Checked September 25, 2026 · Published by the Dayora team
Google Pixel Journal on iPhone, Samsung or PC: the alternatives
Google's Journal app runs only on Pixel 8 and later phones, and its AI features need a Pixel 9 or later. If you use an iPhone, a Samsung or another Android phone, or a computer, these journals work there instead.
I said yes to another project. Now I am annoyed with myself, even though nobody pressured me.
Dayora noticedYou noticed your limit after agreeing. The frustration may be pointing to something you wanted to protect.
Before your next yes, give yourself permission to say, “Let me check.”
Dayora runs in any modern browser on Android, iPhone, Windows or Mac, with a free core and no credit card.
Who can use Pixel Journal
| Journal | Where it runs | AI |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel Journal | Pixel 8 and later phones only | On Pixel 9 and later, except the 9a and 10a, in English, German and Japanese |
| Apple Journal | iPhone, iPad and Mac only | Writing suggestions based on your recent moments |
| Day One | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android and the web | On the Gold plan ($74.99 a year): Daily Chat, summaries and prompts |
| Dayora | Any modern browser on Android, iPhone, Windows or Mac, and it can be added to your home screen | Free: a written reply to every entry, in the language you write in |
Google's help page says the Journal app works on Pixel 8 and later phones, including Fold. Its AI features are available on Pixel 9 and later phones, but not on the Pixel 9a or 10a, and only in English, German and Japanese.
Google does not list a version for iPhone, for Android phones made by other companies, for the web or for computers.
On an iPhone or a Samsung
On an iPhone, Apple's own Journal app is the nearest equivalent to Pixel Journal: made by the phone's maker and built around your day. On a Samsung or any other Android phone that is not a Pixel, neither is offered, so a cross-platform journal is the practical choice.
Day One has native iPhone and Android apps. Dayora runs in the phone's browser and can be added to the home screen so it opens like an app, and a Dayora iPhone app is in testing.
See what a few ordinary words can give back.
Try both examples. Dayora’s free core responds to new entries with a reflection and, when there is enough to work with, a small next step. You can start with one sentence.
Explore how Dayora writes backI said yes to another project. Now I am annoyed with myself, even though nobody pressured me.
Dayora noticedYou noticed your limit after agreeing. The frustration may be pointing to something you wanted to protect.
Before your next yes, give yourself permission to say, “Let me check.”
On a computer
Pixel Journal is a phone app with no desktop or web version. To write at a keyboard, use a journal that runs in a browser. Day One offers web access on every plan. Dayora works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari, and the same journal follows you from phone to computer.
Google's help page mentions an optional backup of Journal entries to your Google Account. It does not describe a way to read or write them on a computer.
The privacy trade-off, stated plainly
Google's help page describes Journal data as encrypted and processed in a private, dedicated space on your device and in the cloud, with an optional backup to your Google Account. Privacy is one of its strengths.
Dayora works differently. It sends entries to OpenAI to write each reply, and under Dayora's agreement OpenAI may use that content to train its models. In return, Dayora answers every entry for free, in the language you write in, on any device. Read the privacy policy and choose the trade you are comfortable with.
Questions and answers
Can I use Google's Journal app on an iPhone?
No. Google's help page lists the Journal app for Pixel 8 and later phones only. On an iPhone, Apple's Journal app is the built-in equivalent, and cross-platform journals such as Day One and Dayora also work.
Does Pixel Journal work on Samsung phones?
Google does not list it for Samsung or any other phone that is not a Pixel. On a Samsung, a cross-platform journal such as Day One or Dayora is the reliable choice.
Is there a Pixel Journal app for Windows or the web?
No. Pixel Journal is a phone app. To write from a computer, use a journal with web access, such as Day One or Dayora.
Which Pixel Journal alternative has AI?
Day One's AI features are on its Gold plan, at $74.99 a year. Dayora's free core includes a written reply to every entry, follow-up questions and Reflect chat, and it replies in the language you write in.
Sources and product details
Product details checked on September 25, 2026. Examples on this page are illustrative. Competitor descriptions reflect their published claims, not an independent performance test.