To set up remote play, enable streaming on the console or PC, install the platform’s official app on your receiving device, sign in, connect to the host, and pair a compatible controller if you want one. The game runs on the host and streams to your phone, tablet, or handheld; the right app and setup depend on whether you’re playing from PlayStation, Steam, or Xbox.
Before you start
Remote play requires a host device—the console or PC running the game—and a receiving device that can run the platform’s app or client. Check that the host is online, updated, and configured for remote connections. Use the platform-specific instructions below, since support for one device or app does not guarantee support for another.
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- Have the account used for the game platform ready.
- Use a reliable network at both the host and receiving device.
- Check whether your phone, tablet, or exact handheld model and operating system are supported.
- Decide whether to use touch controls or a compatible controller.
Set up PlayStation Remote Play on a phone or tablet
PS Remote Play supports controlling a PS5 or PS4 from supported Android phones and tablets, iPhones, and iPads. Sony recommends current console system software and signing in to the app with the same PlayStation account used on the console. See PlayStation’s mobile Remote Play instructions for current device requirements and details.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- On the console, enable Remote Play in its settings.
- If you want to wake the console from rest mode, enable the relevant stay-connected and network-wake options in the console’s 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 and connect. 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. Compatibility depends on the phone or tablet, so check its controller support before buying or pairing one.
#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.
Check the connection
Sony’s support guidance recommends at least 5 Mbps upload and download, and at least 15 Mbps in both directions for best performance. These are recommendations, not guarantees of smooth play. Remote Play can use substantially more data than typical video streaming, and mobile-data availability depends on carrier support and network conditions.
Set up Steam Link on a phone or tablet
Steam Link connects a receiving device to a computer running Steam, then streams games from that computer. Install or update Steam on the host and confirm the game launches there before connecting. Valve describes Steam Remote Play and supported receiving devices on its Steam Remote Play page.
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.
- On the host computer, install or update Steam and sign in.
- Install Steam Link on your phone or tablet.
- Open Steam Link and follow its connection flow to select the computer running Steam.
- Pair a supported controller if desired, then launch a game from your Steam library.
For the best streaming experience, Valve recommends a wired network. Its Steam Remote Play support page also explains the service. A game’s store-page details can indicate whether it supports Remote Play Together or is marked as suitable for streaming to devices through Steam Link.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →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. The published requirements include an Xbox console with remote features enabled, a compatible receiving device, a supported Bluetooth controller, and a Microsoft account with an Xbox profile. Consult the current Xbox Remote Play page and the Xbox app or official support guidance for your region for the setup steps and current compatibility details.
Rank #3
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
What to check for a handheld
“Handheld” can mean a dedicated streaming device or a general-purpose handheld PC, and support is not universal. Confirm that the exact model and operating system support the platform’s current app or client before relying on it. A handheld that streams a console or PC game is acting as a receiving device; it is not necessarily running that game locally.
When choosing between a phone, tablet, or handheld, compare compatibility with your host platform, portability and ergonomics, controller arrangement, and the network you can use. Also distinguish a streaming client from a device that can run games locally: remote play depends on the host being available and connected.
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.
If remote play won’t connect or keeps stuttering
- Confirm that the host is powered on or configured to wake, online, updated, and signed in to the correct account.
- Check that remote features are enabled. On PlayStation, network-wake settings are needed if you expect to connect while the console is in rest mode.
- Verify the receiving device’s internet connection and confirm that its operating system and app are supported.
- Try a controller explicitly supported by the platform and receiving device, or test touch controls if available.
- If the stream stutters, improve the host’s network connection where possible. Valve recommends wired networking for the best streaming experience.
- On mobile data, check carrier availability and your data allowance; streaming can consume substantial data.
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