Find the game code or room link your friend sends you

When your friend starts a Skribbl game on a public server, they can share it with you in two ways. The easiest is a direct link — they click the share button in their game lobby and send you the URL. The other way is a room code, which is a short string of numbers and letters that appears at the top of the game screen.

Ask your friend which one they're sending. If they send a link, you can click it directly and skip to the next step. If they send only the code, you'll need to enter it manually on the Skribbl home page.

Key Takeaways

  • Your friend can share a direct link or a room code — both work, but a link is faster because you don't have to type anything.
  • If you receive a room code, go to skribbl.io, click "Enter Code," and paste the code into the box that appears.
  • You do not need to create an account or read anything to play Skribbl with friends on public servers.
  • If the room is full or the game has already started, you may not be able to join — ask your friend to create a new game or wait for the next round.

Click the link or enter the code on the Skribbl home page

If your friend sent you a direct link, open it in your web browser. You'll land on the game lobby for that specific room, and you can move straight to the next step.

If your friend sent you only the room code, go to skribbl.io in your browser. On the home page, you'll see a button that says "Enter Code." Click it, then paste or type the code your friend gave you into the text box. Press Enter or click the button to join.

Choose a username and join the game

Once you're in the lobby, you'll see a text field asking for a username. Type whatever name you want to appear during the game — it can be your real name, a nickname, or anything else. This name is only for that game session and doesn't create an account.

After you enter your username, click the button to join the room. You'll now appear in the player list on the left side of the screen, and your friend will see you've arrived. If the game hasn't started yet, you can chat with other players while you wait.

Wait for the game to start or the next round to begin

If the game is already in progress, you'll watch the current round and see the drawings and guesses happening. You won't be able to draw or guess in that round, but you can see the scores and chat.

When the round ends, you'll be added to the next round automatically. If the room is full (the maximum is usually 12 to 16 players depending on the server settings), you may not be able to join until someone leaves. If that happens, ask your friend to create a new game instead.

What to do if the room code doesn't work

Room codes expire or become invalid if the game ends or your friend closes the lobby. If you get an error message saying the code is invalid or the room doesn't exist, ask your friend to send you a new link or create a fresh game.

If the link your friend sent works but you can't join because the room is full, the only option is to wait for someone to leave or ask your friend to start a new game with a higher player limit if the server allows it.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you're on the lobby page but the "Join" button won't work, refresh your browser page and try again. Sometimes the connection takes a moment to establish. Make sure you've typed a username — the game won't let you join without one.

If you can see the game but your drawings or guesses aren't showing up, check your internet connection. A weak connection can cause lag. You can also try closing the tab and rejoining using the code or link your friend provides again.

Skribbl works in any modern web browser on desktop, tablet, or phone. If you're on a phone and the interface looks cramped, try rotating your screen to landscape mode for more space to draw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create a Skribbl account to play with friends?

No. Skribbl is free and requires no account, read, or sign-up. You enter a username each time you join a game, and that's all you need.

Can I join a game that's already started?

Yes, you can join and watch the current round. You'll start drawing and guessing in the next round once the current one finishes. If the room is full, you'll have to wait for someone to leave.

What if my friend's game code expires?

Room codes stop working once the game ends or the lobby closes. Ask your friend to create a new game and send you the new code or link. It only takes a few seconds.

Can I play Skribbl on my phone?

Yes. Open the link or go to skribbl.io in your phone's web browser. The game works on mobile, though drawing with your finger is harder than with a mouse. Landscape mode gives you more space.

Why can't I see my friend's game when they send me the code?

The code may have expired if too much time passed between when they sent it and when you tried to use it. Ask them to send you a fresh code or link. Also check that you're typing the code exactly as they wrote it — codes are case-sensitive.