Kahoot Join: How to Join a Kahoot Game with a PIN (and Fix Common Problems)

Your teacher, trainer or quiz host has put a big number on the screen and said “join the Kahoot”. Here’s exactly how to do it, plus what to try if the PIN doesn’t work.

How to join a Kahoot game

1. Go to kahoot.it in any web browser, or open the Kahoot! app.
2. Type the game PIN shown on the host’s screen and tap Enter.
3. If the host asks for it, enter a player identifier (for example your real name or student ID).
4. Choose a nickname, or use the nickname generator if the host has turned it on.
5. Wait for the host to start. Your name should appear on their screen.

You don’t usually need a Kahoot! account to join.

Joining with a link or QR code

Hosts can also share a direct join link, which skips typing the PIN, or show a QR code. Scan it with your phone camera or with Join → QR scanner in the Kahoot! app.

2-Step Join

Some hosts switch on 2-Step Join to stop people joining from outside the room. After the PIN, you’ll see a pattern of four coloured shapes. Tap them in the order shown on the host’s screen. The pattern refreshes, so use the current one.

How to play once you’re in

In a live game, each question appears on the host’s screen and your device shows matching coloured shapes. Tap the shape that matches your answer. Faster correct answers earn more points, and a leaderboard appears between questions.

Kahoot assignments (self-paced)

Sometimes a host sends a link instead of a PIN. That’s usually an assignment: a kahoot you complete on your own, in your own time, before a deadline. Open the link in your browser or the app and play through the questions.

Kahoot PIN not working? Try this

1. Check the PIN. Each PIN belongs to one session. Ask the host to confirm the current number.
2. Make sure the game is still open. If the host has started or ended the session, joining may be closed.
3. Use kahoot.it, not kahoot.com. kahoot.it is the player page. kahoot.com is for creating and hosting.
4. Type the PIN instead of using the link or QR code if those fail.
5. Rejoining after a disconnect? Go back through the same browser or app and use the rejoin option if it appears, rather than joining as a new player.
6. Check your connection, or switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi.
7. Check Kahoot!’s status page if nobody in the room can join.

Avoid websites that offer lists of “working Kahoot PINs” or bots that flood games with fake players. They break Kahoot’s rules, spoil the game for everyone, and some are unsafe.

How many people can join?

It depends on the host’s plan. Kahoot!’s pricing page says the free Kahoot! Go plan allows up to 40 participants in a live game, and paid plans raise this (for example up to 200 on Kahoot!+ Gold and up to 800 on Kahoot! One). If the game is full, the host needs a bigger plan.

For hosts: quick tips

• Show the PIN and the QR code so people can join either way.
• Turn on nickname generator in classes to avoid inappropriate names.
• Use 2-Step Join for public or online sessions.
• Try assignments for homework practice.

If you’re comparing tools, see my guide to Kahoot vs Gimkit vs Blooket vs Wayground.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Kahoot join website? kahoot.it. Enter the game PIN there or in the Kahoot! app.

Do I need an account to join a Kahoot? Usually not. You just need the PIN and a nickname.

Can I join a Kahoot after it has started? In supported live games, yes, while joining is still open. You’ll miss any questions already played.

Why does it say my Kahoot PIN is invalid? The PIN may be wrong, expired, or for a session that has ended. Ask the host for the current PIN.

Related guides on WebTechHelp

• ClassDojo login for students and parents
• JoinPD: how to join a Pear Deck session
• Gimkit Join: how to join a game with a code
• JoinMyQuiz: join a Wayground (Quizizz) game

Sources

• Kahoot! Help Center: Kahoot! join: how to join a Kahoot! game
• Kahoot!: Plans for teachers