Skip to main content

How to play Xbox games on phone

Wish you could keep playing Halo or Forza while you’re away from the TV? Good news—you can. With the right app and setup, you can play your Xbox Series X™ or Series S™ games on your phone, wherever you are.

We get it—tech issues can throw off your entire day. That’s why Asurion Experts are here to help. With experience troubleshooting everything from gaming consoles to smartphones, we can guide you through the process of setting up and playing Xbox games on your phone with ease.

What you’ll need to play Xbox on your phone

To get started, make sure you have:

  • An Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One console
  • A compatible iPhone or Android phone
  • A strong Wi-Fi or data connection
  • The Xbox and Game Pass apps (free in the App Store and Google Play)
  • A Bluetooth® controller (Xbox or third-party)

Now you’re ready to stream your favorite titles in the palm of your hand.

Option 1: Play games using Xbox Cloud Gaming

With an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you can stream games directly from the cloud to your phone—no console needed.

  1. Download the Xbox Game Pass app on your iPhone or Android.
  2. Sign in with your Microsoft® account.
  3. Tap Cloud to see available games.
  4. Choose a title and press Play.
  5. Pair your controller using your phone’s Bluetooth settings if prompted.

Most newer games are optimized for mobile streaming, and some even support touch controls.

Option 2: Play games from your console using Remote Play

Prefer to access the games installed on your own Xbox? Remote Play lets you stream from your console to your phone.

  1. Download the Xbox app on your phone.
  2. Make sure your console is turned on or set to Instant-on mode.
  3. Sign in to the app with the same Microsoft account as your Xbox.
  4. Tap the console icon in the top-right corner.
  5. Choose Remote Play on this device.
  6. Pair a controller and start playing.

This method uses your home Wi-Fi or mobile data to stream, so make sure both your phone and Xbox have a stable connection.

How to connect a controller to your phone

You’ll need a controller for most games. Here’s how to pair one:

  1. Turn on your Xbox controller.
  2. Press and hold the Pair button until the Xbox button flashes.
  3. On your phone, go to Bluetooth settings and select Xbox Wireless Controller.

Once paired, you can use it for Game Pass or Remote Play sessions.

More helpful Xbox tips from our team:

FAQ

Can I play Xbox games on my phone without a console?

Yes—Xbox Cloud Gaming lets you stream games with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, no console required.

Does Remote Play work away from home?

Yes, but your console must be in Instant-on mode and connected to the internet. A strong mobile or Wi-Fi signal helps.

Do I need an Xbox controller to play on my phone?

Most games require one, though some support touch controls. A Bluetooth controller offers the best experience.

Is Xbox Cloud Gaming free?

It’s included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which is a paid subscription. The Xbox and Game Pass apps themselves are free to download.

The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the property of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the respective owners of the other trademarks appearing herein.

Microsoft
Gaming
Home Tech
  • SHARE THIS ARTICLE