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October 12, 2026 · Word
How to Play Mini Crossword on Phone, Chromebook
To play Mini Crossword, click any square to select it, then type your answer. Switch between horizontal and vertical entry by clicking the clue list or pressing Tab. Use the "Check" button to highlight incorrect letters or "Reveal" to fill in the correct answers. A new puzzle is available daily at midnight Eastern Time.
The Mini Crossword is a daily 5x5 American-style puzzle available for free on Play Online Games. Designed for a quick break, this word game resets every day at midnight Eastern Time. Here’s how to play it on your phone, Chromebook, or desktop browser.
Starting Your Mini Crossword Puzzle
When you open the Mini Crossword, you will see a 5x5 grid and lists of "Across" and "Down" clues. To begin, simply click or tap any square in the grid. This action selects the square and prepares it for your input. A cursor will appear, indicating where your next typed letter will go.
Once a square is selected, you can start typing your answer. The letters will fill into the squares. The game automatically advances your cursor to the next empty square in the current word.
To switch between entering an "Across" word and a "Down" word, you have two options:
- Click or tap a different square: Clicking a square that is part of a different word will automatically switch your input direction.
- Click or tap a clue in the clue list: Selecting a clue from either the "Across" or "Down" list will highlight the corresponding word in the grid and prepare you to type.
- Press the Tab key: On a keyboard, pressing Tab will toggle your entry direction for the current square, switching between its Across and Down word.
Using the Check and Reveal Tools
The Mini Crossword provides tools to help you solve the puzzle. These are located near the game grid:
- Check: If you are unsure about your answers, click the "Check" button. This tool will highlight any letters you have entered incorrectly. It helps you identify mistakes without giving away the correct answers, allowing you to correct them yourself.
- Reveal: If you get stuck or want to see the solution, click the "Reveal" button. This will fill in all the correct letters for the entire grid. Use this tool when you are ready to complete the puzzle or review the answers.
A new Mini Crossword puzzle is published every calendar day at midnight Eastern Time. The puzzle is the same for all players in the U.S. on that specific day.
More Word Games to Explore
If you enjoy the daily challenge of Mini Crossword, you might also like other word games on Play Online Games. Try the Daily Five, another popular word puzzle that offers a different type of daily challenge.
Playing word games like Mini Crossword is a great way to keep your mind sharp and enjoy a quick mental break during your day. Visit Play Online Games for more free puzzles.
Questions
How do I know if my answers are correct?
You can use the "Check" button to highlight any letters you have entered incorrectly. This helps you identify specific mistakes without giving away the full solution.
Does the puzzle change during the day?
No, the Mini Crossword puzzle is the same for everyone in the U.S. for an entire calendar day. A new puzzle resets daily at midnight Eastern Time.
Can I play an older Mini Crossword puzzle?
On Play Online Games, only the current day's Mini Crossword is available. Each new puzzle replaces the previous one at midnight Eastern, offering a fresh challenge daily.