Microsoft has designed the Xbox Series X from the ground up, with accessibility and ease of use in mind.
System-wide quality of life changes include the ability to remap your pad or enable a high-contrast mode, while Game Pass and pinning games or apps to your home page make everything incredibly convenient.
Another clever, yet incredibly useful, feature is Xbox remote play. This unique idea gives you full control of your console from anywhere else. You can even use it when you have connected your Xbox to a different network.
This article will explain everything you need to do to get remote play up and running on your iPad or iPhone.
What Is Remote Play?
Remote play uses the Xbox App to give you full control of your Xbox Series X or Series S console. And unlike streaming Game Pass, which you can’t use on Apple devices, you can use remote play on your iPhone or iPad.
It bypasses Microsoft’s servers to create a direct connection to your console. Instead of gaming through the cloud, you’re loading a game that’s already installed on your console, and your device acts as the screen.
Remote play is a fantastic way to enjoy your Xbox One and Series S/X games on the go (original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles aren’t compatible). Provided you have a good connection on both sides, you’ll be able to use it wherever you are.
Enable Remote Play on Your Xbox Series X
There are a couple of things you need to do before you can enable remote play on your iPad or iPhone.
Change Your Power Mode
Your Xbox Series X needs to have Instant-on enabled in power mode. This will allow you to switch the console on from your mobile device. It also gives you the fastest possible start-up but will use more electricity over time than Energy-saving mode.
To enable this, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Press the Xbox button to bring up the guide
- Select Settings and Profile
- Select Settings
- General > Power mode > Startup
- Change power mode to Instant-on
Test Your Connection
Before you use remote play, you’ll need to test your network is suitable to handle the load. Your NAT type should be open. It requires a minimum upload bandwidth of more than 9 Mbps, and a latency of less than 150 milliseconds.
A wired network will provide the best connection and also give more chance of being able to use remote play outside of your wi-fi network.
To test your connection, follow these steps:
- Press the Xbox button to bring up the guide
- Select Settings and Profile
- Select Settings
- Head to Devices > Connections > Remote features
- Select Test remote play
This will run a quick test on your connection to see if it’s suitable. A list of requirements will pop up and you’ll see exactly what meets them and what doesn’t. Once you’ve run the test and are sure the network is suitable, hit B to head back to the previous menu and select Enable remote features.
Connect an Xbox Controller
Remote play is exactly like using your console in the regular way, it’s just streamed through a secondary device. This means that touch controls won’t work, so you’ll need to pair your iPhone or iPad with a controller.
There are plenty of unofficial pads that do the job, but to get the best experience, it’s better to use an official one. To connect an Xbox Controller, you’ll first need to ensure your device’s Bluetooth is on and searching. To do this, head to Settings > Bluetooth, then switch it on.
Next, turn on your pad, then hold the connect button to the top of the pad until the light at the front flashes. The two devices should then automatically connect.
If you’re using your home Wi-Fi to play in a different room and usually use the pad with an Xbox One or Xbox Series S/X console, you might find this also automatically switches on the console, so keep an eye out for that.
How to Download the Xbox App and Use Remote Play
The Xbox App is a brilliant companion for the Xbox ecosystem. It’s completely free and gives you the freedom to manage your console without being tied to a TV.
After downloading from the App Store, log into your account and you’ll have full access to everything the app offers.
Once you’re in the app, head to the My Library tab (the one with three vertical lines), then select Consoles. This will show you any Xbox One or Series S/X consoles you’re logged in to. Choose which one you want to use, then hit Remote Play. Your Xbox will then start up and begin streaming to your device.
From here, you can choose whichever installed game you want to play, delete and install other titles, browse the store, and do anything you’d normally do when using your Xbox on the TV.
When you’re finished, hold the Xbox button on your pad until the power options pop up, and select Turn console off or End remote play.
Download: Xbox App for Android|iOS
What Else Can the Xbox App Do?
It’s not just streaming games you can do with the Xbox app; it also has plenty of other features that make it an essential download.
Sharing Screenshots and Videos
Depending on your settings, and screenshots and videos you capture upload automatically to the cloud and will appear within the app. You can then choose to download them to your phone or share them via your choice of app.
Taking and sharing screenshots with your Xbox Series X is a great way to immortalize those epic moments and weird glitches.
Manage Your Friends List and Chats
You can see and respond to any messages you’ve received through your Xbox and also create new chats with anyone on your friends list.
If you’re trying to sort out a couple of rounds of online gaming, it’s a great way to arrange this without having to use your actual console.
Download Purchased Games and Game Pass Titles
Searching for Game Pass titles or any game you own will allow you to download it to your console ready for the next time you play.
It saves time when you can choose a game to download while out of the house and seeing it ready to play next time you sit down in front of your Xbox Series X.
Pre-Load Non-Purchased Games
Pre-installing games you haven’t purchased yet is a unique feature that’s exclusive to the Xbox App. Doing this allows you to jump straight into the action with no waiting.
No downloading of updates or patches, just pre-install, put the disc in when it arrives, and play your game.
Manage Consoles
If you have more than one console tied to your account, you’ll be able to manage various aspects of each one with the Xbox App.
From deleting installed games to renaming your console, there are plenty of things you can do at any time. If you’re new to Xbox, you can also use the app to set up your Series X.
You’re Ready for Remote Play With Your iPad or iPhone
Remote play is a great idea from Microsoft and one that’s only recently become viable. Sony tried it with PS4 and Vita compatibility, but it never really took off. The ability to use your Xbox Series X with a secondary device makes it a much more convenient prospect.
It’s perfect for when you’re heading off on a weekend away or just going to visit a friend who doesn’t have the console yet. Just pop a pad in your bag with your iPhone or iPad, make sure the network is stable, and you’re ready to go.