🎭Charades: the phone-on-your-forehead guessing game
A phone-on-forehead guessing game, played on one phone.
Hold the phone to your forehead so you cannot see the screen. Your friends see the word and act it out, describe it or hum it, and you guess before the timer runs out. Swipe down on the screen when you get it right, or up to pass. It works with just two players and scales up to a whole room.
- 👥2–12 players
- ⏱️30–120 seconds a turn
- 📱One phone
- 🎬Films & TV up to 2026
You might know it as: Heads Up-style game · Charades app · Forehead guessing game · Guess the word on your forehead
▶ Play Charades freeNo download, no sign-up
How to play Charades
- Add players and pick decksAdd everyone’s names, drag them into seating order and pick decks – films, TV, celebrities, animals, actions, food, jobs, places and more.
- Choose the clue styleAnything goes, act it out, describe it, or mix it up so every card says how.
- Pass the phoneThe guesser holds the phone to their forehead while the others see the word and give clues.
- Swipe to answerThe guesser swipes down on the screen for a correct answer or up to pass. No need to look – the screen glows green or amber.
- Count the pointsWhen time runs out the turn passes on. Add up the scores after everyone has had their turns.
Rules and options
- Film and TV decks have a release-year slider, so you can play classics only, 90s and 2000s, or the newest releases including 2026.
- Cards you have seen recently go to the back of the pile, so you rarely meet the same card twice.
- Content packs add decks such as Best of British, All-American, Europe and Desi Life.
Tips
- Describe it mode is great for mixed ages – no embarrassing acting required.
- Keep turns to 60 seconds for big groups and 90 for pairs.
- Use the Easy Peasy deck when playing with children.
Frequently asked questions
Can two people play Charades?
Yes. Add two names and take turns being the guesser.
Does it work on Android and iPhone?
Yes, in any modern phone browser. Nothing needs installing and no motion sensors are used.
Does it include recent films and TV?
Yes. The film and TV decks run up to 2026 and the year slider lets you choose any range.
Do all players need the app?
No. It is played on a single phone that is passed around.