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To set up remote play, enable streaming on the console or PC, install that platform’s official app on your phone, tablet, or handheld, sign in, then connect and pair a compatible controller. The game still runs on the host; the receiving device streams its video and sends back your controls. Choose the setup for the system that owns the game: PS Remote Play for PS5 or PS4, Steam Link for a computer running Steam, or Xbox Remote Play for a supported Xbox setup.
Before you start
Remote play depends on both the host and the receiving device. The console or PC must be available to stream, and both ends need a reliable network connection. Check the exact model and operating-system requirements for your phone, tablet, or handheld in the platform’s current support information; compatibility with one app does not establish compatibility with another.
- Know which system is running the game: PS5 or PS4, a PC running Steam, or an Xbox console.
- Update the host and make sure the game launches normally on it.
- Install the corresponding official app or client on the receiving device and have the account used by the platform ready.
- Have a supported controller available if you do not want to use touch controls. Confirm compatibility with your specific device before buying one.
Set up PS Remote Play on a phone or tablet
Sony supports PS Remote Play on Android smartphones and tablets, iPhone, and iPad. You need a PlayStation account and must sign in to the mobile app with the same account used on the console. Sony recommends a minimum connection speed of 5 Mbps for both upload and download, and at least 15 Mbps in each direction for best performance. These are recommendations, not guarantees of smooth play. Sony warns that Remote Play can use substantially more data than typical video streaming; mobile-data availability also depends on your carrier and network conditions. See Sony’s PS Remote Play mobile-device instructions.
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- On the PS5 or PS4, enable Remote Play in the console settings.
- If you want to connect while the console is in rest mode, enable the relevant option to stay connected to the internet and the network setting that allows the console to be turned on remotely in its power-saving settings.
- Install PS Remote Play from Google Play or the App Store.
- Open the app and sign in with the same PlayStation account used on the console.
- Select your PS5 or PS4 in the app. The console must be on, or in rest mode with the wake options configured.
- Pair a controller supported by your mobile device, or use on-screen controls where available.
Sony lists DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers as connectable to supported mobile devices. Support depends on the phone or tablet, so verify device compatibility rather than assuming every controller works with every mobile device.
#1 Best Overall
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
Set up Steam Link on a phone or tablet
Steam Link connects a receiving device to a computer running Steam; the game runs on that computer and is streamed to your device. Valve describes Steam Remote Play as a way to stream games from a PC to phones, tablets, and other supported device types. Start with Steam Remote Play and its Steam Support setup guidance.
- On the host computer, install or update Steam, sign in, and confirm that the game you want to play launches normally.
- Install Steam Link on the phone or tablet.
- Open Steam Link and follow its connection flow to find and select the computer running Steam.
- Pair a supported controller if you want one, then launch a game from your Steam library.
For the best streaming experience, Valve recommends a wired network. If you are deciding whether a particular Steam game is suited to this setup, check its Steam store-page details for Remote Play Together support or an indication that it can be streamed to devices through Steam Link.
Rank #2
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Set up Xbox Remote Play
Xbox Remote Play streams games installed on an Xbox console to supported receiving devices, including phones, tablets, PCs, TVs, and VR devices. Xbox lists an Xbox console with remote features enabled, a compatible receiving device, a supported Bluetooth controller, and a Microsoft account with an Xbox profile among the requirements. Consult Xbox Remote Play for the current supported devices and setup information. The cited Xbox page does not establish a complete menu-by-menu procedure, so use the current instructions shown in the Xbox app or official Xbox support for your region rather than relying on an assumed settings path.
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“Handheld” covers different kinds of devices. A dedicated streaming device or a general-purpose handheld PC may be able to receive a stream, but that does not mean it supports every platform’s app or can run the game locally. The available official guidance establishes phone and tablet support for PlayStation, and a broad range of receiving-device types for Steam Remote Play; it does not provide a complete compatibility list for every handheld model.
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- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
Before relying on a handheld, check the platform’s current supported-device and operating-system requirements for that exact model. Also decide whether you want to stream from your existing console or PC, or play games installed on the handheld itself: remote play requires a host, while local play is a different use of the device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the setup that matches your games
| Platform | Host that runs the game | Receiving-device guidance | Key setup detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS Remote Play | PS5 or PS4 | Supported Android phone or tablet, iPhone, or iPad | Use the same PlayStation account on console and app; enable Remote Play on the console. |
| Steam Link / Steam Remote Play | Computer running Steam | Phones, tablets, and other device types listed by Steam | Connect Steam Link to the host PC; Valve recommends wired networking for best streaming. |
| Xbox Remote Play | Xbox console with remote features enabled | Supported phones, tablets, PCs, TVs, and VR devices | Check Xbox’s current device requirements and instructions for your region. |
For any platform, compare compatibility with your actual device, available network, preferred controller arrangement, and whether you need streaming or local game play. A phone or tablet is the receiving screen and control surface; it does not become the host just because it can run the remote-play app.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions through haptic feedback
- Experience varying levels of force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone and connect a headset directly through the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
- Play on more devices using the USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth to connect easily to Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones as well as your PlayStation 5
Rank #4
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*.
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online with the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button.
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games.
Fix common connection and streaming problems
- The app cannot find the host: Confirm the console or PC is online, turned on or configured for remote wake, and signed into the expected account. Check that Remote Play is enabled on the console. On PlayStation, confirm that the app and console use the same PlayStation account.
- The game will not start: On a Steam host, verify that Steam is running and that the game launches normally on the computer. For console streaming, check the platform’s current setup instructions and host status.
- Controls do not work: Pair a controller supported by both the receiving device and the platform. If available, try on-screen controls while checking compatibility for the controller and device combination.
- The stream stutters or feels unreliable: Check the network at both ends. Where possible, improve the host’s connection first; Valve recommends a wired network for the best streaming experience. On PlayStation, compare your connection with Sony’s recommended upload and download speeds.
- Mobile data is unavailable or runs out quickly: Carrier support and network conditions affect availability, and Remote Play may consume much more data than typical video streaming. Prefer Wi-Fi if your mobile plan has a limited data allowance.
- A handheld does not connect: Check the current device and operating-system support for that specific model. Do not infer support from the fact that another handheld or phone works.
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