# Simple Journal - Private Notes

> A private journal app with lock, multiple journals, images, and search.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/fi.magille.simplejournal](https://chrome-stats.com/d/fi.magille.simplejournal)

## Overview

- **ID:** `fi.magille.simplejournal`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Magille Ltd
- **Category:** LIFESTYLE
- **Downloads:** 159,106
- **Rating:** 4.42 / 5 (1,554 ratings)
- **Version:** 4.17.0
- **Last updated:** 2026-03-28
- **First published:** 2014-02-25
- **Publisher country:** FI
- **Size:** 6.37 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-16
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fi.magille.simplejournal)
- **Website:** [https://simplejournal.app](https://simplejournal.app/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://simplejournal.app/privacy](https://simplejournal.app/privacy)

## Description

**Simple Journal** is a private, distraction-free journal extension for Chrome. Write freely with no ads, store entries locally by default, and organize them into multiple journals. It supports images, lightweight formatting, and full-text search to find notes quickly.

Security and control come first: lock your journal with device credentials, password, or fingerprint; auto-save protects your writing; optional Google Drive sync with AES-256 encryption; and export/import for backups. Customize themes, font sizes, and more.

## Rankings

- #178,488 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.READ_SYNC_SETTINGS`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.USE_BIOMETRIC`
- `android.permission.USE_FINGERPRINT`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `com.android.vending.BILLING`
- `fi.magille.simplejournal.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`

## Review summary

Users praise Simple Journal for its simple, ad-free interface, easy organization with multiple journals, and reliable export/import backups to transfer data between devices. The app shines in minimalism and responsive support with reasonable pricing options, including a lifetime plan. However, frequent data loss reports after updates raise reliability concerns, and initial lack of cloud backup heightened risk for device loss. While cloud backup has been added in later updates, data integrity remains the main issue cited by reviewers. Overall, the app excels at simplicity and portability but must strengthen data protection and backup reliability to improve trust.

### Pros

- Simple, clean, minimalist interface that is easy to use.
- Ad-free base experience; free to use with optional paid features.
- Strong data portability via export/import for backups and device transfers.
- Supports multiple journals with color coding and straightforward organization.
- Responsive customer support and reasonably priced premium options (including lifetime).

### Cons

- Data can be wiped after updates, indicating reliability concerns.
- Initial lack of cloud backup option increases risk if the device is lost or reset.
- Some reviewers feel the paid features are necessary to protect or preserve data (pricing/monetization concerns).

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/fi.magille.simplejournal)