You can use your phone as an Xbox controller through two official methods: Xbox Cloud Gaming with touch controls, or remote play from your console, both accessed via a browser. This lets you play games without buying a second physical controller, using only the device already in your pocket.
How to use your phone as an Xbox controller: Introduction
Xbox supports using a phone as a controller mainly through Xbox Cloud Gaming in the browser and remote play from a console, with touch controls available for some games and a separate physical Bluetooth controller for others. Both methods let you play your Xbox games on your phone without needing a dedicated mobile app for the connection itself.
Requirements for using your phone as a controller
Your phone must meet specific operating system minimums. For Xbox Cloud Gaming, Android requires version 12 or later, while iPhone needs iOS 14.4 or later. For remote play, Android needs version 6.0 or later, and iPhone needs iOS 15.1 or later. Both features work through a supported web browser, no dedicated Xbox app is used for the connection. Games that do not support touch controls require a compatible controller connected via Bluetooth or USB.
How to use Xbox Cloud Gaming with touch controls on iPhone
To use your phone as a controller for cloud gaming on an iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open Safari or another supported browser on your iPhone.
- Go to Xbox.com/play.
- Sign in with your Xbox account.
- Launch a game that supports Xbox touch controls.
Only select games include touch control support, so check the game’s details before launching.
How to use Xbox Cloud Gaming with touch controls on Android
- Open Chrome or another supported browser on your Android phone.
- Go to Xbox.com/play.
- Sign in with your Xbox account.
As with iPhone, only a subset of games offer touch controls.
How to use remote play as a phone controller
Remote play connects to your console, letting you play games installed on that console on supported phones and tablets. For both iPhone and Android, the process is the same:
- On your Xbox, go to Settings > Devices & connections > Remote features and enable 'Xbox app connectivity'.
- Open a supported browser on your phone.
- Go to Xbox.com/remoteplay.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your console.
- A pairing code will be displayed on your TV screen; enter this code into the app on your phone to complete the connection.
- Play installed games with touch controls where supported.
Remote play is now accessed from the browser rather than directly from the Xbox mobile app.
Customizing touch control layouts
Microsoft says some games can be played with Xbox touch controls. You can remap or assign different functions to each button in the phone control customization interface. You can adjust the sensitivity of the analog sticks or touch controls. You can save different control presets for each game. You can also configure content restrictions for cloud gaming through the settings available in the browser interface.
Troubleshooting phone controller issues
If touch controls are missing, remember that only select games support them, not every game in the library. If your phone is unsupported, check its operating system version against Microsoft’s documented minimums (Android 12+ for cloud gaming, Android 6.0+ for remote play; iOS 14.4+ for cloud gaming, iOS 15.1+ for remote play). Restart your Xbox console and your phone to solve minor connectivity problems. Check for app updates if using a dedicated app, and verify your Xbox firmware is up to date. Disable battery-saving modes or restrictions on your phone that could interfere with the connection. Try using a different USB or charging cable if using a wired connection. Move away from other wireless devices (routers, Bluetooth devices) that could be causing interference. For remote play setup and troubleshooting, Microsoft’s official support page is the place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an iPhone be used as an Xbox controller?
Yes, an iPhone can be used as an Xbox controller through Xbox Cloud Gaming (requires iOS 14.4 or later) or remote play (requires iOS 15.1 or later), both accessed via a supported browser.
Do all games support touch controls?
No. Only select games support Xbox touch controls. Games without touch support require a compatible Bluetooth or USB controller to play.
Does this use mobile data?
Yes. Remote play over the internet from your console on supported Android and iOS phones or tablets may use mobile data charges, depending on your carrier plan.
Do I need the Xbox app to use my phone as a controller?
No. Both cloud gaming and remote play are now accessed through a web browser, not the Xbox mobile app. The app is no longer used for the direct connection.
Can I use my phone as a controller for any Xbox game?
You can launch any game available through cloud gaming or installed on your console, but only games with touch control support will let you use the phone as a controller without a physical gamepad. Other games require a separate controller.
Are there any limitations to using my phone as an Xbox controller?
Yes, using your phone as a controller lacks physical buttons and analog sticks, and you may experience potential latency or delay in input response compared to a dedicated controller.
