Until now, Xbox and Apple devices have not been best friends. But now the equation is slowly changing. You can now stream and play Xbox games on your iPhone and iPad. This includes both Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Remote Play.
While the former is a cloud gaming service accessible from your iPhone / iPad browser, the latter allows you to play console games directly on your mobile devices over the Internet.
Let me show you how it’s done without further ado.
How to use Xbox Cloud Gaming on your iPhone and iPad
Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) has finally launched and lets you play over 100 high-quality console games from your iPhone, iPad, Windows PC, and Android devices.
This is a great way for non-Xbox users to explore fantastic games they might otherwise miss. For proud Xbox owners, this allows them to access their favorite games remotely.
But, of course, there are some conditions.
What do you need to know?
System requirements
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Membership – $ 1 first month, $ 14.99 a month thereafter
- iPhone / iPad running iOS 14.4 / iPadOS 14.4 or later
- Bluetooth 4.0 or newer
- iPhone XR and above
- iPad Air 3rd and 4th generation
- iPad Pro 11 ″ 2nd generation or later
- 8th generation iPad
- iPad mini 5th generation
- Supported Browser – Safari 14, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge
- Internet connection – 10 Mbps or higher for iPhone, 20 Mbps or higher for iPad
- 5 GHz Wi-Fi network
- Compatible Xbox Wireless Controller
Restrictions
- Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently in beta in limited regions. Check your location status here .
- Supports only one account and controller at a time.
Set up Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS
- Open your default browser, preferably Safari, and go to xbox.com/play .
- Click Sign In and enter your Microsoft account associated with Xbox Game Pass.
- This is it! Now find your favorite game and keep playing.
Hacking Quick Access: Click the Share button at the bottom of the screen → select Add to Home Screen. This will create a website shortcut that allows one-touch access to the Xbox Cloud.
You now have full access to the vast library of games available with Xbox Game Pass. While many are touchscreen compatible, connecting a compatible controller will surely improve your gaming experience.
Connect the controller to your iPhone or iPad
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
Make sure your bluetooth is turned on. - Now press the Xbox button to turn on the Xbox Wireless Controller.
Note: If your controller is paired with your Xbox, turn off your console, press and hold the pairing button after a few minutes. - Choose your Xbox Wireless Controller from a pair of available devices.
Your iPhone or iPad is now connected to your Xbox controller. If you’re having trouble getting connected, check out our in-depth guide on the subject.
How to set up remote play on iPhone to stream Xbox games
Remote play does not use Microsoft servers such as Xbox Cloud Gaming; instead, it maps the games on your Xbox to another device. So, naturally, you need an Xbox console.
There is another advantage! With the all-new Xbox app, you can control your console using your iPhone. This way, you can delete and download games to your console so that they are all ready when you get home.
Plus, it’s a great update for gamers or game streamers. This will allow you to take a screenshot and share it on social media.
What do you need to know?
System requirements
- iPhone / iPad running iOS 13 / iPadOS 13 or later
- Bluetooth 4.0 or newer
- iPhone XR and above
- iPad Pro 11 ″ 2nd generation or later
- iPad Air 3rd and 4th generation
- 8th generation iPad
- iPad mini 5th generation
- To the Xbox app
- Xbox console
- Xbox one
- One S
- One X
- Xbox Series X and Series S
- Compatible Xbox Wireless Controller
- Microsoft account with Xbox profile
- Optimal internet speed of at least 7-10 Mbps or 5 GHz Wi-Fi
Restrictions
- Only one person can play remotely or locally.
- You cannot access backward compatible games via remote play.
- In-game or store purchases are disabled during remote play.
- All external console applications are blocked while streaming.
Pro-Tip
- Always save your progress by playing remotely. You can lose all of your game progress if you disconnect in the middle.
- Make sure you have updated to the latest iOS version for a smoother experience.
Configure Remote Play
On your console:
- Press the Xbox button on your controller.
- Open Profile & System → Settings → Devices and Connections → Remote Features.
- Enable remote features by checking the box.
- Select Instant-on in Power Mode.
Note : Remember to turn on the console, otherwise remote playback will not work
On your iOS device:
- Open the Xbox app.
- Sign in with the same Microsoft account as on your Xbox One console.
- Tap the My Library icon (a stack of books) and select Consoles.
- In the Consoles section, connect to the console you want to use.
- Click “Remote Play” on this device.
This is how you can stream Xbox games to your iPhone and iPad. I just love how these possibilities open up the world of games.
What’s your favorite Xbox game? Or do you think Sony Playstation has a better deal? And where does Apple Arcade or Google Stadia rank in this regard?
