How to play Xbox games on your phone
Advances in streaming technology mean you can easily play Xbox games on your phone from wherever you are. In this guide, we’ll show you how to stream Xbox games to your handset, whether it’s an iPhone or Android device.
You don’t need the fastest phone to stream games, but if you are looking to upgrade your handheld gaming experience, check out our range of affordable contract and refurbished handsets from brands including Samsung and Apple.
What you’ll need
This is what you’ll need to play Xbox games from your phone:
• A Wi-Fi or data internet connection
• iPhone with iOS version 10 or higher
• Android phone with Android 6 or higher
• Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S console (if using Remote Play)
• Xbox controller
• Xbox app
Internet connection
A minimum download speed of 10Mbps is recommended for streaming games to your phone with optimal performance. A 5GHz connection will also help ensure the experience is smooth and helps to produce less lag.
Controller
Some games can be played via a touchscreen interface, without the need for a controller. If you want a more traditional experience, you can connect an Xbox Wireless Controller via Bluetooth or USB.
What phone do I need?
Phones with a large screen and powerful processor are ideal gaming companions. Devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Ultra are designed to handle intense gaming workloads, so take a look through our expert reviews if you want to learn more about each one:
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max review
• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review
Step-by-step guide
Xbox Remote Play
One way to play Xbox games on your phone is via Xbox Remote Play. This enables you to stream games from your Xbox console to your mobile device, rather than via the Cloud.
- Download and install the Xbox App
a. Google Play Store for Android
b. App Store for iOS - Start your Xbox console and update it to the latest software version if needed
- From your Xbox, go to Settings > Devices & Connections > Remote Features
- Check the ‘Enable remote features’ box
- Select ‘Instant-On’ in the Power Mode section
- Launch the Xbox App from your phone and sign in
- In the app, go to My Library > Consoles
- Select ‘Add an existing console’ and follow the instructions
- Once done, tap the console button in the app and select ‘Remote Play on This Device’
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Rather than stream directly from your console, you can play select Xbox games on your phone with Xbox Cloud Gaming. As the name suggests, Xbox Cloud Gaming streams games via Cloud technology; ideal if you’re away from your console, such as when commuting.
You’ll need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and controller to do this. 5GHz Wi-Fi will also help provide a more stable connection.
- From your phone, go to xbox.com/play
- Connect your controller via Bluetooth or USB
- Select a game and press a button on your controller
- Follow the instructions to start streaming your game
Once you’ve followed these steps, you can enjoy your favourite Xbox games directly from your smartphone. If you have an iPhone and want to improve its battery life, take a look through our helpful guide for tips on getting more out of it each day.
FAQs
Can you play Xbox games on mobile without a console?
Yes, Xbox Cloud Gaming enables you to play games on your smartphone without the need for a console.
Is Xbox Remote Play free?
Aside from the cost of the console, Xbox Remote Play doesn’t require an additional subscription to play games.