Did you hear about the new Xbox iOS update? Yes! Microsoft is updating its app right before the launch of Xbox Series X. This update will let you stream and play Xbox games on your iPhone and iPad. Trust me on this; the remote play function is way better than mere casting games from your Xbox One to your iPhone. Also, you can arrange your games on your way back home and start playing as soon as you are home! Let me show you how.
System Requirements: iOS 13 or later, Bluetooth 4.0 or above
How to play Xbox games on your iOS devices
Use Ps4 Remote Play Without Controller
On the PC run the PS4 remote play program, Adjust settings if needed, Hook up your controller and click start. The program will say searching nearby and in a few seconds will say connecting (If it says searching online for ps4 make sure the wifi hotspot is on as it turns off after about 10 minutes of nothing being connected to it).
To enable playing your Xbox games on your iOS devices, you need to set up a remote play on your console and your Apple devices and then pair the devices together. The following steps explain both the procedures in detail. Before you begin, do not forget to install the Xbox app on your iPhone.
First, pair your controller to your iPhone or iPad
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth. Make sure your Bluetooth is turned ON.
- Press the Xbox button to turn on your Xbox Wireless Controller.
- If your controller is paired to your Xbox already, turn OFF your console, wait for a few minutes and then press and hold the Pair button.
- Select Xbox Wireless Controller from your pair of available devices.
That’s it. Your iPhone or iPad is now paired to your Xbox controller. If you are having trouble connecting your controller to your iPhone, then you can read our extensive guide on how to connect Xbox One or PS5/PS4 controller to iPhone.
Next, set up remote play
- Play your Steam games on your phone, tablet, TV, or other PC. With touch control schemes newly-optimized for hundreds of top titles, you can now access and play games from your PC while on the couch, or on the go. Many Steam games are already optimized for your devices.
- If you are using remote play on the PC. It specifically tells you to plug your ps4 pad into the pc. I'm pretty aware of this but i'm trying to make it not disconnect my controller from the PS4 when I turn on remote play so I can just play on the console while I stream instead of dealing with ridiculous imput lag.
On your console:
- Press the Xboxbutton on your controller.
- Open Profile & System → Settings → Devices & Connections → Remote Features.
- Enable Remote Features by clicking the box.
- Select Instant-on under Power Mode.
Do not forget to turn your console power mode on. As remote play won’t work unless it is turned on.
On your iOS device:
- Open the Xbox app.
- Look for the My Library icon and select Consoles.
- Under Consoles, connect with the console you wish to use.
- Tap Remote play on this device.
Steam Remote Play Together Without Controller
That’s it. You can now enjoy playing Xbox games using your iPhone.
Things to keep in mind while playing Xbox games on iPhone
When the man Tom Warren himself tweets about the iPhone app for Xbox, you have to test it thoroughly and see if the functionality works for real.
Microsoft’s new Xbox app for iPhone lets you stream Xbox games to an iPhone 😎 It’s coming soon, and here’s how it works. More information here: https://t.co/zsQ7S2cEispic.twitter.com/env64JlaAt
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) September 25, 2020However, you need to be a little cautious before setting your gameplay. You don’t want to lose all your history now, do you? Here is a checklist; make sure you have them in command while connecting your iPhone to Xbox.
- Make sure your device is compatible.
- Your performance may vary depending on your iOS, so make sure you are updated to the latest iOS for smoother functioning.
- Always save your progress while playing remotely. You can lose all your game progress if you get disconnected in the middle of the game.
- Despite the number of connections, only one person can play remotely or locally.
- You cannot purchase from the store during remote play. In-game is also disabled during remote play.
- You cannot access back-compat games via remote play.
- While using remote play, all your external applications on your console are blocked.
Enjoying Xbox games on your iPhone and iPad
Remote play for iOS is a big step because Apple is known for notoriously banning Microsoft in the past. Thus, Microsoft is planning to bring xCloud to iOS and iPadOS via a web-based app rather than waiting for the App Store approval to kick in. Maybe, Apple kicking Epic Games off its platform is Apple’s way of putting a ding in the universe.
With the all-new Xbox app, you can now manage your console using your iPhone. Thus, you can delete and download games to the console so that they are all prepared for you when you get home. Not just that, this is an excellent upgrade for gamers or game streamers, as it will let you take a screenshot and share it across your social media.
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