Harbour Pixel
Playing browser games safely
Adverts, accounts, chat and saving: what to know before you or your children open a game.
01Free games and adverts
Many free browser games show adverts to pay for themselves. Play on the official site, close pop-ups with the X rather than clicking into them, and use your browser's built-in blocking of pop-ups and notifications. Never install anything a game page asks you to download.
02Do you need to sign up?
Almost every game we list works without an account. If a game offers one, it is usually only to save progress across devices. Children under 13 should only sign up with a parent, and a strong, unique password is always worth it.
03Chat and other players
A few games let you share creations or see other players. We note this in every review. Where there is chat, check the settings first and talk to children about not sharing personal details.
04How browser games save
Most browser games save in your browser's storage. Clearing cookies or browsing in private mode can wipe your progress. If a game offers an export or save code, keep a copy.
05Your data
Check whether a game asks for your email, location or microphone, and only allow what it really needs. Browser settings let you see and remove permissions for each site.
06If a game asks for money
A few games offer an optional membership or remove adverts for a fee. None of the games we list needs a payment to play. Turn on family purchase approval in your browser or device if children play.
07Your rights in the UK
If you do pay for digital content, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 says it must be of satisfactory quality and as described. Contact the publisher first; Citizens Advice can help if they do not respond.
Last updated 26 October 2026