SignBuddy

iPhone Sign language for beginners

Learn ASL a few minutes a day

Short sign video lessons, gentle daily practice, and a fluffy blue buddy named Poko cheering you on. Start with your very first hello and keep going from there.

Download on theApp Store See how it works
  • No account needed
  • 226 signs to learn
  • Made for iPhone
The SignBuddy home screen: a learning path for Unit 2, Introduce yourself, with Poko waving beside it
Poko, the fluffy blue SignBuddy mascot, signing I love you with a thumbs up
See every sign move

Every sign has its own video

See exactly how each sign moves: the handshape, the motion and the expression. Watch it at full speed, then slow it right down until it clicks.

  • A signer on a plain background showing the ASL sign for hello
    Hello
  • A signer on a plain background showing the ASL sign for thank you
    Thank you
  • A signer on a plain background showing the ASL sign for please
    Please
  • A signer on a plain background showing the ASL sign for love
    Love
  • A signer on a plain background showing the ASL sign for Deaf
    Deaf
  • A signer on a plain background showing the ASL sign for learn
    Learn
  • A signer on a plain background showing the ASL sign for happy
    Happy
  • A signer on a plain background showing the ASL sign for coffee
    Coffee
  • Slow motion at 0.5x and 0.25x
  • Mirror view for left handed learners
How it works

Three small steps, every day

No long classes and no pressure. Just a few focused minutes that add up.

  1. Pick your goal

    Tell Poko why you want to learn and how much time you have each day. SignBuddy builds a simple plan around you.

    A plan screen titled Your coffee order, in ASL, showing milestones for today, week 2 and day 30

  2. Learn with a video for every sign

    Watch each word signed on video, slow it down if you need to, read a short tip about the handshape, then check yourself with quick quizzes.

    A quiz screen asking Which word is this sign, with a signer on video and four answer choices

  3. Practice daily and film yourself

    Keep your streak going with short daily goals. Film yourself signing with the front camera and compare with the teacher.

    The Sign of the Day screen showing a signer and the word Coffee, with a Film Coffee button
Features

Everything you need to start signing

Built for real beginners, with plenty of ways to practice so the signs stick.

  • A clear learning path

    21 units, 226 signs

    Go step by step from greetings to feelings, family, food and more. The full alphabet is included.

  • Flashcards

    See a sign, guess the word, then tap to reveal. A quick way to test your memory on the go.

  • Sign of the Day

    A fresh sign every day. Watch it, then film yourself giving it a try.

  • Spell Your Name

    Learn to fingerspell your own name letter by letter, or try any name you like.

  • Film yourself

    Record yourself with the front camera and compare with the teacher. Your clips stay on your phone.

  • Slow motion

    Play any sign at 0.5x or 0.25x to catch every detail of the movement.

  • Mirror view

    Flip the video so it matches your dominant hand. Made with left handed learners in mind.

  • Streaks and medals

    Earn stars, keep your streak alive and collect medals as you reach new milestones.

  • Daily reminders

    An optional reminder at 7 pm helps practice become a habit. Turn it off anytime.

A peek inside

Friendly, focused and fun

Bright screens, big buttons and Poko popping up to cheer you on.

  • The Practice tab with Flashcards, Sign of the Day, today's goals and more practice options
    PracticeDaily goals and quick games
  • The Signs tab listing topics like Say hello, All about me, Feelings, Family and Food
    SignsLook up any sign by topic
  • The Sign of the Day screen with a signer showing the sign for coffee
    Sign of the DayWatch, then film yourself
  • The Profile tab with signs learned, stars, a weekly streak tracker and medals
    ProfileStreaks, stars and medals

Your practice stays yours

SignBuddy is built to be private from the start. There is nothing to sign up for, and your practice stays on your phone.

  • No accountNo sign in, no email, no password.
  • Saved on your phoneYour name, progress and streak stay on your device.
  • Clips never uploadedVideos you film stay on your phone. No audio is recorded.
  • No ads, no data salesNo ads inside the app, and we never sell data. Ad tracking only if you allow it.
Read our privacy policy
Poko making a heart shape with both hands

Respect for Deaf culture

American Sign Language is a full language, with its own grammar, history and culture. It is not English on the hands, and it belongs first to the Deaf community.

SignBuddy is a friendly starting point. It is not a replacement for learning from Deaf signers and the Deaf community. As your signing grows, we hope you will take a class with a Deaf teacher, go to local Deaf events, and keep learning from the people whose language this is.

FAQ

Questions, answered

How much does SignBuddy cost?

You can start with a free 3 day trial on the yearly plan, which then costs S$69.98 per year. There is also a weekly plan at S$9.98 per week. Prices may vary by region, and the App Store shows the exact price for your country before you confirm.

Payments are handled by Apple through the App Store. Subscriptions renew automatically until you cancel, and you can cancel anytime in your iPhone Settings.

Do I need to create an account?

No. There are no accounts and no sign in. Just open the app and start learning. Your progress is saved on your phone.

Which sign language does it teach?

SignBuddy teaches American Sign Language (ASL). Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language, are different languages with their own signs.

I have never signed before. Is it for me?

Yes. SignBuddy is made for complete beginners. You start with simple greetings like hello and thank you, and the path builds from there, one small step at a time. The alphabet is included too.

How much time do I need each day?

Just a few minutes. Lessons are short, and you choose a daily pace that fits your life. Coming back a little every day matters more than long sessions.

Does it work offline?

You need an internet connection the first time a sign video plays. After that, the video is saved on your phone, so you can watch it again without a connection.

Are the videos I film uploaded anywhere?

No. SignBuddy only uses your camera when you choose to film yourself. It records video only, with no audio, and your clips stay on your phone. They are never uploaded.

Is SignBuddy available on Android?

Not right now. SignBuddy is an iOS app made for iPhone.

Will SignBuddy make me fluent?

SignBuddy gives you a strong, friendly start with real vocabulary and daily practice. Fluency comes from using ASL with people, so we encourage you to keep learning from Deaf signers and the Deaf community.

Is SignBuddy for kids?

SignBuddy is not directed at children under 13.

Still curious? Visit Support or email [email protected].

Ready for your first hello?

Poko is waiting to teach you your first real signs. It only takes a few minutes to begin.

Poko celebrating with a party hat and a red balloon