If you love chess and want a free, easy-to-use platform to play anytime, anywhere, then Lichess.org is perfect for you. It works smoothly on computers, tablets, and smartphones. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to create a Lichess account and start playing on your iPhone or Android device.
Step 1: Download the Lichess App
Lichess is available as a free app with no ads.
- iPhone/iPad: Go to the App Store and search for Lichess.
- Android: Go to the Google Play Store and search for Lichess.
Tap Install and wait for the app to download.
Step 2: Create Your Free Lichess Account
- Open the Lichess app after installation.
- Tap Sign up.
- Enter a username (this will be your chess identity).
- Choose a password and email address.
- Agree to the Lichess community rules (fair play is very important here).
- Tap Create account.
✅ That’s it—you now have your Lichess account! You can also sign in with an existing account if you’ve already made one on the website.
Step 3: Explore the Lichess App
Here’s what you’ll see on your home screen:
- Play → Start a game against players worldwide.
- Puzzles → Solve daily chess puzzles to improve tactics.
- Learn → Access lessons, practice drills, and interactive studies.
- Watch → View live games, tournaments, and grandmaster matches.
- Profile → Check your stats, rating, and recent games.
Step 4: Play Your First Game
- Tap Play.
- Choose between Quick Pairing (finds an opponent instantly) or Create a Game (set your own time control, color, and variant).
- Wait a few seconds—Lichess will automatically match you with a player of similar strength.
- Play your moves by tapping a piece and then the square you want it to go to.
Tip: You can play Blitz, Bullet, Classical, or even fun variants like Chess960, Crazyhouse, or King of the Hill.
Step 5: Customize Your Experience
- Themes: Switch board and piece designs in Settings.
- Notifications: Turn on alerts for when it’s your move.
- Analysis Board: After each game, use the computer analysis tool to see mistakes and best moves.
Why Choose Lichess?
- 100% Free – No ads, no subscriptions.
- Huge Community – Millions of players worldwide.
- Training Tools – Puzzles, studies, and opening explorers.
- Fair Play – Strong anti-cheating detection.
Final Thoughts
Creating a Lichess account and playing on your iPhone or Android is simple and only takes a few minutes. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an advanced player competing in tournaments, Lichess gives you everything you need to enjoy chess on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Download Lichess today and start your first game! ♟️