As part of the November 2025 Feature Drop, Google is bringing the Journal app introduced this generation to the Pixel 8 and 9 series.
The app wasn’t immediately available for older devices following the Tuesday announcement. Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, and 9a users can now download the Journal app from Google Play.
After installing, the set-up process starts by deciding whether you want to sign-in with your Google Account. Doing so lets you “back up your journal and get AI-powered features like customized writing inspiration.”
Next up is picking a journaling goal to “give your writing direction and purpose”: Mindfulness, Daily reflections, Creativity, Health & Fitness, Personal growth, Productivity, or Life story. You can choose “Not now” and select one at a later time from Settings.
You can grant Journal access to Google Photos and Health Connect for “customized writing inspiration.” Backing up “journal entries and activity” is handy when you get a new phone, while you can choose “No lock” or “Same as screen lock” for an additional layer of security. The final step is allowing notifications for reminders and writing inspiration.
By default, the app launches to the journaling screen for immediate text entry. There are basic Font (Sans or Serif) and Color (five) customization options. The Add item menu allows you to Take photo /video, Add photo, Health Connect activity, and location & map.
Journal has a two-tab bottom bar (tall, though Google’s screenshots show a short version), starting with Entries. It’s organized by Recent, Bookmarks, and More entries, while there’s a large FAB (floating action button).
The Insights tab defaults to a Week view, but Month is also available for the calendar. There are stats like Most active time, Total entries, and Longest word count.
AI features like past topic, deep dive inspirations, reflections, and the mood tracker are only available on the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold.
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