How To
How to Set Up a Drawing Game Night on Apple TV
Last updated: April 2026
Setting up a Pictionary-style drawing game night on Apple TV takes about 10 minutes. You need an iPhone or iPad running SketchParty TV ($5.99), a way to connect to your TV (Apple TV hardware, AirPlay-compatible smart TV, or HDMI adapter), and a group of 2–16 people. That's it — no extra controllers, no per-player subscriptions, no additional hardware.
This guide walks through every step from download to first draw, plus tips for running a smooth game and picking the right word list for your group.
What you'll need
- iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or later (the artist draws on this device)
- A TV or display — connected via Apple TV (any generation), AirPlay Mirroring to a compatible smart TV, or a Lightning/USB-C HDMI adapter
- SketchParty TV — $5.99 one-time purchase on the App Store
- Wi-Fi (for AirPlay) — or a wired HDMI connection if you're using an adapter
- 2–16 players — family, friends, classmates, coworkers
Optional: Apple Pencil for compatible iPads — makes drawing noticeably more precise and satisfying.
Step 1: Download SketchParty TV
Download SketchParty TV from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. The app costs $5.99 as of April 2026. The tvOS Display app — the part that shows the drawing on the TV — is bundled inside; you don't need to download anything separately on the Apple TV.
Once downloaded, open SketchParty TV and you'll land on the home screen where you can start a new game, edit word lists, or adjust settings.
Step 2: Connect your device to the TV
You have three options, in order of preferred experience:
Option A: Apple TV (recommended)
If you have an Apple TV box connected to your TV, SketchParty TV can communicate with it directly. Open the app, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your Apple TV from the list. The drawing will appear on the TV in real time with minimal latency. This is the best option.
Option B: AirPlay Mirroring to a smart TV
Many modern smart TVs support AirPlay 2 natively (Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and others). On your iPhone or iPad, swipe down to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV by name. Your iPad screen will mirror to the TV. Open SketchParty TV and start your game — the drawing canvas appears on the TV as you draw.
Option C: HDMI adapter (most reliable, no Wi-Fi needed)
Connect a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter (iPhone/older iPad) or USB-C Digital AV Adapter (iPad Pro, iPad Air 4+, or iPhone 15+) to your device, then run an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV. Your iPad screen mirrors directly to the TV with zero latency and no Wi-Fi required. The best option for situations where the Wi-Fi is unreliable.
Step 3: Choose or create a word list
SketchParty TV includes several themed word list packs you can use right away — General, Animals, Food, Travel, and more. For a more customized game, build your own list:
- Tap Word Lists on the home screen.
- Tap + or New List.
- Type your words — one word or phrase per line.
- Give the list a name and save it.
Alternatively, grab one of our free word lists — we have lists for kids, adults, ESL learners, STEM vocabulary, holidays, and movies & TV. Copy the words, paste them into the Word List Editor, and you're ready to play.
Tip: The editor shows a word count in the top-right corner. For a 6-player game with 3 words per turn and 2 rounds, you'll need at least 36 words to avoid repeats.
Step 4: Set up teams
From the home screen, tap New Game. Add player names by tapping the + button under each team. SketchParty TV supports 2–16 players split into two teams (up to 8 per team). You can name the teams anything — "Adults vs Kids," "Team Red vs Team Blue," or the actual names of the competing groups.
You don't need to seat teams in any particular arrangement. Players sit or stand wherever they're comfortable; anyone can call out guesses when it's their team's turn.
Step 5: Configure game settings
Before starting, review these settings to match your group:
- Number of rounds — 2–3 rounds works well for a 30–45 minute game with 6–10 players.
- Words per turn — 2–3 words per turn is standard. Fewer for younger players, more if your group is competitive.
- Drawing timer — 90 seconds is good for beginners or complex words. 60 seconds for experienced players or easy word lists. Shorter timers add pressure and comedy.
- Word list — Select the word list you prepared in Step 3.
Step 6: Play the game
Tap Start Game. The first artist gets the iPad, sees their word on screen, and begins drawing. Everyone else watches the TV and calls out guesses — the artist cannot speak, use letters, or draw numbers. When a teammate guesses the correct word, the artist taps the checkmark. The team scores a point, and the iPad passes to the next player.
SketchParty TV announces the correct answer aloud through text-to-speech after each round, so everyone knows the answer even if the time runs out before anyone guesses correctly.
Tips for a great game night
- Decide on house rules before you start. Can players use gestures as hints? Are sound effects allowed? Setting expectations upfront prevents arguments mid-game.
- Match the word list difficulty to your group. A list that's too easy is boring; too hard is frustrating. Mix difficulty levels if you have a wide age range — use 70% easy words and 30% hard ones.
- Use Apple Pencil if you have one. Even moderately complex drawings (like "skateboard" or "submarine") are much easier to communicate with Pencil than a finger.
- Keep the iPad screen hidden from non-artists. The artist should hold the iPad so only they can see the word. Everyone else watches the TV only.
- Replay funny drawings. After the game ends, you can scroll through the drawing history for each round — great for postgame laughs.
Quick FAQs
Does SketchParty TV require Wi-Fi?
Only if you're using AirPlay. If you use an HDMI adapter to connect to the TV, no Wi-Fi is needed at all.
Can I play without Apple TV hardware?
Yes. AirPlay Mirroring to a compatible smart TV and HDMI adapters both work. See gameplay requirements for the full list of supported setups.
How many people can play?
2–16 players, split into two teams (up to 8 per team), using just one iPhone or iPad.
Can I use my own words?
Yes — the built-in Word List Editor supports fully custom word lists. Or use one of our free word lists.
What iOS version is required?
SketchParty TV requires iOS 16 or later on iPhone or iPad (as of version 5.3.0, April 2026).