Free Connect Four games on Android usually go by names like 4 in a row or Four in a Row, since Connect 4 is a brand name. All ten here are free to install, and three listings say you can play offline, including pass and play on one phone.
Drop a counter, watch it fall, block your opponent's line. Connect Four takes seconds to learn and much longer to stop losing to the cousin who always grabs the middle column.
The apps below are four in a row games from Google Play, read listing by listing for the developer, installs, ads and in-app purchases labels, content rating and any offline wording. The rules don't change: get four of your colour in a line, across, up or diagonally.
Some are for two people sharing one screen, some pit you against the computer, and a couple add online play or puzzles. Every one shows a Contains ads label.
Board, labels and offline wording
| Game | Developer | Google Play installs | Ads / in-app purchases | Offline wording on the listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in a row | Quarzo Apps | 10M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| 4 in a row king | mobirix | 10M+ | Contains ads, no in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Four In A Row - Classic Board | OutOfTheBit Ltd | 1M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| 4 In A Row Board Game Connect | Dunje Game | 1M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'Fully playable offline, perfect for travel' |
| Four in a Row - 2 Player | The Angry Kraken | 1M+ | Contains ads, no in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Four in a Row Puzzles | Alberto Hernandez | 1M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Four in a row - Connect Online | DonkeyCat Games | 500K+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'join a game online or offline' |
| Four In A Row - Classic | Ignace | 100K+ | Contains ads, no in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| 4 In A Row: Tic Tac Toe | Bro Dots | 10K+ | Contains ads, no in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Connect Four:AI vs Player Game | KIRAN KUMAR REDDY DESHIDI | 100+ | Contains ads, no in-app purchases | 'No Wi-Fi or mobile data needed' |
Ten ways to drop four in a row
4 in a row
Quarzo Apps' classic version has added an online mode with leaderboards for playing people around the world. It has more than 10M installs.
4 in a row king
mobirix uses the standard 7 by 6 board, where two players drop pieces one at a time to make a straight line of four. It's rated Everyone 10+ and shows no in-app purchases label.
Four In A Row - Classic Board
OutOfTheBit's listing pitches it for a quick challenge whenever you've got a moment, and for teaching strategy to kids.
4 In A Row Board Game Connect
Dunje Game's app has a solo mode against an AI with difficulty levels, plus pass and play for two on one device. The listing says it's fully playable offline.
Four in a Row - 2 Player
The Angry Kraken built this one around playing friends and family, and it shows no in-app purchases label.
Four in a Row Puzzles
Alberto Hernandez's app is something different: a set of puzzles that teach four in a row strategy, with different rulesets and board options.
Four in a row - Connect Online
DonkeyCat Games lets you choose between online and offline games, including offline multiplayer. The listing also lists Four Up and Captain's Mistress among the game's other names.
Four In A Row - Classic
Ignace's straightforward version is about connecting four chips across, up or diagonally. Its listing shows the last update in Oct 2022, so it's older than the rest.
4 In A Row: Tic Tac Toe
Despite the name, Bro Dots' game is four in a row with online multiplayer for playing friends. It's a small one, with 10K+ installs.
Connect Four:AI vs Player Game
The smallest here, with 100+ installs, adds 3D graphics and AI difficulty levels. Its listing says no Wi-Fi or mobile data is needed.
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Why the middle column matters
- Take the centre column early. It's part of more possible lines than any other.
- Watch the diagonals; they're the lines people miss.
- Before every move, check whether your opponent can win on their next turn.
- Try to build two threats at once, so they can only block one.
- Think about which row a threat sits on, because some spaces can only be filled late in the game.
Four in a Row Puzzles is the app to try if you want to get better on purpose. Solving set positions teaches you to spot these patterns far faster than playing game after game.
Pass and play, computer or online
Pass and play means two people take turns on one phone or tablet. It's the closest thing to the plastic frame on the kitchen table, and 4 In A Row Board Game Connect, Four in a Row - 2 Player and DonkeyCat's offline multiplayer all offer it.
Playing the computer suits a quiet five minutes, and most apps let you pick a difficulty. Online modes, in Quarzo's 4 in a row, Four in a row - Connect Online and 4 In A Row: Tic Tac Toe, match you with other players and need a connection.
From the app back to the table
Four in a row is a gateway to bigger thinking games, and my guide to strategy board games shows where to go next.
If competitive games end in tears at your house, cooperative board games put everyone on the same side for a change.
And for the family favourites that sit beside Connect Four on the shelf, here are my timeless classic board games for every age.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free Connect Four app?
Connect Four is a brand name, so most apps use names like 4 in a row. All ten here are free to install from Google Play.
Can I play Connect Four offline?
4 In A Row Board Game Connect, Four in a row - Connect Online and Connect Four:AI vs Player Game all say they work offline.
Can two people play on one phone?
Yes. 4 In A Row Board Game Connect has pass and play, Four in a Row - 2 Player is built for friends and family, and DonkeyCat's app offers offline multiplayer.
How do you win Connect Four?
Get four of your pieces in a straight line, across, up or diagonally, before your opponent does. Taking the middle column early helps.
Do Connect Four apps have ads?
Every app here shows a Contains ads label. Several also list in-app purchases.
Are these apps OK for kids?
Nine are rated Everyone and 4 in a row king is rated Everyone 10+. Turn on password approval in Google Play before handing one over.
