Join a game on your phone
Players join in a few seconds, with no account to make. No app needed: players join in their phone's browser. There's an optional Game Shows ONLINE app if you prefer.
Joining, step by step
- 1
Scan the QR code on the TV
Point your phone's camera at the QR code and tap the link. Or go to gameshows.online and type the four-letter room code the TV shows.
- 2
Pick a nickname
Any name you like. That's the only thing a player ever types in.
- 3
Pick a picture
Take a selfie, or pick one of our cartoon characters. It shows next to your name on the scoreboard.
- 4
Wait for the game
Your phone shows what to do as each game starts: buzz, answer, draw, peek at your cards or keep your secret.
How does it work?
The TV is the stage and every phone is a buzzer. Only the host needs an account: everyone else scans the TV and joins on their phone, no app needed. Arnold (the virtual host) and Lily (the virtual co-host) show you how.
Read the video transcript
Arnold: Game Shows ONLINE!
Arnold: Welcome to Game Shows ONLINE! Your TV is the show, and everyone’s phone is their buzzer. Here’s how it works.
Lily: Only the host needs an account. Everyone else just joins on their phone: no account, and no app to download.
Arnold: To join, scan the code on the TV with your phone’s camera, or go to game shows dot online slash play and type the room code.
Lily: Then type your name, and take a selfie or pick a cartoon character. That’s it, you’re in!
Arnold: The host runs the night from their phone: pick a game, start it, and skip ahead whenever you like.
Lily: When it’s time to answer, your phone shows you what to do. Most of the time you just tap your answer, or type it in.
Arnold: Some games want you to say it! Tap the big blue button, say your answer, then tap again to stop. Check what we heard, and tap Yes. And when someone’s answering, everybody else, shhh!
Lily: Quizzes can be played three ways: everyone guesses, buzz in first, or say it out loud to a Quizmaster in the room.
Arnold: That’s all there is to it. Grab your phones, join in, and pick a game!
If your phone locks or you close the browser
Open the browser again. Your phone remembers the party, says "Getting you back in…" and puts you back where you were.
What phones work?
Any phone with a web browser: iPhone or Android. A tablet works too. Phones just need the internet, on Wi-Fi or mobile data; they don't have to be on the same Wi-Fi as the TV.
Is it safe for kids?
Players only type a nickname. There are no player accounts, no emails and no ads.
Still stuck?
See the troubleshooting page, the questions and answers, or all the help topics.