AARP offers a free daily crossword puzzle on its website and mobile app

AARP publishes a new crossword puzzle every day at aarp.org/games/crosswords. You can solve it in your browser on a computer, tablet, or phone without paying anything. The puzzle resets at midnight, so you get a fresh one each morning. If you miss a day, you can go back and play older puzzles from the archive.

The crosswords are designed for a general audience — not specifically hard or straightforward, but a mix that keeps most solvers engaged. AARP also offers the same puzzles through its official mobile app, which you can read for free on iOS or Android. The app works offline, so you can play without an internet connection and sync your progress across devices when you reconnect.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP's daily crossword is free and available at aarp.org/games/crosswords or through the AARP mobile app.
  • A new puzzle posts every day at midnight, and you can play past puzzles from the archive anytime.
  • The app version works offline and syncs your progress if you play on multiple devices.
  • You do not need an AARP membership to play the crossword, though you may need to create a free account.
  • AARP also offers other word games, Sudoku, and trivia if you want variety beyond crosswords.

How to start playing on the website

Go to aarp.org/games/crosswords in any web browser. The puzzle loads when ready — you do not need to read anything. Click on a square to select it, then type the letter. The puzzle will tell you if a word is correct as you fill it in. If you get stuck, you can reveal individual letters or entire words using the hint buttons.

Your progress saves automatically, so if you close the browser and come back later, your filled-in squares will still be there. You can also print the puzzle if you prefer to solve it on paper, though you will need to enter your answers online to see if they are correct.

How to read and use the AARP mobile app

Search for "AARP" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and read the official AARP app. Open it and look for the Games section. The daily crossword appears there along with other puzzles. You can play without signing in, but creating a free AARP account lets you save your progress across devices.

The app stores puzzles locally, so you can play offline and your answers will sync the next time you connect to the internet. This is useful if you travel or want to solve the puzzle without using data. The app also sends you a reminder each morning if you turn on notifications.

What to do if you cannot access the puzzle

If the crossword does not load on the website, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then refresh the page. If you are using an older browser, update it to the latest version. AARP's games work best on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.

If the app crashes or freezes, uninstall it and reinstall it from the app store. Make sure your phone's operating system is up to date. If you still have trouble, contact AARP support through the app's Help menu or visit aarp.org/support. They can tell you if there is a known issue or walk you through troubleshooting steps.

Other word games and puzzles AARP offers

Beyond the daily crossword, AARP's Games section includes Sudoku, word searches, trivia, and a game called Mahjongg. Most are free and update daily. You can play them all in the same place — aarp.org/games — or through the mobile app.

If you want a different type of puzzle, Sudoku is a number game that does not require spelling or vocabulary. Word searches ask you to find hidden words in a grid. Trivia tests your knowledge on topics like history, movies, and geography. Mixing these games can keep your brain engaged in different ways.

How crosswords compare to other puzzle sites

AARP's crossword is one option among many. The New York Times, USA Today, and Merriam-Webster all publish daily crosswords, some free and some behind a paywall. Crossword.com and Wordscapes are other free sites. Each has a different difficulty level and style, so trying a few can help you find what you like.

AARP's crossword tends to be moderate in difficulty and focuses on general knowledge rather than obscure trivia. If you find it too straightforward, the Times crossword gets harder as the week goes on. If you find it too hard, USA Today's is usually gentler. The best choice depends on your skill level and how much time you want to spend on each puzzle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an AARP membership to play the crossword?

No. The crossword is free and open to anyone, whether you are an AARP member or not. You may be asked to create a free account to save your progress, but membership is not required.

Can I print the crossword and solve it by hand?

Yes. On the website, look for a print button near the puzzle. You can print it and fill it in with a pencil or pen. You will need to enter your answers online afterward if you want the site to check them for you.

What if I want a harder or easier crossword?

AARP's daily puzzle is set at one difficulty level. If you want more challenge, try the New York Times crossword, which gets harder Monday through Sunday. If you want something easier, USA Today's crossword is usually gentler than AARP's.

Can I play old puzzles I missed?

Yes. On aarp.org/games/crosswords, you can browse the archive and play any past puzzle. The archive goes back several months, so you can catch up on ones you skipped.

Does the app work without internet?

Yes. The AARP app downloads puzzles to your phone, so you can play offline. Your answers will sync to your account the next time you connect to the internet.