How offline card games work without Wi-Fi
What an offline card game does on your phone when there is no connection, what to check before you install, and what happens to your progress.
An offline card game is simple in principle. The deck, the bots and the rules all live on your phone. You can play a full hand on a plane or in a basement with no signal. In practice, the details matter, so here is what to expect.
What runs on the phone
The shuffle, the deal, the bots and the scoring all run on the device. Nothing has to be sent to a server to play a hand. That is why an offline game still works when the connection drops in the middle of a round.
Where your progress lives
Progress is stored on the phone in an offline game. If you change phones, check the game's settings and the store listing for how to move it. Do not assume it will follow you automatically.
What to check before you install
Look for the word offline on the store page. Check whether an account is required. Check whether ads or purchases appear during play. Our offline card game guide lists apps from three studios and what to check on each listing.
Updates still need a connection
An offline app may still download updates when you have a connection. That is normal, and it is not the same as needing a connection to play a hand.
Questions people ask
What does offline mean for a card game?
The rules, the bots and the game state all run on the phone. Nothing has to be sent to a server to deal a hand.
Where is my progress saved?
On the phone, in an offline game. Check the store listing and the game's settings if you change phones.
Why do some games need a connection?
Multiplayer games need one, because the other players are elsewhere. An offline game against bots does not.
Can I play offline with friends?
Usually on the same device, or against bots. Most of the apps in our guides play against bots.
What should I check on the store page?
The word offline, whether an account is required, and whether ads or purchases are offered.
Do offline games use data?
Not during play. An app may still download updates when you have a connection.