When Does the Mini Crossword Reset? A Complete Guide to Daily Puzzle Refresh Times

If you’re a fan of the New York Times Mini Crossword, you know how addictive this bite-sized puzzle can be. But one question puzzles many players: “When does the Mini Crossword reset?” Whether you’re racing to complete today’s grid or planning your strategy for tomorrow, knowing the exact reset time is key. In this article, we’ll break down the Mini Crossword’s daily refresh schedule, explain how time zones affect gameplay, and share tips to ensure you never miss a new puzzle.

What is the NYT Mini Crossword?

Before diving into reset times, let’s recap what makes the Mini Crossword a fan favorite. This condensed version of the classic crossword offers a quick but challenging experience, with clues and answers fitting into a 5x5 grid. Available on the New York Times Games platform (via the app or website), it’s designed for speed—most players finish it in under a minute. But like its larger counterpart, the Mini Crossword refreshes daily, giving users a new puzzle to solve every 24 hours.

When Does the Mini Crossword Reset? The Exact Time

The Mini Crossword resets daily at midnight Eastern Time (ET). This means a new puzzle becomes available at:

• 12:00 AM ET (Eastern Time)

• 9:00 PM PT (Pacific Time, previous day)

• 5:00 AM GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)

This schedule aligns with the refresh times of other New York Times games, such as the full Crossword, Wordle, and Connections. The reset occurs simultaneously across all platforms, whether you’re playing on iOS, Android, or the NYT website.

Why Midnight ET?

The New York Times operates on Eastern Time, as its headquarters are in New York City. All daily content, including news articles and games, follows an ET-based schedule. While this can be inconvenient for players in other time zones, the consistency ensures fairness and synchronicity for all users.

Time Zones and the Mini Crossword Reset

If you’re outside the Eastern Time zone, converting the reset time is crucial to staying on track. Here’s how midnight ET translates globally:

Pro tip: Use a world clock app or Google search (“12 AM ET to [your time zone]”) to find your local reset time.

Why Isn’t My Mini Crossword Resetting? Troubleshooting Tips

If your puzzle isn’t refreshing at the expected time, try these fixes:

1. Check Your Device’s Time Zone Settings
   The NYT app uses your device’s location to determine reset times. If your phone or tablet is set to the wrong time zone, the puzzle won’t refresh correctly. Update this under your device’s settings.

2. Refresh the App or Browser
   Close and reopen the app, or clear your browser cache if playing on the web. Sometimes, a simple restart resolves sync issues.

3. Update the App
   An outdated app version might glitch. Visit the App Store or Google Play Store to ensure you’re using the latest release.

4. Wait a Few Minutes
   Server delays can occasionally push the reset by 5–10 minutes. Patience is key!

5. Contact NYT Support
   If problems persist, reach out to the New York Times Games help team for assistance.

The Benefits of Knowing the Reset Time

1. Compete on Leaderboards
   Many players aim to climb the Mini Crossword leaderboards. Submitting your fastest time right after the reset gives you an edge.

2. Build a Daily Routine
   Incorporate the puzzle into your morning coffee or evening wind-down ritual, knowing exactly when it’ll refresh.

3. Avoid Frustration
   No more checking your app repeatedly—stick to the schedule and play stress-free Mini crossword

4. ord.

5. 

FAQs About the Mini Crossword Reset

Q: Does the Mini Crossword reset at the same time as Wordle?
A: Yes! Both reset at midnight ET.

Q: Can I play yesterday’s puzzle after the reset?
A: Yes! Archived puzzles are available under “Past Puzzles” in the NYT Games app.

Q: Do streaks reset at midnight ET too?
A: Absolutely. Your daily streak depends on completing the puzzle before the next reset.

Q: What if I’m traveling across time zones?
A: The app adjusts based on your device’s current location. Reset times will align with your local midnight.