To play Jackbox on your smart TV, the easiest method depends on what hardware you already own, but in every case players use their phones as controllers by visiting Jackbox.TV. The game itself is not a single app you can install on most smart TVs, so you'll need to pick one of the methods below based on your setup, which often involve screen mirroring from a device you might also use to play video files on smart TV. If you want to play quiplash on smart TV, the same phone-as-controller setup applies, so start here first.
How to play Jackbox on your smart TV: an overview
Jackbox party games are designed to be displayed on a large screen while every player joins using their own phone, tablet, or computer as a controller. The TV shows the game's visuals and prompts, and players connect by going to a website. Because Jackbox games are not available as a standard app on most smart TV platforms, you have several options: install the Jackbox app on a compatible streaming device or TV, connect a gaming console, plug in a computer with an HDMI cable, or cast from a phone or tablet. All of these methods get the game onto your TV screen, and the joining process for players is always the same.
Method 1: Install the Jackbox app on a compatible streaming device or TV
Some smart TVs and streaming devices allow you to download the Jackbox app directly. This method is the most straightforward if you own a compatible device. The Jackbox app is available on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, certain Amazon Fire Sticks, Fire Cubes, and Android/Google TV devices. You simply open the device's app store, search for "Jackbox," and install it. A new cloud streaming beta for Google TV and Fire TV devices is also available, which lets you play games directly without downloading them to your device. This streaming service will initially offer a small collection of ad-supported games for free, with a full catalog coming later via subscription. Note that this direct app method does not work on Roku or Samsung or LG smart TV app stores, as Jackbox games are not available there.
Method 2: Play through a gaming console
If you already own a PlayStation (3, 4, or 5), Xbox (One, Series S, or Series X), or Nintendo Switch, this is often the simplest way to play Jackbox on your smart TV. Connect the console to your TV using an HDMI cable, then go to the console's digital store (PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, or Nintendo eShop) and purchase and download the Jackbox game you want. Once installed, launch the game from the console's home screen. The console handles all the processing, and your TV simply displays the game. This method is reliable and requires no additional hardware beyond what you already have for watching live TV on a smart TV.
Method 3: Connect a computer with an HDMI cable
You can play Jackbox on your smart TV by using a PC or Mac. First, buy the game on a platform like Steam, the Epic Games Store, or the Mac App Store. Then connect your computer to the TV using an HDMI cable. Depending on your computer, you may need to mirror or extend the display so the game appears on the TV screen. Once the game is running on the computer and visible on the TV, players can join using their phones. This method works with any smart TV that has an HDMI port, and it gives you access to the full library of Jackbox games available on PC.
Method 4: Cast or mirror your screen from a phone or tablet
If you have an Apple device, you can use AirPlay or Screen Mirroring from an iPad or Mac to an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV. On an iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, select "Screen Mirroring," and choose your TV. For Android devices, you can cast the screen to a Chromecast or other casting-enabled TV. In both cases, you must first launch a Jackbox game on the mobile device (purchased from the App Store or Google Play Store), then mirror the display to the TV. This method is convenient if you don't have a console or computer handy, but be aware that the game is running on your phone or tablet, so the device's battery and performance may be factors.
How players join the game on any setup
No matter which method you use to get the game on your TV, players always join the same way. The TV screen will display a unique four-letter room code. Each player opens a web browser on their own phone, tablet, or computer, goes to Jackbox.TV, and enters that code. No additional app download is required for players' devices. Once they enter the code, their device becomes their controller for the game. This universal joining process works with every Jackbox game and every setup method described above.
What to know before you start
Only one person needs to own the game for everyone else to join. Purchases are not transferable between platforms: a game bought on Steam cannot be used on an Xbox, and a game bought on PlayStation cannot be used on a Nintendo Switch. Jackbox games are not currently available on Roku or Chromebook/ChromeOS for purchase and play. When choosing a game for your group, consider the number of players and the type of humor or content, as some games are designed for smaller groups or may include adult themes. Always check the game's description before buying to ensure it fits your group's preferences.
