How to Play "Heads Up!" (The Phone Charades Game)

The game you're describing is almost certainly "Heads Up!" (by Warner Bros / Ellen DeGeneres), often called "Charades on your phone." It's not called "Pass Out" officially—that might be a regional name or confusion with the drinking game.

Setup

• Requirements: Smartphone (iOS/Android), the Heads Up! app (free with IAP for decks), 2+ players.
• Decks: Free decks include "Act It Out," "Animals," "Movies," "Accents." Paid decks cover niches (Kids, 90s, Harry Potter, etc.).

Gameplay

1. Select a Deck.
2. Player 1 places phone on forehead (screen facing out), starts the timer (usually 60s).
3. Other players give clues—acting, describing, humming—without saying the word/phrase.
4. Player 1 guesses.
   • Correct? Tilt phone forward (or tap "Got It").
   • Pass? Tilt phone backward (or tap "Pass").
5. Score = correct guesses. Next player takes the phone. Repeat.

Clue-Giving Tips

• Be specific: "Big cat with mane" > "Animal."
• Use categories: "It's a movie... superhero... red cape... starts with S."
• Rhymes/Sounds like: "Rhymes with 'floor'... dinosaur."
• Break compound words: "First word: 'Sun'. Second word: 'Glasses'."

Variations

• Teams: Split group; alternate turns; highest total score wins.
• No Tilting: Use on-screen buttons if tilting is finicky.
• Custom Decks: Create your own word lists in the app (paid feature).

It's a fantastic party game—low barrier, high energy, works anywhere.