How to Play Just Dance Without a Controller: A Comprehensive Guide
The allure of Just Dance is undeniable—it’s a fun, energetic, and accessible way to get moving. But what if you don’t have the traditional controllers? The good news is, you’re not out of the dance loop! You can absolutely play Just Dance without a dedicated controller, and this article will show you exactly how. The primary method involves using your smartphone as a motion-tracking device, alongside the official Just Dance Controller App. This innovative approach has made the game even more accessible to a wider audience, allowing you to dance your heart out with minimal equipment.
Utilizing Your Smartphone as a Controller
The most common method to play Just Dance without a controller involves using your smartphone in conjunction with the Just Dance Controller App. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices and works with most recent Just Dance releases, including Just Dance 2023, Just Dance 2022, Just Dance 2021, Just Dance 2020, Just Dance 2019, Just Dance 2018, Just Dance 2017, and Just Dance 2016. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Download the Just Dance Controller App: Head to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for “Just Dance Controller.” Install the app on your smartphone. It’s free and straightforward to download.
- Launch the Game: Start Just Dance on your chosen platform (e.g., Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S).
- Select Mobile Device: When prompted on the game’s controller selection screen, choose “Mobile Device” as your controller option.
- Connect Your Phone: Open the Just Dance Controller App on your smartphone. The app will guide you through pairing your phone with the game. This often involves connecting both your console and your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Once connected, your phone will be used to track your dance moves. Hold your smartphone in your right hand and follow the coaches on screen.
Important Considerations When Using Your Phone
- Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure both your console and smartphone are connected to the same, stable Wi-Fi network. A strong, reliable connection is crucial for accurate motion tracking. If you are using a wired connection, make sure your cable is connected to the router securely.
- No Airplane Mode: Your phone should not be set to airplane mode or “do not disturb,” as this can interfere with the app’s connectivity.
- Compatibility: While the app is designed for broad compatibility, some older devices may not be fully supported. It’s always best to use an up-to-date smartphone for the best experience.
- Hand Preference: The game is designed to be played with the phone held in your right hand for optimal tracking. However, the game does allow for using either a right or a left Joycon, or phone, as long as the player mirrors the hand that is highlighted on the screen as the coach’s primary hand.
- Obstructions: Avoid obstructing your phone’s camera when playing to ensure accurate tracking.
Alternate Controller Methods (For specific consoles)
While using your phone is the most versatile method, there are also console-specific ways to play without traditional controllers:
PlayStation 4 (PS4)
On the PS4, you have a few options:
- PlayStation Camera: The PlayStation Camera can track your movements, eliminating the need for a Move controller. You’ll still need a DualShock 4 controller for menu navigation but it can be a good alternative if you’re trying to avoid purchasing Move controllers.
- Just Dance Controller App: As mentioned before, the Just Dance Controller App can also be used on the PS4, using your smartphone as a controller.
PlayStation 5 (PS5)
On PlayStation 5, you can use the following:
- Just Dance Controller App: The Just Dance Controller App is the recommended way to play without additional controllers on the PS5.
- DualSense Controller: You will also need a DualSense controller for menu navigation.
Nintendo Switch
On Nintendo Switch, the options include:
- Joy-Cons: The Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers can be used to track your movements. Each player will need one Joy-Con per hand to play without a phone.
- Just Dance Controller App: The Just Dance Controller App can be used as an alternative to the Joy-Cons. Each player will need either a Joy-Con, or a smartphone using the controller app.
Just Dance Now App
In addition to the standard Just Dance games, there’s also the Just Dance Now app. This app can be used to play Just Dance on an Android TV via the officially supported Puffin Browser. Just Dance Now also uses the smartphone controller app.
Offline Play on Switch
While Just Dance 2023 primarily relies on internet connectivity for the full experience, you can still play offline. After songs have been downloaded, you can access them from the Songs Library. However, you will only be able to use Joy-Con controllers when playing in offline mode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play Just Dance 2023 without any controllers?
Yes, absolutely! You can use the **Just Dance Controller App** on your smartphone to track your moves for **Just Dance 2023**, eliminating the need for traditional controllers. On PS5, you will also need a **DualSense Controller** for menu navigation.
2. Is the Just Dance Controller App free?
Yes, the **Just Dance Controller App** is **completely free** to download and use on both **Android** and **iOS** devices.
3. Can I mix different controller types when playing Just Dance?
No, you **cannot mix different controller types** in a single session. For example, you can't use both a smartphone controller and a console controller simultaneously in the same game. You must choose one method of control for all players.
4. Does the Just Dance Controller App work on older Just Dance games?
Yes, the **Just Dance Controller App** is compatible with many versions of Just Dance, including **Just Dance 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016.**
5. Why is my phone controller not working on Just Dance?
Ensure both your console and phone are on the **same Wi-Fi network**, that **airplane mode is off**, and that there are no other network issues such as a NAT status issue. If you’re having trouble, check that all devices are connected securely.
6. What devices can I play Just Dance on?
Just Dance is available on **Nintendo Switch**, **PlayStation 5**, **Xbox Series X|S** and **PS4**. In addition, the Just Dance Now app can be played on Android TV.
7. Can I use my phone as a controller for Just Dance on PS4?
Yes, you can absolutely use your phone as a controller for Just Dance on PS4 with the **Just Dance Controller App**.
8. Can you play Just Dance with a left Joy-Con on the Switch?
Yes, you can use a left or right Joy-Con as long as your hand mirrors the hand of the coach on the screen. Similarly, the controller app is also acceptable in this instance.
9. How many players can use phone controllers on Just Dance at once?
The number of players using a phone controller varies by game and platform. The number of total players who can play simultaneously can be up to six players when using joy cons.
10. Can I use my phone to navigate the menus in Just Dance?
No, while the phone app can be used for motion tracking, it cannot be used for menu navigation. For PS4 and PS5, a DualShock 4 or DualSense controller is required for menu navigation.
11. Can I use two different phones as controllers for two players?
Yes, as long as each phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network and paired with the game, two players can use their phones as controllers.
12. Can I play Just Dance on a TV without a console?
Yes, you can play **Just Dance Now** on an **Android TV** using the **Puffin Browser** and your smartphone controller.
13. How do I connect my phone to Just Dance?
When you launch Just Dance, select **Mobile Device** as your controller type. Then, open the **Just Dance Controller App** on your phone, and follow the pairing instructions.
14. Do I need a PlayStation Camera to play Just Dance on PS4?
No, while you can use the **PlayStation Camera**, you can also use the **Just Dance Controller App** and your smartphone to play Just Dance on PS4.
15. Is Just Dance Unlimited available for free?
You can get a **free trial of Just Dance Unlimited** for each game, per console, after you link your Ubisoft account with your console account and launch the game while connected to the internet.