One lock a day.
Everyone gets the same lock each morning. It takes a few minutes, and there's a new one tomorrow.
A daily word-puzzle game
Every turn moves another.
A new word lock every day, from the workshop of Master Horatio Pell.
Free to play · iPhone
The mechanism
A word puzzle with moving parts
Cogword is a daily puzzle built from 25 brass letter wheels. Turn the wheels until every row and every column spells a word, and the lock opens. The catch: some wheels are joined by gears, so turning one turns its neighbors too.
Gears change everything.
Gold links turn a neighbor the same way; teal links turn it the opposite way. One good move can fix three letters.
Beat the lockmaker's par.
Every lock can be opened in a handful of moves. Match par for three stars.
Four turns of thought
How to open a lock
- 1
Pick a wheel.
Tap any wheel to select it.
- 2
Turn it.
Roll it back or forward with the two big buttons. Linked wheels turn with it.
- 3
Light the lamps.
A lamp lights when a row or column is set right.
- 4
Open the lock.
When every lamp is lit, the vault swings open.
Stuck? Ask for a hint, or let Horatio show you the solution.
A word from the workshop
Meet the lockmaker
Master Horatio Pell builds every lock in Cogword, and he is quite sure you won't open them. He teaches you the wheels, grumbles when you solve a line, and is secretly pleased when you beat his par.
“Every lock you see here is my own invention.”
“Each morning I forge a new one. Nobody opens them easily... or so I intend.”
“My finest lock... opened! Well, well. I'm almost proud.”
Thirty-six curiosities
Fill the Curio Cabinet
Solve locks at par to earn charms: 36 small brass curiosities to find, from the Navigator's Coin onward. Keep a daily streak going and see how far it runs.
For dedicated cogmakers
Cogword Club
Cogword is free to play. The Club is an optional membership for players who want more:
- Every past Daily Lock, from No. 1
- All hints and reveals included
- No ads
- A streak saver every month
Available as a monthly or yearly subscription, or a one-time lifetime purchase. Prices are shown in the app.
Inside the workshop
A look inside
The workshop door is open
Help and support
Questions, problems, or a lock you think is unfair? Email support@devxcellence.com and we'll get back to you.
Is Cogword free?
Yes. The Daily Lock is free every day. Free players see a short ad only if they ask for an extra hint or a reveal. Cogword Club removes ads and adds the archive.
Does everyone get the same puzzle?
Yes. Everyone gets the same lock each day.
How do I cancel Cogword Club?
Open Settings on your iPhone, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and choose Cogword. Subscriptions are managed by Apple.
How do I restore my purchase on a new phone?
Open the Club screen in the app and tap “Restore purchases”.
Can I turn off Horatio's comments?
Yes, in the settings at the end of the How to play guide.
Which devices are supported?
iPhone with iOS 17 or later.