Recommended Free Tools
To play PC games on an Android phone or tablet, pair a compatible controller with Android, then stream the game from a gaming PC using an app such as Moonlight or Steam Link. Pairing only connects the controller to your device; the streaming app, PC host, and game must also recognize and handle its input. Android’s built-in controller settings can swap buttons or joysticks, but they do not create a complete keyboard-to-gamepad profile for every game.
How PC games reach an Android device
In this setup, the game runs on a PC and its picture and sound stream to your Android device. The controller connects to Android, and the streaming app forwards its input to the PC. Moonlight describes its Android app as streaming games, programs, or a full desktop over a local network or the Internet, while sending keyboard, mouse, and controller input back to the PC. See the Moonlight Google Play listing.
The controller therefore passes through several layers: Android must connect to it, the streaming client must accept it, and the PC game must support or be configured to use its input. A successful Bluetooth pairing alone does not ensure the game will respond as expected.
Choose a streaming route for the PC game
| Route | Host requirements described by the source | Input notes | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moonlight with Sunshine | The Moonlight listing describes Sunshine as an option for all GPU brands. | Moonlight lists common gamepad support and mouse emulation; game-specific behavior still depends on the setup. | Players who want Moonlight and do not have an NVIDIA-only host requirement. |
| Moonlight with GeForce Experience | The Moonlight listing describes the GeForce Experience/GameStream route as NVIDIA-only. | Uses the Moonlight Android client; hardware and network setup affect the experience. | Players with an NVIDIA PC that meets the current host setup requirements. |
| Steam Link | Steam provides an Android Steam Link support page; detailed host steps are not established here. | Steam’s support search result identifies Xbox One S controller support over wired or Bluetooth connection. Check current per-game bindings in the app and game. | Players launching Steam games through Steam. |
Moonlight says it can stream games purchased from any store, while Steam Link is the Steam route. Pick based on the PC host software and GPU, where you launch the game, your controller and connection mode, whether you need mouse input, and your network. For Moonlight host setup and pairing, follow the current listing: Moonlight on Google Play. It outlines enabling GameStream in GeForce Experience on an NVIDIA PC or installing and configuring Sunshine, then pairing the PC in Moonlight with the PIN displayed by the host. These are the listing’s stated routes, not a guarantee that every hardware and software combination will work. For Steam Link, use Steam Support’s Android page and the current app; avoid relying on unverified menu names.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
Connect the controller to Android
Pair over Bluetooth
- Put the controller into pairing mode according to its manual.
- On Android, open Settings > Connected devices > Pair new device.
- Select the controller’s name from the available devices.
Android versions and manufacturers may use slightly different labels. See Google’s Android controller setup instructions.
Connect with a cable
Connect the controller to the Android device with a compatible cable. Whether this works depends on the controller, cable, and device. Android documents wired and Bluetooth connections as options, but it does not establish universal compatibility for every gamepad.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Moonlight’s listing names PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and Android gamepads. Its setup documentation describes support for standard Android button mapping and some popular non-Android controllers, while warning that certain controller-and-device combinations can have latency or disconnection issues, particularly PlayStation controllers over Bluetooth. Check your specific controller and Android device rather than assuming every model behaves alike: Moonlight setup guide.
Swap buttons or joysticks in Android settings
Android offers basic controller adjustments: swapping the assignments of two buttons or exchanging the left and right joysticks. The documented paths depend on how the controller is connected:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
- Wired controller: Settings > System > Game controllers.
- Wireless controller: Settings > Connected devices, select the controller, then choose Game Controller settings.
The setting may not appear identically on every Android device. These are system-level adjustments for basic button and stick preferences; they are not an arbitrary keyboard-shortcut mapper or a complete custom profile for each streamed game. See Android Help.
Set up the game’s input after pairing
Launch the target game and inspect its own input or controller settings. If it offers gamepad controls, choose or configure them there. When playing through Steam, use the game’s and Steam’s controller-configuration options where available; the exact current Steam Input labels may vary, so confirm them in your installed app instead of following an assumed menu path.
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
For a less common PC-side controller mapping, SDL describes a mapping as a controller identity (GUID and name) plus button and axis assignments. Its SDL GameControllerDB resource identifies testcontroller (SDL3) and controllermap (SDL2) as utilities for creating mappings across SDL-supported platforms, including Android. This is technical guidance for SDL-supported software, not a guarantee that a mapping can be injected into every Android streaming app or game.
Use Moonlight’s mouse mode for mouse-driven screens
If a game or desktop interaction needs a mouse rather than a gamepad, Moonlight documents a mouse-control mode: hold Start to toggle it, move the cursor with either stick, press A for a left-click, and press B for a right-click. This can help with some simple mouse-driven interactions; it does not provide a general keyboard-key binding system. The Moonlight listing also describes force feedback and gamepad motion-sensor support on Android 12 or later, but that client feature is not a guarantee for every controller or game. See the Moonlight listing and setup guide.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
Test the controls and troubleshoot recognition
- Confirm Android shows the connected controller and, if available, open its Game Controller settings.
- Check that the streaming client supports the controller or its Android input mode.
- Open the game’s input settings and test the buttons and sticks in play, rather than assuming pairing means the game has recognized them.
- If Bluetooth input behaves poorly, try a compatible wired connection to help isolate whether the problem involves Bluetooth or controller compatibility. This is a troubleshooting check, not a universal fix.
Moonlight says results vary with the client device and network. Its listing recommends a good wireless connection, highly recommends 5 GHz Wi-Fi, and recommends connecting the PC to the router by Ethernet. These are vendor recommendations, not a promised latency or performance level: Moonlight Google Play listing.
Quick Recap
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.
