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The simplest setup is to run Jackbox on a compatible computer, console, Apple TV, Fire TV device, or supported iPad, then display that device on your television. Your phone normally does not run the game. Instead, each player opens jackbox.tv in a browser, enters the four-letter room code shown on the TV, and uses the phone as a controller.
You need only one copy of the game for the host. Players do not need separate purchases, Jackbox accounts, or a dedicated controller app. Jackbox’s official setup guidance explains the basic arrangement.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Jackbox Party Pack 3 | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![The Jackbox Party Pack 3 - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517DTNm6uRL._SL160_.jpg)
|
The Jackbox Party Pack 3 - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
The Jackbox Party Pack | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
The Jackbox Party Pack 7 - Nintendo Switch | $44.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
The Jackbox Party Pack 7 | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Choose the easiest setup for what you already own
| What you have | Recommended method | Important caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop or desktop | Connect it to the TV with HDMI | The game stays installed on the computer |
| Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or PlayStation | Buy the exact title from that console’s store | Purchases do not generally transfer between platforms |
| Apple TV | Install a title that has an Apple TV version | Availability differs by Party Pack |
| Fire TV | Check the Amazon Appstore for the exact title | Not every Jackbox release supports Fire TV |
| Compatible iPad | Mirror it with AirPlay or an HDMI adapter | The particular game must have an iPad version |
| Smart TV only | Use an external device or computer | Do not assume the TV’s built-in app store supports Jackbox |
In most homes, the best value is to use an existing laptop or console. Buying a new device solely for Jackbox is usually unnecessary.
Method 1: Use a laptop or desktop with HDMI
This is often the most flexible option because it works with computer versions sold through stores such as Steam and Epic Games Store.
#1 Best Overall
- For 1-8 players, plus a participating Audience of up to 10,000!
- Your phones or tablets are your controllers!
- 5 fun party games included:
- Quiplash 2 (3-8 players)
- Trivia Murder Party (1-8 players)
- Buy and install the Jackbox title on a compatible Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. For Steam, install Steam, purchase the game, and install it from your Steam library. See Jackbox’s Steam instructions.
- Connect the computer’s HDMI output to an HDMI input on the TV.
- Turn on the TV and select the HDMI input that the computer is using.
- Set the computer to mirror its display, or move the Jackbox window onto the TV if you are using an extended desktop.
- Launch Jackbox and keep the game screen visible on the TV.
- Use a separate phone or tablet to join the game as the host.
If the laptop setup does not work
- No picture: Select the correct HDMI input and check that the cable is firmly connected.
- You see the desktop but not Jackbox: Move the game window to the TV or enable display mirroring in the computer’s display settings.
- Sound remains on the laptop: Choose the TV as the computer’s audio output.
- The game was bought on Steam: A Steam purchase remains a computer license. It does not appear inside the TV’s app store or become a console version; connect the computer to the TV instead.
The HDMI cable carries the computer’s picture and sound. It does not contain or install the game.
Method 2: Use Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or PlayStation
- Open the console’s digital game store.
- Search for the exact Jackbox game or Party Pack.
- Buy and download the console version.
- Connect the console to the TV with HDMI and select the appropriate TV input.
- Launch the game on the console.
- Have players join from their phones at jackbox.tv.
Check the individual product page before buying. Not every Party Pack is available on every platform, and a purchase made for Steam, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, or another marketplace generally cannot be transferred to a different platform. Jackbox documents the platform-transfer rules here.
Method 3: Use Apple TV or an iPad
Native Apple TV version
If the particular Party Pack has an Apple TV version:
- Open the App Store on Apple TV.
- Search for the exact Jackbox title.
- Buy or download it if it is listed for Apple TV.
- Launch it on the television.
- Join from phones at jackbox.tv.
Availability is title-specific. For example, the official Party Pack 11 page lists Apple TV and iPad, and the U.S. App Store listing confirms availability for Apple TV, iPad, and Mac.
Apple TV navigation can be awkward in some menus with the newer Siri Remote. Try swiping on the remote’s touch surface, using the outer-ring buttons, or using the Apple TV Remote app on an iPhone or iPad. Jackbox describes these options in its Apple TV remote support article.
Mirror a compatible iPad
- Confirm that the Jackbox title has an iPad version.
- Put the iPad and Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Control Center on the iPad and select Screen Mirroring.
- Choose the Apple TV or compatible TV.
- Open Jackbox on the iPad and use the TV as the shared display.
You can also use a Lightning-to-HDMI or USB-C-to-HDMI adapter, depending on the iPad model. Jackbox provides AirPlay, mirroring, and wired-adapter guidance.
Some Apple purchases are universal across Mac, iPad, and Apple TV. Jackbox says this applies to Party Packs 7 through 11, The Jackbox Party Starter, and The Jackbox Naughty Pack. This is an Apple storefront exception, not a license that transfers to Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Method 4: Use Amazon Fire TV
- Open the Amazon Appstore on the Fire TV device.
- Search for the exact game or Party Pack.
- Install or purchase it if it is listed.
- Launch the game on the TV.
- Have players join at jackbox.tv.
Fire TV support varies by release. For example, the official Party Pack 9 page lists Amazon Fire TV, while the displayed platform list for Party Pack 11 does not. Always check the individual game page rather than assuming every Party Pack works on Fire TV.
Rank #3
- For 1-100 players!
- Your phones or tablets are your controllers!
- 5 Fun Party Games Included:
- YOU DON’T NOW JACK 2015 (1-4 players)
- Fibbage XL (2-8 players)
If Fire TV performance is poor, try restarting the device, force-stopping the game, clearing its cache, or freeing storage. Jackbox’s technical-support section includes Fire TV troubleshooting.
Can Jackbox run directly on a smart TV?
Not necessarily. A smart TV can display Jackbox from an HDMI-connected computer or console, but its built-in operating system may not support the game itself. Smart-TV app-store support is determined by the exact TV platform and the exact Jackbox title.
Do not assume that a Samsung, LG, Roku, Google TV, or other smart TV can run Jackbox natively. Jackbox specifically says it is not currently on Roku and notes that some smart TVs cannot find its games in their app stores. If you have only a smart TV, use a laptop, console, compatible Apple TV, Fire TV device, or supported iPad instead.
How players join the game
- Wait for the Jackbox lobby to appear on the TV.
- Each player opens an updated browser and visits jackbox.tv.
- Players enter the four-letter room code shown on the TV.
- They enter a player name and select Play.
Each player should use a separate phone, tablet, or computer. The host should also join from a separate device because the device running the game normally cannot be used to enter the host’s answers. Players do not need a Jackbox account, a separate game copy, or a dedicated controller app.
Rank #4
- The say-anything threequel Quiplash 3 (3-8 players). It's a head-to-head battle of the wits as you give hilarious responses to quirky prompts while everyone else votes for their favorite!
- The collaborative chaos game The Devils and the Details (3-8 players). You're a family of devils working together to survive in suburbia. Can you handle the daily torture of human life?
- he drawing fighting game Champ'd Up (3-8 players). Create absurd characters that will battle over unusual titles. Can you take down the heavy favorite?
- he on-the-spot public-speaking game Talking Points (3-8 players). Give a speech responding to picture slides you've never seen before or be the Assistant and approve pictures as fast as you can. Just keep talking whether it makes sense or not.
- The pop culture guessing game Blather Round (2-6 players). Describe your secret prompt with a very limited vocabulary and hope that someone can figure it out in time. It's a “GOOD” “FUN TIME” “EXPERIENCE.”
Browser requirements
Jackbox’s current controller guidance lists these minimum browser versions:
- Microsoft Edge 79 or later
- Mozilla Firefox 75 or later
- Google Chrome 79 or later
- Apple Safari 13.1 or later
- Opera 66 or later
- iOS Safari 13.4 or later
- Android Browser 101 or later
- Android Chrome 101 or later
Use an updated browser with cookies, JavaScript, web sockets, and HTML5 enabled. One browser on one device supports one player, so do not try to use one phone for several people.
Before the party: a quick checklist
- Install and update the game before guests arrive.
- Confirm that the exact title supports your chosen platform.
- Test the TV input, picture, and sound.
- Charge the host’s phone and ask players to bring browser-capable phones.
- Test the Wi-Fi connection at the playing location.
- Keep the room code visible on the TV.
- Check the game’s player and audience limits; audience members do not necessarily count as full players.
- Review any available content, moderation, or family-safety settings.
Troubleshooting
Players cannot join
- Confirm the TV shows the live lobby and current room code.
- Make sure everyone is visiting jackbox.tv, not a similarly named website.
- Re-enter the four-letter code carefully.
- Refresh the browser.
- Try current Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox.
- Check Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.
- Temporarily disable a VPN if it appears to block the connection.
- Confirm cookies, JavaScript, and web sockets are available.
- Restart the game or host device.
If several players fail at the same time after these steps, the problem may involve the local network or a service outage. Check Jackbox support for current service information.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
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The game is visible but crashes or runs slowly
Restart the host device, close unnecessary applications, and install available game and system updates. On Fire TV, force-stop the app, clear its cache, restart the device, and free storage if necessary. A title’s hardware requirements can vary, so check its official product and support pages.
Best Value
- 1) The say-anything threequel Quiplash 3 (3-8 players). It's a head-to-head battle of the wits as you give hilarious responses to quirky prompts while everyone else votes for their favorite!
- 2) The collaborative chaos game The Devils and the Details (3-8 players). You're a family of devils working together to survive in suburbia. Can you handle the daily torture of human life?
- 3) The drawing fighting game Champ’d Up (3-8 players). Create absurd characters that will battle over unusual titles. Can you take down the heavy favorite?
- 4) The on-the-spot public-speaking game Talking Points (3-8 players). Give a speech responding to picture slides you’ve never seen before or be the Assistant and approve pictures as fast as you can. Just keep talking whether it makes sense or not.
- 5) The pop culture guessing game Blather Round (2-6 players). Describe your secret prompt with a very limited vocabulary and hope that someone can figure it out in time. It’s a “GOOD” “FUN TIME” “EXPERIENCE.”
Remote play
Jackbox can work with people in different locations, but remote players need two things: a way to see the host’s game screen, such as screen sharing, and a separate browser-capable device for jackbox.tv. The host still runs the game locally on a compatible computer, console, Apple TV, Fire TV device, or supported iPad.
What should you buy?
Choose the platform you already own whenever possible. A laptop plus HDMI is usually the broadest and least expensive route, while an existing console is typically the most straightforward living-room setup. Apple TV, Fire TV, and iPad options are convenient only when the exact title supports them.
As a dated example, the official Party Pack 11 page displayed U.S. prices on August 16, 2026 of $29.99 for Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, and Apple TV/iPad, and $23.99 for the Epic Games Store. These are not permanent prices; sales, taxes, regional pricing, bundles, and storefront promotions can change the checkout amount.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDo not buy multiple copies for a local party. One host copy is normally enough, and players use their phones as controllers. Also avoid buying a new smart TV specifically for Jackbox: an HDMI-connected computer or a compatible device is the more dependable solution.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
