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How to Set Up Xbox Cloud Gaming on a TV, PC, or Phone

Set up Xbox Cloud Gaming through the Xbox app on supported TVs or xbox.com/play on PC and mobile. Check device, region, game, controller, and plan requirements first.
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To set up Xbox Cloud Gaming, check that your device and region are supported, open the Xbox app on a compatible TV or visit xbox.com/play in a supported browser on a PC or phone, then sign in and choose a cloud-playable game. Most games require an eligible Game Pass plan; select free-to-play games are available with a free Microsoft account. A compatible controller is the usual way to play, though some games offer touch controls.

Before you start: check access, controls, and connection

Xbox Cloud Gaming availability depends on your region, device, game, and subscription. Xbox lists active Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential for most cloud console games. Select free-to-play games can be played with a free Microsoft account in a supported region. Check the game’s cloud-play eligibility and the plan requirements shown by Xbox before subscribing.

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Most games need a compatible controller connected over Bluetooth or USB. Some titles support Xbox touch controls, so a controller is not necessary for those games. For browser play, Xbox lists Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Safari as supported examples.

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Xbox states a 10 Mbps download-speed minimum. Its guidance says some devices may need 20 Mbps for best quality; the detailed recommendation is 10 Mbps for mobile devices and 20 Mbps for consoles, PCs, and tablets. Xbox also recommends 5 GHz Wi-Fi. These are service guidelines, not a guarantee of smooth play: performance can still depend on your connection, location, and device. See the current Xbox Cloud Gaming requirements.

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  • VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
  • BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.

Set up Xbox Cloud Gaming on a TV

TV access uses the Xbox app on supported televisions or supported Fire TV devices. Compatibility is model- and software-specific, so check Xbox’s current TV and Fire TV compatibility list before buying hardware.

  1. Confirm that your TV or Fire TV model is supported in your market. Xbox lists select LG TVs running webOS 24 or later, select Samsung TVs from 2020 onward, select VIDAA OS devices running VIDAA OS 9.6 or later, and specific Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube models.
  2. Open the Xbox app on the supported TV or Fire TV device and sign in to your Microsoft account.
  3. Connect a compatible controller to the TV or streaming device, using Bluetooth or USB as supported by that device.
  4. Choose an available cloud game and start playing. Most games in the TV app require an active Game Pass subscription and a supported title.

If your TV is not on the supported list, a supported Fire TV device may be an option, but check the exact model before purchasing. A TV app’s presence alone does not establish that every TV model, game, or feature is supported.

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  • MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
  • PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
  • SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
  • VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
  • BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.

Play on a PC in a browser

  1. Connect a compatible controller to your PC if the game requires one.
  2. Open Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or another browser currently supported by Xbox, then go to xbox.com/play.
  3. Sign in with the Microsoft account that has access to the game and any required subscription.
  4. Select a cloud-playable game and choose the option to play from the cloud.

Xbox also offers cloud streaming for select games you own. In a November 20, 2024 Xbox Wire guide, the route was to visit xbox.com/play in a supported browser, sign in, and look for “Stream your own game.” This is a changing catalog feature, not a promise that every owned game can be streamed; check the current catalog and eligibility on the service.

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Play on an iPhone, Android phone, or iPad

On mobile, cloud play starts in a supported browser at xbox.com/play. Xbox’s mobile page lists Android 12 or later, iOS 14.4 or later for iPhone, and iPadOS 14.4 or later for iPad. Check the current Xbox mobile support information for device and region availability.

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  • MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
  • PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
  • SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
  • VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
  • BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
  1. Make sure your device’s operating system and region meet Xbox’s current requirements.
  2. Open a supported browser and visit xbox.com/play.
  3. Sign in, then choose a game available for cloud play with your account.
  4. Pair a compatible controller through your device’s Bluetooth settings, or use on-screen touch controls if that game supports them.

Choose the setup route that fits your device

Route What you need Control option Check before starting
Supported TV or Fire TV Xbox app on a listed model; most games require an active Game Pass subscription Compatible controller; touch controls only where a game supports them Exact TV or Fire TV model, software, and market availability
PC browser Supported browser, xbox.com/play, Microsoft account, and access to the game Usually a compatible controller Game cloud eligibility and subscription or free-to-play access
Phone or tablet browser Supported browser and device/OS, xbox.com/play, Microsoft account, and access to the game Bluetooth controller or touch controls in supported games Current OS, device, and regional support
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What can vary or limit cloud play

Xbox states that “Game titles, number, features, and availability vary over time, by region, XBOX Game Pass plan, and platform.” The same account may therefore see different games or features on different devices or in different regions. Xbox also notes that streamed games may have limitations involving resolution, audio outputs, cloud-save storage, companion-app support, and accessories or peripherals. Review the current game and device details before buying hardware or subscribing.

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  • UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of battery life so you can keep playing without stopping to recharge.
  • PLAY ACROSS EVERY SCREEN — Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between devices including console and PC. Stream games across mobile, gaming handhelds, Smart TVs, and supported VR headsets with XBOX Cloud Gaming.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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