What games are available in iMessage and how to access them
iMessage has a built-in games app that lets you play directly in your conversations without leaving the app. The games available depend on your iPhone or iPad model and iOS version, but common options include chess, 20 Questions, Dice, Anagrams, and Hangman. You access them through the App Drawer — a row of app icons that appears above your keyboard when you open a conversation.
Apple does not call this "downloading" because the games come pre-installed on your device. You are not visiting an app store or paying for anything. You simply open them from within iMessage and start playing against the person you are messaging.
Key Takeaways
- iMessage games are accessed through the App Drawer, which appears as a row of icons above your keyboard in any conversation.
- The games available vary by device and iOS version, but common ones include chess, 20 Questions, Dice, and Anagrams.
- You do not need to download or install anything — the games are already on your device and ready to use.
- Both players need iMessage enabled and must be using Apple devices to play together.
Opening the App Drawer in iMessage
Start a conversation with someone or open an existing one. Look at the bottom of the screen where you type your message. To the left of the text field, you will see a row of app icons. If you do not see them, tap the arrow button (it looks like a small triangle pointing left) at the far left of the keyboard area. This opens the App Drawer.
The App Drawer shows all the apps and games available for iMessage on your device. Swipe left or right through the icons to see more options. Each icon represents a different game or app you can use within the conversation.
Finding and opening a specific game
Once the App Drawer is open, look for the game you want to play. Chess appears as a chess piece icon, Dice shows a die, Anagrams shows letter tiles, and Hangman shows a gallows. Tap the icon for the game you want. The game will open in a small window within your conversation.
If you do not see a game you expected, it may not be available on your iOS version or device. Older iPhones and iPads may have fewer games than newer models. You can also check the App Store to see if third-party games designed for iMessage are available — these work the same way but come from outside developers.
Playing a game with another person
When you open a game, you will see the game board or interface. Tap "Send" or the send button to invite the other person to play. They will receive a notification in the conversation that you have started a game. They tap the game notification to accept and join.
Once both players are in the game, you take turns making moves. The game keeps track of whose turn it is and shows the current state of the board. You can continue the conversation while playing — the game sits alongside your messages in the same thread.
What to do if you do not see the App Drawer
If the App Drawer is not visible, make sure iMessage is turned on. Go to Settings, tap Messages, and confirm that iMessage is enabled. If it is off, turn it on and wait a moment for it to activate.
If iMessage is on but you still do not see the App Drawer, try closing the Messages app completely and opening it again. On some devices, the App Drawer only appears when you have an active conversation open. Make sure you are inside a conversation thread, not just looking at your list of contacts.
Adding third-party games from the App Store
Beyond the built-in games, developers have created games specifically for iMessage that you can find in the App Store. Open the App Store, search for "iMessage games," and look for apps marked as compatible with iMessage. When you install one of these apps, it will appear in your App Drawer alongside the built-in games.
Third-party games work the same way as the built-in ones — you open them from the App Drawer, send an invite to another person, and play in your conversation. Some are free, and some cost money. Check the price and reviews before installing.
Why a game might not work or appear
Games require both people to have iMessage enabled and to be using Apple devices. If you are messaging someone with an Android phone, iMessage games will not work — the conversation will use regular SMS or internet messaging instead, which does not support games.
If a game crashes or does not load, try closing the conversation and opening it again. If a game you installed from the App Store does not appear in your App Drawer, go back to the App Store, find the app, and make sure it is set to work with iMessage. Some apps have a toggle in their settings that controls whether they appear in iMessage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both people need to have the same iOS version to play together?
Not exactly, but both people need to be on reasonably recent iOS versions. If one person is on a very old iOS version, some games may not work. The safest approach is to keep both devices updated to the latest iOS available for that device.
Can I play iMessage games on an iPad or Mac?
Yes. iPad has iMessage and the same App Drawer, so you can play games there. On Mac, you can play games through the Messages app if you have iMessage set up. The process is the same — open a conversation and access the App Drawer.
What happens if I close the game before finishing?
The game is saved. You can come back to it later by opening the same conversation and tapping the game notification or message. The board state and whose turn it is will be exactly where you left off.
Are there games I can play alone in iMessage?
Most iMessage games require two players. However, some third-party games from the App Store may have single-player modes. Check the app description in the App Store to see if a game offers solo play.
Why can't I see games in iMessage on my iPhone?
The most common reason is that iMessage is not turned on. Go to Settings, Messages, and toggle iMessage on. If it is already on, try restarting your iPhone. If you are using a very old iPhone model, some games may not be available on that device.