The “Friend” Digital Edition: Your Questions Answered


digital edition

As much of the world remains on lockdown at the moment to prevent the spread of coronavirus, we’re taking a closer look at “The People’s Friend” digital edition.

With some delivery services disrupted, we think this is a great way of ensuring you get the latest issue of your favourite magazine, straight to your desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone.

If you’re not sure about taking our a digital subscription, however, hopefully this FAQ can help.

What is “The People’s Friend” digital edition?

Exactly the same friendly, feel-good content as the print edition, but automatically delivered to your device whenever a new issue is available.

How do I access “The People’s Friend” digital edition?

We recommend taking out an online subscription via the “The People’s Friend” or “The People’s Friend Special” browser vendor.

This allows your log in details to work in the browser, but also across our dedicated apps in the app stores.

How do I download “The People’s Friend” digital edition apps?

digital edition

Image by DC Thomson Ltd.

Once you have an online subscription you can choose to read your magazine issues by logging in via your PC and/or the accompanying apps.

Our digital edition apps are available in the Apple, Android and Amazon Kindle stores.

See below for a step-by-step guide on how to download our apps for your device.


On an iPad or iPhone 

    1. Locate the App Store icon and tap once. In the search field at the top right, type “The People’s Friend” or “The People’s Friend Special.”
    2. Tap on the GET button within the search result.
    3. Then tap on the INSTALL button to install. The app will now begin to download.
    4. A box will then appear on your screen asking for your Apple ID password. Type in your Apple ID – or iTunes account – password and tap OK.
    5. When the app has installed, the button will say OPEN. Tap this to open The People’s Friend app.
    6. Once the app is open, tap on any issue to log in to the app with the same details as your online subscription. We advise you purchase subscriptions via the browser vendor and log in to the app via the Already Subscribed? box.

On a Kindle 

  1. In your Kindle Fire home screen, type “The People’s Friend” or “The People’s Friend Special” into the search field at the top.
  2. In the search result, tap on the app and then the orange DOWNLOAD button.
  3. When the download of the app is complete tap on the orange OPEN button.
  4. Once the app is open, tap on any issue to log in to the app with the same details as your online subscription. We advise you purchase subscriptions via the browser vendor and access the app via the Login with your existing subscription box.

On an Android tablet 

  1. Go to the Google Play store. In the search field, type ‘The People’s Friend’ or “The People’s Friend Special.”
  2. From within the search results, tap on The People’s Friend icon followed by the green INSTALL button.
  3. An ‘App permissions’ panel will appear, tap the green ‘ACCEPT’ button to start the installation of The People’s Friend app.
  4. Now tap on the ‘OPEN’ button to open The People’s Friend app.
  5. Once the app is open, tap on any issue to log in to the app with the same details as your online subscription. We advise you purchase subscriptions via the browser vendor and access the app via the Login with your existing subscription box.

digital edition

Image by DC Thomson Ltd.

How much does a subscription to “The People’s Friend” digital edition cost?

The apps are free to download, but to access the issues you will need to take out a subscription.

A subscription grants access to the digital editions for a period of 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or a year.

“The People’s Friend” digital editions offer 4 access options:

  • £2.99 for one month
  • £8.49 for three months
  • £15.99 for six months
  • £28.99 for a year.

How do I renew my subscription?

To renew your subscription, go to the respective browser vendor. Log into your account and select Purchase Subscription from the left hand menu. 

You will then be taken to the subscription page again, but this time your details will already be filled out. Select the subscription type you want to purchase and then select Subscribe.

On the payments website, follow the instructions on the secure payment website.

After the payment process has been completed you will either be redirected to the publication or your account page.

Is there a way to access permanent issues without subscribing?

We also offer single editions in our browser edition and iPad/iPhone app priced at £1.10p for “The People’s Friend” and £2.49 for “The People’s Friend” Special.

These remain permanently accessible in the app unless you choose to delete the editions from your device.

How do I manage single editions from my device?

To remove single editions, tap on the download icon from the top bar in the app and delete issues no longer required.

If you would like to re-download the issue, you can do so at a later date.

The app will recognise that editions were purchased previously and allow download for free.

How do I update my details or reset my password?

To update your details, log in to the respective browser vendor and select the Update Details link in your account.

Select the Change Password link to reset your password.

I have forgotten my password, how can I gain access to my subscriptions?

On either the “The People’s Friend” or “The People’s Friend Special” browser vendor, select the Forgotten Your Password link underneath the username and password fields. Enter your registered email address/username and select Send Details.

An automated email will be sent to your registered email address with an automatically generated password you can change later.

Is there an alternative way to download “The People’s Friend” digital edition?

You can also download and purchase subscription options for The People’s Friend digital edition solely via the apps.

However, this does not grant access to the browser edition, and we would not have your details to assist you with customer account or billing queries.

If you choose to access your editions via app-only, you can buy an in-app purchase via the Subscriptions panel (iPad/iPhone) or the Purchase a Subscription button (Kindle/ Android)

Please note that if you take out a subscription via the app store, it will auto-renew unless cancelled during the subscription period.

Can I download and read issues offline later?

Yes. At any time during the duration of your subscription period, you can download an issue and read later offline.

To do so, tap on the download button under each issue.

You can now turn off your Wi-Fi and access issues offline by tapping on the ‘Downloads’ icon on the bottom bar.

To subscribe to the print editions of “The People’s Friend”, click here.

Iain McDonald

Iain is Digital Content Editor at the "Friend", making him responsible for managing flow of interesting and entertaining content on the magazine's website and social media channels.