Where to find AARP's daily crossword

AARP publishes a new crossword puzzle every day on its website at aarp.org. You can play it directly in your browser without downloading anything or creating an account. The puzzle appears in the Games section, which you can reach from the main navigation menu or by searching "daily crossword" on the AARP site.

The puzzle is also available through the AARP mobile app, which you can read for free on iOS and Android devices. If you prefer to solve on paper, you can print the puzzle from the website each day — most browsers have a print option in the File menu or by pressing Ctrl+P (Windows) or Command+P (Mac).

AARP also archives past puzzles, so if you miss a day or want to go back and solve an older one, you can find it in the Games section under "Crossword Archives" or a similar label.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP's daily crossword is free to play online at aarp.org in the Games section, with no account or payment required.
  • You can solve the puzzle in your web browser, read the AARP app to play on your phone or tablet, or print it to solve on paper.
  • The puzzle updates every day at the same time, and past puzzles remain available in the archives if you want to solve them later.
  • The crosswords are designed for a general audience and range in difficulty, though AARP does not label them by skill level.

How the puzzle works and what to expect

AARP's daily crossword follows the standard American crossword format: a grid of white and black squares with clues for "Across" and "Down" answers. You read the clues, figure out the answers, and fill in the letters where the across and down answers intersect. The puzzle is complete when every white square is filled and all the clues are solved.

The difficulty varies from day to day. Some puzzles are straightforward and use common vocabulary; others include wordplay, puns, or references to pop culture and current events. AARP does not publish a difficulty rating for each day's puzzle, so you may find one day straightforward and the next challenging.

If you get stuck, you can use the hint feature in the online version — most digital crossword players let you reveal one letter at a time or show the entire answer to a clue. On the app or website, look for a lightbulb icon or a "Hint" button. Using hints does not prevent you from finishing the puzzle; it is entirely up to you.

Playing on the website versus the app

The website version of AARP's crossword works in any modern web browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. You straightforward navigate to the Games section, click on the daily crossword, and start typing your answers into the grid. The website saves your progress automatically, so you can close the browser and come back later to finish.

The AARP app offers the same puzzle but with a mobile-friendly interface designed for touchscreen devices. The app may load faster on a phone or tablet than the website, and it stores your progress locally on your device. Some people find the app easier to use because the grid is sized to fit the screen, and you can tap squares instead of clicking with a mouse.

Both versions include the same hints and reveal features. The choice between them comes down to what device you prefer and whether you want to play offline — the app can work without an internet connection once it has downloaded the puzzle, while the website requires a live connection.

Tips for solving crosswords if you are new to them

Start with the clues that feel easiest to you. If you know the answer to a clue right away, fill it in. Those letters will then appear in the intersecting clues, which often makes those answers easier to see. This is called "working the grid" — you do not have to solve clues in order.

Pay close attention to the clue's grammar and tense. If a clue says "He walks" (present tense), the answer is probably a verb in present tense, not past tense. If a clue ends with a question mark, it often signals wordplay or a pun — the answer may not be literal. For example, "Angry boss?" might be "HOTHEAD" rather than a description of an actual person.

If you are stuck on a clue, try the hint feature to reveal one letter. That single letter often unlocks the answer in your mind. You can also skip the clue and come back to it later — sometimes solving other parts of the puzzle will give you the letters you need.

Crossword puzzles and brain health

Crossword puzzles are often recommended as a mental exercise for older adults. Solving them requires you to recall vocabulary, make connections between ideas, and focus on a task for an extended period. Research suggests that regular word puzzles may help maintain cognitive function, though they are not a substitute for medical care or treatment of any kind.

Many people find crosswords relaxing and enjoyable, which is reason enough to play them. The daily routine of solving a puzzle can become a pleasant part of your day, and the satisfaction of completing one is real. AARP publishes the daily crossword partly because many of its members enjoy them as a hobby.

Other games and puzzles on AARP

Beyond the daily crossword, AARP's Games section includes other word puzzles, card games, and brain teasers. You can find Sudoku, Mahjongg, Solitaire, Trivia, and Word Search, among others. Most are free to play online or through the app, and they update daily or weekly depending on the game.

If you enjoy the crossword but want variety, exploring the other games can give you different types of mental challenges. Some people rotate between puzzles throughout the week or play different games depending on their mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create an AARP account to play the daily crossword?

No. You can play the crossword without logging in or creating an account. However, if you create an account, AARP can save your progress across devices, so you can start a puzzle on your computer and finish it on your phone. An account is optional.

Can I print the crossword and solve it on paper?

Yes. Use your browser's print function (usually Ctrl+P or Command+P) to print the puzzle to paper. You can then solve it with a pencil or pen. Printing does not require an account, and the puzzle prints at a readable size on standard letter paper.

What if I want to solve old puzzles I missed?

AARP keeps an archive of past crosswords in the Games section. You can browse by date and select any puzzle from previous weeks or months. Archived puzzles work the same way as the current day's puzzle — you can play online, print them, or use hints.

Is there a way to make the puzzle larger or easier to read?

On most browsers, you can zoom in on the page using Ctrl+Plus (Windows) or Command+Plus (Mac) to make the grid and text larger. On the AARP app, pinch your screen with two fingers to zoom in on the puzzle. These adjustments make the puzzle easier to read without changing the puzzle itself.

Can I share my completed crossword with friends?

The online version and app do not have a built-in sharing feature for completed puzzles. However, you can take a screenshot of your finished grid and share it through email, text, or social media if you want to show friends that you completed it.