To use your phone as a Just Dance controller, you need to pick the correct official app for your game version. The just dance controller experience splits into two apps: one for the newest editions and one for older games, plus a separate app for the streaming service Just Dance Now.
Which just dance controller app do you need?
Ubisoft maintains two official controller apps. For Just Dance 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 Edition on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, you need the Just Dance Controller app, but it is only available for iPhone and requires iOS 14.4 or later. For Just Dance 2016 through 2022, use the Just Dance 2016-22 Controller app, which works on both iPhone and Android. For the free-to-play streaming service, use the Just Dance Now app on your phone.
How to connect the just dance controller app for 2023-2026
This method works for the newest editions on Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Your iPhone must be on the same Wi‑Fi network as the console.
- On your console, launch the Just Dance game and go to the controller selection screen.
- Choose the option for a mobile device or smartphone controller.
- Open the Just Dance Controller app on your iPhone.
- Follow the on-screen instructions in the app to pair with your console, this typically involves scanning a code or selecting your console from a list.
- Once connected, hold your phone in your right hand and start dancing.
Remember that the newer app is iOS-only; Android users cannot use their phone as a controller for Just Dance 2023-2026 editions. For PS4/PS5, a maximum of four PlayStation Move Controllers or six players with PS Camera or six smart devices can be used at any given time. On Nintendo Switch, six Joy-Con controllers or six smart devices can join a single game session.
How to connect the just dance 2016-22 controller app
For older games, the process is similar but requires a specific confirmation step. Your console and phone must be on the same Wi‑Fi network. The Just Dance 2016-22 Controller app supports Just Dance 16 up to Just Dance 2022. Google Stadia is listed as a supported platform for using the Just Dance Controller app.
- Launch the Just Dance game on your console and navigate to the controller select screen.
- Select Mobile Device as your controller type.
- Open the Just Dance 2016-22 Controller app on your phone.
- Tap Play in the app, then choose I did it! when prompted.
- Select the correct game version (e.g., Just Dance 2022) from the app.
- Follow any remaining on-screen instructions to complete the connection. For Xbox One, the connection process includes scanning a QR code to join your dance room.
This app supports both iPhone and Android, making it the most accessible option for using your phone as a controller on older console titles.
How to use your phone with just dance now on a computer or TV
Just Dance Now is a streaming service that runs on any internet-connected screen. The motion controller requirements are iPhone with iOS 12 or higher, or Android phone with Android 7.0 or higher.
- Download the Just Dance Now app on your smartphone.
- On your computer, smart TV, or other screen, open a browser and go to the Just Dance Now website, or launch the app if available on your device. On Mac, there is a dedicated Just Dance Now app available for download, and you scan the QR code in the upper left-hand corner of the screen using your mobile device.
- Launch the app on your smartphone and follow the instructions to pick a song and join a Dance Room.
- Hold your smartphone in your right hand while dancing.
Supported screens include PC, Mac, tablet, Apple TV, Android TV, or a TV with Chromecast. The phone acts as the motion controller while the larger screen displays the dance prompts.
What about the camera scoring beta feature?
Ubisoft introduced a beta feature for the newer Just Dance Controller app that uses your iPhone’s camera to score your dance moves. This feature was iOS-only at launch, required iOS 14.4 and an iPhone 6S or newer, and supported 15 solo maps. Players who already had those songs downloaded needed to erase and re-download the maps from the console for camera scoring compatibility. This beta is separate from the standard controller mode and does not replace the need to hold your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone as a controller for Just Dance?
Yes, for most modern versions. You can use your phone as a controller for Just Dance 2016-2022 editions (iPhone and Android), Just Dance 2023-2026 editions (iPhone only), and the Just Dance Now streaming service (iPhone and Android). The only exception is the Wii, which requires a Wii Remote.
Do I need Kinect to play Just Dance on Nintendo Switch?
No. Nintendo Switch Joy‑Cons have built‑in motion sensors, so you do not need a Kinect sensor bar to play Just Dance on Switch. You can use Joy‑Cons or the phone app instead.
Can I mix phone controllers with console controllers in the same game?
No. Ubisoft states that you cannot mix different controller types in the same lobby. You must choose either all mobile devices or all console controllers (such as Joy‑Cons or PlayStation Move controllers) for a single session.
How many phones can connect to one Just Dance session?
On Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles, up to six smart devices can join a single game session. On Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, the limit is also six players when using the phone controller app.
Does the Just Dance Controller app work on Android for the newest games?
No. Android users must use the Just Dance 2016-22 Controller app for older games or the Just Dance Now app for the streaming service.
