Connections Hints: Jan 30, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jan 30, 2026 (2026-01-30). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1021

Puzzle #1021 · 2026-01-30

Step through today’s Connections hints

Start with broad themes, then reveal more detail about the groups and tiles only when you need it. The final button shows today's full group breakdown.

Puzzle reference: Connections #1021 for 2026-01-30, edition main, with a standard four-group board. Spoiler categories and tiles stay collapsed until you open the hint layers below.

Hint 1 – overall theme

There are 4 groups in today’s puzzle.

Themes include: REGION, GROOMING ITEMS, THINGS WITH ADHESIVE SURFACES and 1 more.

Hint 2 – group titles

Here are the category names for each group. Try matching the tiles in the official game to these themes before you reveal any tiles.

REGION
GROOMING ITEMS
THINGS WITH ADHESIVE SURFACES
___ HAND

Hint 3 – group tiles

Reveal the tiles for each group. If you only want a partial nudge, stop after reading one or two groups and go back to the official puzzle.

REGION

AREA

CLUSTER

PATCH

POCKET

GROOMING ITEMS

COMB

COMPACT

NAIL FILE

TWEEZERS

THINGS WITH ADHESIVE SURFACES

BAND-AID

LINT ROLLER

STICKER

TAPE

___ HAND

HELPING

MINUTE

POKER

UPPER

Reveal full answer

This is the full breakdown of today's Connections puzzle: group titles and all tiles, grouped together.