How to play
- Set the number of players and press Start new game.
- Player 1 taps Reveal, memorizes their card, then taps Hide & pass.
- Repeat until everyone has seen their card.
- Going around the circle, each player says one word linked to the secret word. Be specific enough to prove you know it, but vague enough not to give it away.
- After one or two rounds, vote. Then tap Reveal the answer.
Tips for the imposter
- Listen carefully to early clues and give a safe, general word.
- Act confident; hesitation is the biggest giveaway.
- If caught, use the clues you heard to guess the word for a comeback win.
More party games: charades, Pictionary and the random team generator.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How does the imposter word game work?
Everyone gets the same secret word except the imposter, who only sees "You are the imposter" (and optionally the category). Players take turns saying one word related to the secret word. Then everyone votes on who they think the imposter is.
How do I pass the phone around?
Enter the number of players and press Start. Each player taps "Reveal" to see their role privately, then taps "Hide & pass" before handing the phone to the next person.
How does the imposter win?
The imposter wins by not being voted out, or by correctly guessing the secret word after being caught. Everyone else wins by finding the imposter.
How many players do I need?
At least three, but it is most fun with five to ten. With bigger groups, turn on two imposters.
Should the imposter see the category?
Showing the category gives the imposter a fair chance to bluff, which makes the game more fun. Turn it off for a harder challenge.