sooner than the release of the online version. Online renewal is not clearly spelled out. Other than that its worth the trouble. I just don't see the logic, I thought the objective was to save paper ( and clutter ).

Family Handyman. embedded videos are useful and a big bonus when buying digital magazines. viewing quality is excellent overall. easy to use.

Great Mag. This is my favorite publication. There is always something useful and I look forward to each issue. The format and presentation are clear and easy to use. There are very few apps that work as well as this one.

Works good once you figure out how to link your account. For those who can't link your print subscription. Click on the store icon at the bottom of the app. Once that loads you'll see a link to link your accounts.

Good design, poor execution. Maybe trying to do too much? Good interface, but... Since the issue stays in the cloud, it has to download (1-2 min) each time you want to look at something. And it crashed the first time, so it had to start downloading again before I could resume reading. Too buggy and time consuming, and no offline reading. I'll just stick to the print version.

Charged but no access. I purchased the magazine from within the app but don't have access. It kept trying to charge me for the July/August issue. I am a big fan of the magazine. After reinstalling, restoring at least 10 times I have gotten nowhere. I have now been charged for the annual subscription as well as a single month. Total of $19 for one month. I keep getting told they will pass my info to someone and they will get back to me. I simply got an email to restore issues. I too have tried to report a problem on iTunes and keeps sending me to iTunes support page and doesn't allow you to contact apple. I hope they get this fixed so I can give it a better rating. So far all I have got was "sorry for your frustration."

Does not work. Purchased a subscription cannot download the magazine. Deleted the app then reinstalled - still nothing. Restored purchases several times. Call the number on the app support page and get Reader's Digest who tells me I need to call the digital support department - really you can't put the correct number on your own page. Had my issue forwarded, as the people there tell you to delete the app and restore purchases, they cant do anything above that. Response time passed, called again and had the call escalated to a supervisor who wanted to forward my request to the head office - even the supervisors can do nothing. They won't even process a refund I have to contact Apple.

Love Family Handyman. And I love being able to watch the videos that are interwoven in the magazine, because sometimes reading the article a hundred times isn't enough to visualize it.

Nice first effort!. Linking my account was a piece of cake using the store button at the bottom of the page. It only allows you to download this month's edition because, we'll, you just subscribed to the digital version. I like the lack of ads and that you can blow up some pictures. If I could only increase the size of the text, I'd adore this app!

Great publication !. I love all the step by step instructions! I have never had any trouble with logging in or downloading anything. I have had this for over a year. I love all the DIY projects. Keep up the great work!

Back Issues Not Included. Great magazine, but subscribing for 1 year only allows access to the current issue and the next 11 issues, NOT any of the back issues displayed. So, you'll still see the 'BUY' button on older issues, an unpleasant surprise. Therefore, 5 stars for the magazine, negative 2 stars for the subscription method. This is an easy fix however, just include all past issues when someone subscribes for a year, for past and present subscribers. Leave no one behind.

I figured out the problem...... Hopefully everyone with issues sees my post here.... I too had the exact same problem as everyone else. I got the same "update app" message, etc. So I deleted the app for The Family Handyman magazine (not the whole Newsstand app) and re-installed it and voila! I was able to restore all of my previous purchases and download and read them all. Please pass on this info to anyone else you know that has this magazine app. :-)

Dont forget about your print subscribers!. I was so happy when I saw Handyman back on the ipad...but was quickly dissapointed. While they give current print subscribers 6 months of downloads, it is not enough. Look at SI, Wired, EW, etc who allow ipad access with their print subscription. I love carrying around my magazines on the ipad, but I am not going to pay double for it.

The Magazine works. The app does not... You can't log into your account. You can't restore your purchases because the link to the website is broken. It's easy to just scan your magazine and send that out as you app but it does not do anything better than the print edition. This app has been available for some time now and they have yet to fix those major issues.

Can't download. Same issue here, paid for a year subscription, not able to download. Interesting chat with technical support. They acted like I was the first one to have this problem. Really????, read the reviews. My chat session somehow got cutoff and now here I am trying to get this horrible app to work. Save your money until they get the problems worked out (if they get them worked out). Will be trying to get a refund. Nothing but a major headache.

Wait for it.. Although it took a bit to go through the process, I did finally get registered for the free 6 month trial subscription. The magazine looks and functions great! I love the videos added to the digital version (obviously not available in the paper mag.). Lol. I will be subscribing to the iPad version from here on out. Handyman is not only a source of great ideas and advice from professionals, but it's also a joy to read!