- UNO and UNO-style apps: what the listings say about offline play
- UNO! versus UNO Wonder: the offline difference
- Seven UNO-style card games to consider
- Playing UNO with friends when there's no internet
- Ads and in-app purchases in UNO apps
- Setting up an UNO-style game for offline play
- More card games for no-signal moments
- My take on UNO offline
- Frequently asked questions
Not with every UNO app: Mattel's main UNO! app is built around playing online with friends and makes no offline promise, while Mattel's solo game UNO Wonder says on its listing that you can play with no Wi-Fi. Several Crazy Eights apps, the game UNO grew from, also say they play offline.
UNO is the card game every family owns, usually with a few cards missing. On a phone it's handy for journeys, but there's a catch most people only discover on the plane: the main UNO app from Mattel is designed for playing with other people online, and its listing doesn't promise offline play at all.
So I looked at the whole family of Mattel card games on Google Play, plus the best-known Crazy Eights apps, which is the traditional game UNO is based on. Here's what each listing says about playing without the internet, in no particular order.
UNO and UNO-style apps: what the listings say about offline play
| Card game app | Developer | Google Play installs | Ads / in-app purchases | Offline wording |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNO! | Mattel Game Studios HK Limited | 100M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | No offline statement; built around playing with friends |
| UNO Wonder | Mattel Game Studios HK Limited | 10M+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | 'No Wi-Fi? No problem!' |
| Phase 10: Casual Card Game | Mattel Game Studios HK Limited | 10M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'PLAY OFFLINE' |
| Skip-Bo: Solitaire Card Game | Mattel Game Studios HK Limited | 10M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'Play offline anywhere at all' |
| Crazy Eights (MobilityWare) | MobilityWare | 1M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'Solo in offline game mode' |
| Crazy Eights: the card game (LITE Games) | LITE Games | 5M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'Play offline and online' |
| Crazy Eights Card Game (Clockwatchers) | Clockwatchers Inc | 100K+ | Contains ads, no in-app purchases | 'Internet is not required!' |
UNO! versus UNO Wonder: the offline difference
Mattel makes two UNO apps, and they're built for different situations. UNO! is the social one: the listing talks about partnering up in 2v2 mode, connecting with family and friends around the world, clubs and chat. There's no offline wording anywhere on it. UNO Wonder is the solo one, and its listing answers the offline question directly with 'No Wi-Fi? No problem!' If you want UNO on a flight, UNO Wonder is the app to install.
Seven UNO-style card games to consider
UNO!
Mattel's main UNO app, with more than 100M installs. Its listing is all about connecting with friends and family around the world, 2v2 games and clubs, and it says nothing about offline play.
UNO Wonder
Mattel's solo UNO adventure. The listing says it's perfect for solo play and answers the offline question directly, with more than 3,000 levels against bosses.
Phase 10: Casual Card Game
Another Mattel card game in the same family, built around completing phases. Its listing says plainly that you can play offline.
Skip-Bo: Solitaire Card Game
Mattel's Skip-Bo, which its listing says you can play offline anywhere, or online against real opponents.
Crazy Eights (MobilityWare)
Crazy Eights is the traditional card game UNO grew from, and this app offers multiplayer or solo play in an offline mode.
Crazy Eights: the card game (LITE Games)
More than 5M installs, with offline and online play and no extra registration needed, according to its listing. Google Play rates it Mature 17+, so check that before handing it to a child.
Crazy Eights Card Game (Clockwatchers)
Says outright that internet isn't required. It shows the Contains ads label but no in-app purchases label.
Playing UNO with friends when there's no internet
Here's the honest limitation: the offline modes these listings describe are mostly solo play against the computer. If you want a full group game in a holiday cottage with no broadband, the best UNO is still the physical deck. It's small, it travels well, and nobody's battery dies halfway through a round. If you do play on a phone, Crazy Eights apps with a solo offline mode are a good way to keep the rules fresh.
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Whichever way you play, agree the rules first. Stacking draw cards, jumping in and swapping hands on sevens and zeros are all house rules that cause arguments. My guide to UNO rules and the most common house rules covers the official rules and the most popular variations.
Ads and in-app purchases in UNO apps
Every app here shows in-app purchases on Google Play except the Clockwatchers Crazy Eights app, and every one shows the Contains ads label except UNO Wonder. That makes UNO Wonder the calmer choice for a solo flight, and Clockwatchers' Crazy Eights the one without a shop. If a child is playing, switch off in-app purchases in the phone's settings either way.
Setting up an UNO-style game for offline play
- Install the app at home and open it once on wifi.
- Play a solo game, then turn on airplane mode and start another to check it works.
- Look in settings for house rules and set them before you travel.
- Keep a physical UNO deck in your bag for group games. It's the one version that works anywhere.
More card games for no-signal moments
If you're travelling as a pair, card games for two players give you plenty of variety beyond UNO. And for a family evening with a single tablet, offline board game apps for family night include games you can pass around the table.
My take on UNO offline
If you search the store for UNO and install the first result, you'll get UNO!, which is designed for playing online with friends and makes no offline promise. For a flight or a car journey, install UNO Wonder instead, or one of the Crazy Eights apps that say they work offline. And for a group with no internet, pack the real cards.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play UNO offline?
With UNO Wonder, yes: its Google Play listing says you can play with no Wi-Fi. The main UNO! app doesn't mention offline play.
What's the difference between UNO! and UNO Wonder?
UNO! is Mattel's social app for playing with friends online. UNO Wonder is a solo adventure with levels and bosses that its listing says works without Wi-Fi.
Is Crazy Eights the same as UNO?
UNO is based on the traditional card game Crazy Eights, so the core idea of matching colour or number is very similar.
Can I play UNO with friends without internet?
The offline modes on these listings are mostly solo against the computer. For a group with no internet, a physical UNO deck is the reliable option.
Do UNO apps have ads?
UNO! and most Crazy Eights apps show the Contains ads label on Google Play. UNO Wonder doesn't.
