Their own private space.
Only they know the PIN.
Protected from the first open. No account. No cloud. Nothing you need to touch. Just a private space your child owns. The only copy that leaves the device is a backup you save yourself.
Download on the App Store
What's inside
Two places to write. One app that keeps it private.
Inside: a dated diary and a freeform notepad. Both open only with a PIN your child creates on the first launch. You won't know the PIN unless they tell you.
Why it's different
No account. No cloud. No server.
Most diary apps connect to a server somewhere. Jotting Journal doesn't touch one. No account, no server, and no copy of their writing anywhere else unless you save a backup yourself.
Install and open. No email, no password, no parental sign-in.
No internet connection needed. Their writing stays behind a PIN only they know.
On the first open, the app asks for their name and favorite color. Then they pick a PIN. You won't know it.
The backup is a file that goes to your phone or email. No account needed.
How it compares
Offline, account-free, and built for a child.
| Feature | Jotting Journal | My Secret Diary | Day One |
|---|---|---|---|
| No account required | Yes | No | Only for sync |
| Fully offline | Yes | Partial | Partial |
| PIN lock | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diary + Notes | Both | Diary only | Diary only |
| Mood tracker | Yes | Yes | No |
| Subscription required | No | Optional, $2.99/yr | Optional, from $49.99/yr |
Prices checked October 2026.
Pricing
Pay once. Keep it forever.
Many diary apps sell yearly subscriptions. Jotting Journal is $2.99, once.
Yours to keep. No subscription.
Diary, notes, calendar, mood picker, color themes, stamps, and backup. Free updates.
Download on the App Store