You can control Streamlabs Desktop from across the room in two ways: assign shortcuts under Settings > Hotkeys and trigger them from a keyboard or compatible physical controller, or use the Streamlabs Controller phone app. The app’s QR-code setup connects over your local network; controlling Desktop from outside that network takes separate router configuration.
Set up hotkeys in Streamlabs Desktop
- Open Streamlabs Desktop and click the Settings cog.
- Choose Hotkeys.
- Find the action you want and click its shortcut field, then press the key combination you want to assign. Check the panel for the actions and bindings available in your current version; Streamlabs does not publish a universal default map in its guide.
- Use combinations of at least two keys to reduce accidental triggers while another application is active. Streamlabs recommends “a combination of at least two or more keys.”
- Test each shortcut when you are not live or recording, especially actions that start or stop a broadcast or recording.
Streamlabs lists actions including starting or stopping a stream or recording, muting a microphone, saving a replay, skipping alerts, controlling scenes and sources, and creating recording markers. Availability depends on the options shown in your Hotkeys panel. See Streamlabs’ hotkey setup guide, last updated October 8, 2025.
Trigger hotkeys without reaching for the keyboard
Use a physical controller
Streamlabs says its hotkeys can be used with creator consoles such as Stream Deck or Loupedeck. The hotkey guide does not establish compatibility for a particular model or provide a model-specific setup procedure. Confirm that your intended controller supports the shortcut workflow and follow its current configuration instructions; the Streamlabs hotkey assignments themselves are made in Desktop.
Use the Streamlabs Controller app on your phone
The phone app is a separate remote-control route, not a way to send Desktop keyboard hotkeys over the internet. For the documented QR setup, the phone and computer must be able to communicate on the same local network.
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- Update the Streamlabs Controller app and connect the phone to the same local network as the computer running Streamlabs Desktop.
- Check that the router does not have access-point isolation enabled and that a guest Wi-Fi network, if used, allows clients to reach the local network.
- Allow Streamlabs Desktop through the computer’s firewall.
- In Desktop, open Settings > Remote Control and display the QR code.
- In the phone app, open Remote Control and scan the code.
These are Streamlabs’ documented connection steps, not a guarantee that every network configuration will work. If setup still fails, Streamlabs suggests generating a new API key in Remote Control settings, rebooting, and trying each Wi-Fi band if the router provides multiple bands. See its Controller app remote-control instructions, last updated April 25, 2025.
Control Desktop over the internet
For access when the phone is not on the computer’s local network, Streamlabs documents a separate, advanced route. First establish a local connection, then configure your router to forward external traffic to port 59650 on the Desktop computer. In the mobile app, choose Remote > Manual Connection and enter the public IP address.
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Port forwarding exposes a route into your network and requires correct router and firewall configuration. Streamlabs notes that advanced network knowledge may be needed. If your internet provider changes your public IP address, the saved address may stop working. Do not treat this as necessary for the ordinary QR-code setup over local Wi-Fi.
Choose the control method that fits
| Method | Where you control it | Connection scope | Setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop hotkeys | Keyboard shortcuts | On the computer | Assign actions in Settings > Hotkeys |
| Physical controller | Buttons on a compatible console | Triggers the configured hotkeys | Configure shortcuts in Desktop and check the controller’s compatibility and setup guidance |
| Controller app, QR setup | Phone app | Shared local network | Allow local network communication, permit Desktop through the firewall, then scan the QR code |
| Controller app, manual connection | Phone app | Internet access via router configuration | Port forward 59650 and enter the public IP under Remote > Manual Connection |
Use hotkeys when a keyboard or controller is within reach. Choose the phone app’s QR connection for local-network control; use manual internet connection only when you need access beyond that network and can manage the security and maintenance implications. For any method, first confirm that the action you need is available in Desktop’s current Hotkeys panel or the app’s controls.
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Troubleshoot remote-control problems
- The app cannot find Desktop or scan connection fails: Confirm both devices are on the same local network, disable access-point isolation, check guest-network access, and allow Desktop through the computer firewall.
- The QR connection stopped working: Streamlabs suggests creating a new API key in Remote Control settings and rebooting. These are troubleshooting suggestions, not guaranteed fixes.
- It works on one Wi-Fi band but not another: If the router has multiple bands, Streamlabs suggests trying each one.
- Manual connection fails outside the home network: Verify that the router forwards port 59650 to the Desktop computer and that the public IP entered in the app is current. A changing ISP-assigned address can invalidate it.
- A shortcut fires unexpectedly or not at all: Review its assignment in Settings > Hotkeys, use a combination of at least two keys, and confirm the action is listed in the current panel.
Or let it run in the cloud
Hotkeys and the Controller app operate Streamlabs Desktop on your computer. If your goal is instead to keep uploaded videos looping as a 24/7 YouTube live stream, StreamNeo runs that playback in the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
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