No—not in the sense of being fully powered up with a game on screen. Your Xbox must stay plugged in, connected to the internet, and in a power mode that allows remote access. For unattended Remote Play, enable Remote Features and use Sleep mode; a fully shut-down or unplugged console cannot be reached remotely.
Which Xbox power state works for Remote Play?
| Console state | Can Remote Play connect? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| On | Yes, if Remote Features and the other requirements are met. | The console is running and can host the game. |
| Sleep | Yes, when remote features are enabled and the console has power and internet access. | Xbox says Sleep mode makes the console available for Remote Play. On consoles with Active hours controls, availability while sleeping depends on the hours selected. |
| Fully shut down or without power | No. | The console cannot be contacted remotely until it is turned on again. |
Xbox’s Remote Play setup guidance and October 2023 power-mode update describe the settings that keep a console available. Sleep does not guarantee a connection: power, network access, a supported device, and the correct account are also needed.
Set up the console to be reachable
- Enable Remote Features: On the Xbox, open Settings and enable Remote Features. Xbox requires an Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One with remote features enabled.
- Select Sleep: In the console’s power settings, choose Sleep rather than a full shutdown if you want to connect while away.
- Check Active hours, if available: When Sleep is selected, Xbox consoles with Active hours controls can be available for Remote Play during the hours you choose. Xbox said the default was always active unless changed when it announced the feature in 2023.
- Keep the console online: Leave it connected to power and the internet. A lost network connection or power interruption prevents remote access.
Power-setting names and availability can vary by console and software version. For the current instructions, see Xbox’s setup page.
What you need on the device you’re connecting from
Remote Play streams a game running on your own Xbox to a supported phone, tablet, PC, TV, or VR headset. Xbox’s requirements page lists a Microsoft account with an Xbox profile, an internet connection, and 10 Mbps download speed. Xbox recommends 5 GHz Wi-Fi or mobile data on its Remote Play page. Its listed operating-system requirements include Android 6.0 or later, iOS 15.1 or later, and Windows 10/11 version 22H2 or later; supported devices and requirements can change, so check Xbox’s current list before troubleshooting an older device.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
For supported Android and iOS phone or tablet play, Xbox says a compatible Bluetooth controller is required. It recommends a compatible Xbox Wireless Controller; this is not a reason to buy one if your device and setup already have a supported controller.
If Remote Play won’t connect
- Confirm Remote Features are enabled on the console.
- Check that the Xbox is plugged in, online, and using Sleep or another power state that allows remote availability—not fully shut down.
- If the console has Active hours controls, check whether the time you are trying to connect falls within the selected hours.
- Verify that you are using a supported client and the Microsoft account associated with the Xbox profile.
- Check the internet connection against Xbox’s current requirements and recommendations, and confirm any controller requirement for your phone or tablet.
Xbox announced in April 2025 that Remote Play could be accessed at xbox.com/remoteplay in a supported browser, after moving access away from the Xbox mobile app. Because access routes can change, use Xbox’s current Remote Play page for the latest way to connect.
Rank #2
- 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.
Remote Play is not the same as Cloud Gaming
With Remote Play, your own Xbox runs the game and streams it to your device. Xbox Cloud Gaming instead runs supported games on Xbox servers. That means your console’s power state matters for Remote Play, but not for a Cloud Gaming session. Microsoft explains the difference in its Remote Play architecture overview.
Xbox Wire said on September 9, 2026, that Remote Play is available without an additional subscription because it uses the player’s console. That does not mean every game feature is subscription-free: a particular game or online multiplayer may still have its own subscription requirement. Check the game’s terms and Xbox’s current requirements for your setup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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.
