How to use it
- Type your yes-or-no question (optional).
- Click Shake it, tap the ball or press Enter.
- Read the answer in the window.
- On a phone, turn on shaking and shake your device.
How it answers
The ball picks one of 20 answers at random, each with the same chance:
- 10 positive answers, such as "It is certain", "Most likely" and "Yes, definitely"
- 5 noncommittal answers, such as "Ask again later" and "Concentrate and ask again"
- 5 negative answers, such as "Don't count on it" and "My sources say no"
So every shake has a 50% chance of a yes-type answer, 25% of a maybe and 25% of a no. That's the same balance as the classic toy, which also has 20 answers on a 20-sided die floating in liquid. The wording here is our own.
Because the answer is picked at random each time, asking the same question twice can give two different replies. That is how the original toy works too: the die inside lands on whichever face floats up to the window.
Shake your phone
On phones and tablets that support motion sensors, tap Shake with your phone. Some devices, including iPhones, ask for permission to use motion data first. After that, a firm shake asks the ball a new question. There's a short pause between shakes so one movement doesn't trigger several answers. The motion data is only used on your device to detect the shake.
Asking good questions
The ball only answers yes-or-no questions. "Will I get the job?" works; "What should I eat?" doesn't. If you want to pick between several options, the spin the wheel tool is a better fit. If you don't like the answer, nothing stops you from asking again, which is half the fun.
Short, specific questions get the most fun out of the ball. "Will it snow this weekend?" is more entertaining than a vague question, and it lets you check later whether the ball happened to be right. Keep in mind it will be right about half the time by pure chance.
Fun ways to use it
- Party game: pass a phone around and take turns asking silly questions.
- Icebreaker: start a meeting or class with a round of 8-ball questions about the weekend.
- Writing prompts: let the ball decide a plot twist for a story.
- Kids: a harmless way to practice asking yes-or-no questions.
For a decision that should be a clean 50/50 with no maybes, use flip a coin or the yes or no wheel.
Not a real prediction
The answers are random. They don't know anything about you or the future, and they shouldn't be used for health, money, legal or other important decisions. Treat the ball as entertainment. Your question is never sent anywhere; it stays on your screen, and you don't even need to type one.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Magic 8 Ball random?
Yes. Each of the 20 answers has the same 1 in 20 chance on every shake.
How many answers does the Magic 8 Ball have?
This one has 20: 10 positive, 5 noncommittal and 5 negative, like the classic toy's mix.
Why doesn't shaking my phone work?
Your device may not have a motion sensor, or you need to tap Shake with your phone and allow motion access first.
Do I have to type a question?
No. Typing is optional; you can just think of the question and shake.
Last updated: November 12, 2026