The basic setup: what you need before you start

Just Dance Now streams from your phone or tablet to your TV, so you need three things: the Just Dance Now app on a mobile device, a TV with an HDMI port or a wireless casting device, and both devices on the same WiFi network. The app itself is free to read, though some songs require a paid subscription. Your TV does not need to be a smart TV — any TV with HDMI works if you use a casting device like Chromecast or Fire Stick.

Before you open the app, check that your phone or tablet is fully charged or plugged in. Just Dance Now uses your device's camera to track your movement, so you will be holding it or propping it up during play. A low battery mid-game is frustrating and breaks your streak.

Key Takeaways

  • Just Dance Now requires the free app on your phone or tablet, a TV with HDMI or a wireless casting device, and all devices connected to the same WiFi network.
  • The app uses your phone's camera to track your dancing, so you cannot put the device down — keep it charged and positioned where it can see your full body.
  • To cast to your TV, open the app, tap the cast icon (usually in the top corner), and select your TV or casting device from the list that appears.
  • If your TV does not appear in the cast list, restart your phone and TV, then check that both are on the same WiFi network.
  • Some songs are free to play, but a subscription unlocks the full song library and removes ads between songs.

read and open Just Dance Now on your phone or tablet

Go to the App Store (iPhone or iPad) or Google Play Store (Android phone or tablet) and search for "Just Dance Now". Tap the official app published by Ubisoft — there are other dance apps with similar names, so check the publisher. Tap the read button, wait for installation to finish, then open the app.

When you open Just Dance Now for the first time, you will be asked to sign in or create an account. You can use a Google account, Facebook account, or email address. This account saves your scores and progress across devices, so use the same login on any device you play from.

Connect your phone to the same WiFi as your TV

Your phone and TV must be on the same WiFi network for casting to work. Open your phone's WiFi settings and select the same network your TV is connected to. If you do not know which network your TV uses, check your TV remote or settings menu — most TVs show the connected network in the network or WiFi settings section.

If your TV is not yet connected to WiFi, use your TV remote to go to Settings, then Network or WiFi, and select your home network. Enter your WiFi password if prompted. Wait for the connection to complete before moving to the next step.

Cast Just Dance Now from your phone to your TV

Open Just Dance Now on your phone and look for the cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the top right or top left corner of the app screen. Tap it. A list of available devices will appear, showing your TV by name or your casting device (Chromecast, Fire Stick, etc.). Tap your TV or device name.

The app will connect to your TV. You should see the Just Dance Now menu appear on your TV screen within a few seconds. Your phone screen will show a smaller version of what is on the TV, plus controls for selecting songs and starting the game. The TV is now your main display, and your phone is your controller and movement tracker.

Troubleshooting when your TV does not appear in the cast list

If you tap the cast icon and your TV is not listed, the most common cause is that your phone and TV are on different WiFi networks. Double-check your phone's WiFi settings — it should show the same network name as your TV. If your home has a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with different names, try connecting your phone to the same band your TV is using.

If both devices are on the same network and your TV still does not appear, restart both devices. Turn off your phone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same with your TV using the power button on the remote or the TV itself. Open Just Dance Now again and check the cast list.

If your TV has a casting feature built in (Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, etc.), you may also be able to cast directly without a separate device. Check your TV remote for a button labeled "Cast" or "Screen Mirroring" and follow your TV's instructions. Some TVs require you to enable casting in the settings menu first.

Starting a song and understanding what your phone does during play

Once the app is on your TV, use your phone to browse songs and select one. Tap the song title, then tap "Start" or the play button. The song will begin on your TV, and your phone's camera will track your movement. Hold your phone at chest height or prop it up on a stand so the camera can see your full body from head to knees.

Your phone screen shows your score, the moves you are performing, and feedback on your timing. The TV shows the dancer demonstrating the moves and your score. You do not need to look at your phone constantly — glance at it for feedback, but watch the TV dancer to learn the steps.

Subscription and song access

Just Dance Now includes a rotating selection of free songs that change regularly. If you want access to the full song library without waiting for rotation, a subscription is available through the app. The subscription cost varies by region and whether you choose monthly or annual billing. You can also purchase individual songs if you only want a few specific tracks.

Free songs are marked with a "Free" label in the song list. Subscription songs show a lock icon. Tap a locked song to see the subscription options. You can play a 30-second preview of any song before paying or subscribing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a smart TV to play Just Dance Now?

No. Any TV with an HDMI port works if you have a casting device like Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV. If your TV has built-in casting (Samsung, LG, Sony), you can cast directly without a separate device. Check your TV manual or remote to see if casting is built in.

Can I use a tablet instead of a phone?

Yes. Just Dance Now works on any phone or tablet running iOS or Android. Tablets are actually easier to hold during play because they are larger and easier to position so the camera sees your full body.

What if my WiFi is slow or keeps dropping?

Just Dance Now needs a stable connection to track your movement and sync with your TV. If your WiFi is unreliable, move your phone and TV closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, try playing on a different WiFi network if available, or contact your internet provider.

Can multiple people dance at the same time?

Just Dance Now is designed for one person per phone. If you want multiple players, each person needs their own phone or tablet running the app, and each device casts to the same TV. The TV will show all players' scores and movements side by side.

Why is the camera not tracking my movement?

Make sure your phone's camera lens is clean and not blocked. Position the phone so it can see your full body from head to knees — if you are too close or too far away, tracking will not work. Check that you have given the Just Dance Now app permission to use your camera. Go to your phone's Settings, find the app permissions section, and make sure Just Dance Now has camera access enabled.