I’ve been contacted by several bloggers asking the question in the title of this post.
In March 2023, the WordPress app that many of us are familiar with will lose many key features. For example, you’ll no longer be able to access the WordPress Reader or view your blog’s stats.
But fear not because all the features the WordPress app bring have been transferred to the new Jetpack app.
Which app should I use?
If you want access to all the WordPress features you’re used to, switch to the new Jetpack app.
If you only want to focus on the basics of writing and publishing and have no interest in your blog stats, notifications of comments, menus and the WordPress Reader (to name a few), stick with the WordPress app.
Can I use both apps?
It’s not recommended that you use both apps. Managing your blog across both apps is unsupported and may lead to issues such as data conflicts. So I’d recommend sticking to one.
What features does the Jetpack app have?
- Posts
- Pages
- Media Library
- Comments
- Site Settings
- Stats
- WordPress Reader
- Notifications
- Activity Log
- Jetpack Social
- Jetpack Backup
- Jetpack Scan
- Menus
- People
- Themes
With the Jetpack app, you’ll benefit from powerful tools to manage and build your blog.
Is the Jetpack app free?
Yes. There are no additional costs for using the Jetpack app.
What features does the WordPress app have?
From March 2023, only the features listed below will be available on the WordPress app.
- Posts
- Pages
- Media library
- Comments
- Site Settings
How do I make the switch to the Jetpack app?
- First, ensure you have the latest version of the WordPress app installed and are logged in to it.
- If you’ve had (or get) an email from WordPress asking you to choose which app to use, click the link in the email to download the Jetpack app. If you’ve not had the email, click here to download the Jetpack app.
- Once the app has been downloaded, open it, and you’ll be automatically logged in with all your data and settings in place. All your posts, pages, media library and anything else you have on your blog will also be transferred.
- Remember to delete the WordPress app.
Any questions about switching to the Jetpack app? Leave them in the comments section.
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Thanks for this info Hugh. I just passed it along to a fellow blogger and friend … I hope since I don’t use a smartphone or phone with internet connections, I can stay as is. The Happiness Engineers resolved my issue of why my posts weren’t showing up in Reader – they gave me other pointers as well and yesterday I was able to load photos onto my posts that will publish this week without the entire post freezing up as it has been. It was suggested I clear my browser cache – reluctant to do that right now. The HEs all said that Windows 7 does not present a problem.
This information only applies to those who use a phone or tablet device to blog, Linda. It doesn’t affect those who blog on laptops or desktops as WordPress already made the switch for us.
Good to hear your technical issues have been resolved with WordPress.
Thank you – yes, I am glad for now no more issues. I have to look in older posts that had slideshows as my slideshow in Reader showed up but all together with no white spaces in between, but that’s not my doing. For now, I’m not using a smartphone or tablet device.
I switched to Jetpack and it works just fine , I was a little skeptical at first.
Many people are when anything new comes along, but it’s great to hear it all went well.
Probably a dumb question, but does this have any affect on WordPress used in a browser? I have never used the app. Thanks!
No, it only applies to those using the app on a phone or tablet, Michelle.
Thank you!
Thanks for this information, Hugh. I had an issue with my laptop yesterday (which I use for my blogging) and realised I didn’t have a plan B. After reading this I have just loaded Jetpack onto my iPad and will look at how I can use it for blogging. Thanks again.
It’s a good idea to have the app as a backup for when our laptops or desktops break, Davy. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you’ll never need to use it, though.
Help! I do not have an app of any description as I access my blog via a laptop. How will this affect me Hugh? Will I lose data on my blog?
It won’t affect you if you access WordPress via a laptop or desktop; you won’t lose any data. The app is for those who access WordPress on their phone or tablet.
Wonderful. Thanks Hugh. I appreciate it. Have a lovely day.
This is perfect, thank you Hugh. It will feel strange deleting the WordPress app!
You’re welcome, Wayne.
Yes, deleting the WordPress app feels strange, but it’s losing many of its features next week. The Jetpack app has them all.
So far so good, thank you Hugh!
Thank you for the information on the Jetpack app. I guess it’s time to download it and figure it out. I’ve never used the WordPress app as I use my laptop for blogging and have a backup laptop, as well. Also, I’ve tried the FSE themes and was successful in creating but I was not happy with the results so I went back to my old theme. I guess I should give the FSE themes another chance. Sigh.
No need to download the app if you don’t use WordPress via an app on a phone or tablet and have a backup computer.
I’ve not had a chance to do much with the FSE thems, but it’s on my list.
🙂 Hugh, I made the switch to the Jetpack mobile app on my Android smartphone back in August 2022 and I am also a beta tester for future versions of the Jetpack mobile app.
Back in August 2022, I even informed my viewing audience about the upcoming changes.
Automattic also informed WordPress users via one of its official blog posts about its plans to remove all Jetpack functionality from the WordPress mobile app.
Despite the regular usage of the Jetpack mobile app on my smartphone, my preference will always be blogging via my laptop computer (There is nothing quite as satisfying as using the web version of WordPress).
I agree, Renrad. There is nothing quite like having the whole WordPress experience on a computer. 99% of my blogging is done on my desktop computer.
I’m glad you blogged about this. Thanks, Hugh. I’m not a fan of change and wasn’t really sure what the Jetpack was all about. I was worried it was going to require learning something new (as it was, I was ready to toss my tablet out the window in frustration trying to set up my original WP account lol! Technology isn’t always my friend :D) I always only compose on my tablet, by accessing WP in my browser bookmarks, and reading/checking notifications/stats on the WP app. I’m more comfortable with the notion of switching to the Jetpack app, and will do that soon.
I’m glad my post has reassured you. Likewise, I’ll only be using the app to occasionally respond to comments and maybe check stats. But it’s good to know that the app is a backup in case we can not access our blog via our usual method.
I think I already have the Jetpack features, but I should check. Since I only write, edit, proofread, and add photos for blog posts on my computer, maybe this switch in apps isn’t even appropriate for me. Apps are for tablets and phones is my understanding, so I might be able to go home free on this one. 🙂
I’d still recommend you make the switch and download the Jetpack app, Liesbet. If your computer breaks, the Jetpack app will be a backup to access your blog.