Google’s Pixel Journal App Now Available for Pixel 8 and 9 Series
In a significant update, Google has expanded the availability of its Pixel Journal app to include the Pixel 8 and 9 series, as part of the November 2025 Feature Drop. Initially exclusive to the Pixel 10 lineup, this expansion allows users of Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, and 9a devices to download the app directly from the Google Play Store.
Getting Started with Pixel Journal
Upon installation, users are prompted to sign in with their Google Account. This integration enables the backup of journal entries and unlocks AI-powered features, such as personalized writing prompts. Following this, users can select a journaling goal to guide their writing, with options including Mindfulness, Daily Reflections, Creativity, Health & Fitness, Personal Growth, Productivity, or Life Story. For those undecided, the option to choose Not now is available, allowing goal selection at a later time through the app’s settings.
Integration with Google Services
Pixel Journal offers seamless integration with Google Photos and Health Connect, providing customized writing inspiration based on personal photos and health data. Users can also opt to back up their journal entries and activities, ensuring data preservation when transitioning to a new device. For added security, the app allows users to set a lock, choosing between No lock or mirroring the device’s screen lock settings. Additionally, enabling notifications ensures timely reminders and writing prompts.
User Interface and Features
The app’s interface is designed for immediate text entry, launching directly to the journaling screen. Users can customize their entries with basic font options (Sans or Serif) and a selection of five colors. The Add item menu enhances entries by allowing the inclusion of photos or videos, Health Connect activities, and location data with maps.
Navigation within the app is facilitated by a two-tab bottom bar. The Entries tab organizes content into Recent, Bookmarks, and More entries, accompanied by a prominent floating action button for quick additions. The Insights tab offers a calendar view, defaulting to a weekly perspective with an option for monthly viewing. This section provides statistics such as the most active time, total entries, and the longest word count, offering users valuable insights into their journaling habits.
AI-Powered Features
While the Pixel Journal app brings a host of features to the Pixel 8 and 9 series, certain AI-driven functionalities remain exclusive to the Pixel 10 lineup. These include past topic suggestions, deep dive inspirations, reflections, and a mood tracker, which leverage advanced AI capabilities to enhance the journaling experience.
Conclusion
The expansion of the Pixel Journal app to the Pixel 8 and 9 series underscores Google’s commitment to providing its users with advanced tools for personal reflection and growth. By integrating with existing Google services and offering a user-friendly interface, the app aims to make journaling a seamless and enriching experience for a broader audience.
