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To set up Xbox Cloud Gaming, open the Xbox app on a supported TV or visit xbox.com/play in a supported browser on a PC or phone. Sign in, choose a game marked for cloud play, and connect a compatible controller unless that game supports touch controls. Most games require an eligible Game Pass plan; select free-to-play games can be played with a free Microsoft account in a supported region.
What you need before you start
- A supported device and region. TV app availability depends on the exact model; browser play is available on supported PCs and phones. Check Xbox’s current device and region information before buying hardware or subscribing.
- Game access. Most cloud games require an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential subscription and a supported game. Select free-to-play games are available with a free Microsoft account in a supported region.
- A way to control the game. A compatible controller connected by Bluetooth or USB is the usual setup. Some games offer Xbox touch controls. Device compatibility can vary.
- A stable internet connection. Xbox states 10 Mbps download as the minimum; its guidance gives 20 Mbps for consoles, PCs, and tablets for best quality. Xbox recommends 5 GHz Wi-Fi. These are service guidelines, not a guarantee of smooth play: performance also depends on your location, network conditions, and device.
For browser play, Xbox lists Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Safari as supported examples. Game titles, features, and availability can change by region, plan, platform, and time.
Set up Xbox Cloud Gaming on a TV
Check whether your TV is supported
Xbox Cloud Gaming works through the Xbox app on select LG TVs running webOS 24 or later, select Samsung TVs from 2020 onward, and select VIDAA OS devices running VIDAA OS 9.6 or later. Supported Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube models are another option. TV support is model-specific, so check Xbox’s current TV and Fire TV compatibility list before purchasing a device.
Open the app and connect a controller
- Install or open the Xbox app on your supported TV or Fire TV device.
- Connect a compatible controller to the TV or streaming device, using Bluetooth or USB as supported by that hardware.
- Follow the app prompts to sign in to your Microsoft account.
- Choose a game that is available for cloud play and start it. Most games require an eligible Game Pass subscription; game access depends on the current catalog and your region.
Play Xbox Cloud Gaming on a PC
- Open Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or another supported browser.
- Go to xbox.com/play and sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Browse the games available for cloud play and select a title.
- Connect a compatible controller if the game requires one. Use touch or another control method only where the selected game supports it.
Xbox also offers streaming for select games that you own. In the browser, look for “Stream your own game” if the feature and a title in its eligible catalog are available to you. The option does not mean every purchased game can be streamed; check the service for the current catalog and eligibility. Xbox described this browser route in a November 20, 2024 Xbox Wire article.
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller | Shock Blue
- 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.
Use Xbox Cloud Gaming on an iPhone, Android phone, or iPad
Check operating-system support
Xbox’s mobile page lists Android 12 or later, iOS 14.4 or later for iPhone, and iPadOS 14.4 or later for iPad. Requirements and regional availability can change; see the current Xbox mobile information for supported devices and regions.
Start a game in your mobile browser
- Open a supported browser on your phone or tablet.
- Visit xbox.com/play and sign in.
- Select a cloud-playable game.
- Pair a compatible controller over Bluetooth, or use the game’s touch controls if it supports them.
Choose the setup route that fits your device
| Route | What you need | Controls | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported TV app | A TV model with the Xbox app, a supported region, and access to the game | Usually a compatible controller | Playing on a compatible TV without adding a separate streaming device |
| Supported Fire TV device | A Fire TV Stick or Cube model on Xbox’s current compatibility list | Usually a compatible controller | Adding cloud gaming to a TV without a built-in supported app |
| PC browser | A supported browser, Microsoft account, supported region, and access to the game | Usually a compatible controller | Playing from a computer without installing the TV app |
| Phone or tablet browser | A supported mobile device and OS, supported browser, and supported region | Bluetooth controller or touch controls in supported games | Playing on a mobile screen or tablet |
If the game will not start or feels laggy
- The Xbox app or game is missing: confirm your exact TV or Fire TV model and region against Xbox’s current support list. An app listing on one model or in one market does not establish support for all models or regions.
- You cannot access the title: check whether it is currently cloud-playable in your region and whether your plan or free-to-play access covers it. Cloud catalogs and eligibility change.
- The controller is not responding: confirm it is connected to the device you are using, then check whether the game supports that controller or offers touch controls.
- Streaming is unstable: compare your download speed with Xbox’s 10 Mbps minimum and its 20 Mbps guidance for consoles, PCs, and tablets, and try a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection. Meeting the stated speed alone does not guarantee performance.
Some streamed games may have limitations involving resolution, audio output, cloud-save storage, companion-app support, or accessories and peripherals. Check the game and platform details if a particular feature matters to your setup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Sale
GameSir G7 Pro Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Wireless Gamepad for PC&Android with TMR Sticks, Hall Effect Analog Triggers, 1000Hz Polling Rate, 3.5mm Audio Jack - Black
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Rank #4
Sale
Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Ice Breaker Special Edition
- BREAKER SERIES — Hold nothing back. Ice Breaker keeps it forever fresh with a mix of iced and frosted blues. Part of the collective debut of the Breaker special edition series.
- BOLD STYLE, BUILT TO PERFORM — Define your swagger with a wild, head-turning design. Stay elegantly on target with textured triggers built for every moment.
- RUBBERIZED GRIPS — Hold on to the action with rubberized grips on the back cases, designed for comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- 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.
Rank #3
Sale
Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Electric Volt
- 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.
Rank #2
Sale
Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Deep Pink
- 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.
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