How to Play 4 in a Row Online with Friends
To play 4 in a Row online with a friend, open 4 in a Row on GameLake, tap Online, choose Play a friend and send them the link. The game starts as soon as they open it, on any phone or computer. You take turns dropping discs, each with a 45-second clock, and the first to line up four wins. It's free and neither of you needs an account.
Invite a friend, step by step
4 in a Row is the classic disc-dropping game that many people know as Connect 4. GameLake lets you play it against Hop the frog, against a friend on the same screen, or against a friend somewhere else at an online table:
- Open 4 in a Row and tap Online next to Easy, Medium, Hard and 2 players.
- Choose Play a friend. GameLake opens a private table and shows a link.
- Tap Share to send it through any chat app, or Copy link. Your friend's preview says something like "Pebble204 invited you to play 4 in a Row".
- Your friend taps the link and lands straight at your table in their browser.
- The game starts right away. You make the first move, and the first move swaps every game after that.
Sitting next to each other? You don't need the internet part at all: choose 2 players and pass the phone between turns.
How online games work
| Online 4 in a Row | |
|---|---|
| Board | 7 columns × 6 rows, the standard grid |
| Time per move | 45 seconds |
| Run out of time | The game goes to the other player |
| Lost connection | 30 seconds to come back |
| After the game | Both press Rematch; the table keeps score |
| Leaderboard | Wins against people go on the Online tab |
No friend free right now? Choose Quick match and GameLake pairs you with the next person looking for a game. If nobody shows up within 20 seconds, Hop takes the seat so you can still play.
Three things that win games against people
Friends make different mistakes from a computer, but the same three habits beat almost everyone.
Want more? How to win at 4 in a Row covers odd and even threats, and the rules for beginners answers every question about diagonals, draws and who goes first.
Free, no account and safe for kids
Online games are free and need no sign-up: GameLake gives every player a guest name the first time they play. There's no open chat, only six friendly emotes such as "👋 Hi!", "👍 Nice move!" and "🤝 Good game!", so it's a safe way for kids to play a grandparent or a classmate. You can create an account later to keep your progress on another device.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play 4 in a Row online with a friend?
Yes. Open 4 in a Row on GameLake, choose Online, then Play a friend, and send the link. The game starts when your friend opens it.
Is online 4 in a Row free?
Yes. It's free in any browser on phones, tablets and computers, with no download and no account.
How long do I have for each move?
45 seconds. The seconds left count down beside the player whose turn it is. If the clock runs out, the game goes to the other player.
Can I play a random person instead?
Yes. Choose Quick match to play the next person who's looking. If nobody turns up within 20 seconds, Hop the frog plays you instead.
Who goes first online?
The player who sent the invite starts the first game, and the first move swaps every game after that, so rematches stay fair.