How to test whether a game is really offline
- Install and open the game once while connected (some need a first download).
- Turn on airplane mode.
- Force-quit the game and reopen it.
- Play for a few minutes, including menus and a restart.
If anything asks for a connection or shows blank ad spaces, it is not truly offline.
Best no wifi games free: what to look for
- No ads: ad-supported games often need the internet to load adverts.
- No accounts: a sign-in usually means a server.
- Everything included: no downloadable levels you forgot to get.
- Small size: quick to install before you leave.
Genres that work well offline
| Genre | Offline? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzle | Usually | Check for ad-supported free versions |
| Arcade and action | Often | Leaderboards may wait until you reconnect |
| AR games | Some | ARKit tracking runs on the phone; check each game |
| Multiplayer and live-service | No | Need a connection by design |
Free offline iPhone games with no ads: Down The Drone
Down The Drone is our first-person AR shooter for iPhone: hostile drone swarms are anchored into your real room, and you turn, aim and fire to hold them off. It is free with no ads and no in-app purchases, plays fully offline, and runs on iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13+. Rated 12+.
Put your phone in airplane mode and it plays exactly the same. Because it needs no network, it cannot be sending anything from your camera while you play.
Tips for playing offline
- Open each game once before you travel.
- Turn on Low Power Mode for long trips.
- For AR games on a plane: they need room to turn, so save them for the hotel.