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On supported Pixel phones, Game Dashboard puts game screenshots, screen recording, an FPS counter and interruption controls in an overlay above your game. To enable it, open Settings → Google → Game Dashboard, turn on Use Game Dashboard, and enable Game Dashboard floating icon for an on-screen shortcut. Android 12 was its launch version, but Android 12 alone does not guarantee the feature on every phone: other manufacturers may provide their own gaming overlay instead.
What Game Dashboard does
Game Dashboard is an in-game overlay, not a separate game or a feature you need to download. Its floating icon opens a larger panel, while a shortcut bar can keep selected controls close at hand. Available tools may include screenshots, screen recording, an FPS counter and Do Not Disturb. Some implementations also offer game optimization or Google Play Games features. The controls depend on the device, software version and game. Android Developers: About the Game Dashboard
Check whether your phone supports it
Google documents its Game Dashboard for Pixel devices running Android 12 or later. On other Android phones, availability depends on the manufacturer and software build; Android 12 does not ensure that every brand includes Google’s overlay. A manufacturer may instead supply its own gaming tools, such as Samsung Game Booster, Motorola gaming features, OnePlus gaming tools or Xiaomi Game Turbo. These are alternatives, not necessarily the same feature. Android Developers: device availability
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchTo check your phone, search Settings for Game Dashboard. If the option is absent, check your device maker’s support information for its gaming overlay rather than downloading an app claiming to add Google’s dashboard.
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Turn on Game Dashboard
- Open Settings.
- Tap Google, then Game Dashboard.
- Turn on Use Game Dashboard.
- Turn on Game Dashboard floating icon so you can open it during play.
- If desired, enable the option for Do Not Disturb for games.
Labels and placement can vary by Pixel model, Android build, language or manufacturer software. The path above is Google’s documented consumer route. Some early Android 12 guides instead show Settings → Apps → Game settings; that route may match launch-era software but is not universal. Google Pixel Tablet Help: Use Game Dashboard · Android Authority: Android Game Dashboard guide
Open the dashboard and arrange its shortcuts
- Launch a game and look for the floating game-controller icon or dashboard handle near the edge of the screen.
- Tap it to open the dashboard, then select the tool you want.
- To change quick-access controls, turn the relevant controls on or off in the dashboard. Those selections determine what appears in the shortcut bar.
- Return to the game. If your software offers docking or repositioning, move the bar or icon away from controls you need to tap.
The overlay or some controls may not appear if the feature is disabled, the phone does not support Google’s implementation, or the game is not recognized. Android Developers: Game Dashboard components
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- Bluetooth Controller for iPhone & Android: Mocagen mobile gaming controller Compatible with all iPhone models (including 18/17 series) and Android devices. Pairing steps: 1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and go to the pairing screen. 2. Press and hold the Home button for 3 sec until LED4 flashes. 3. Find "XBOX Wireless Controller" on your phone and tap to pair. Quick reconnect: After first pairing, simply press the Home button once (with Bluetooth on) to reconnect
- Play Most Controller-Compatible Games: This iPhone game controller supports cloud gaming (e.g., Xb*x Game Pass, GeForce NOW), Xbox Remote Play, emulator games, and native mobile games (e.g., Apple Arcade). Enjoy effortless control and play Fortnite, Call of Duty, Roblox, Genshin Impact, and many more anytime, anywhere. Note: Controller only works with games that support controller input, and does not support PS Remote Play
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Take a screenshot
- Open Game Dashboard while the game is running.
- Enable or expose the Screenshot control if it is not already available in the shortcut bar.
- Return to the game and tap the screenshot shortcut when you want to capture the screen.
- Look for the image in your usual Photos or Gallery location.
If the dashboard screenshot control is unavailable, use Android’s regular screenshot button combination for your phone.
Record gameplay
- Open Game Dashboard from inside the game.
- Select or enable Screen recording.
- Choose from the recording options shown on your phone. Depending on the software, these may include device or game audio, microphone audio, and showing screen touches.
- Tap Start. Stop from the recording controls or the notification shade.
- Find the resulting video in Photos or Gallery.
The recording dialog and audio choices vary by build. Check free storage and the selected audio source before recording; video capture uses storage and can add battery, heat and performance load. Protected content or a particular game may restrict capture, and microphone audio can be included if enabled.
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- Expanded Screen Compatibility: Stretchable up to 213mm, fitting iPad Mini 6/7 and Android tablets; Compatible with iPhone 15/16 and Android devices; Ultra-stable Type-C connection ensures lag-free gaming across all supported screen
- Mobile Gaming Compatibility: Lets you play most of the games you want. Supports Xbox Game Pass, Zenless Zone Zero, cloud gaming, Steam/Moonlight streaming games, and remote play
- Hall Effect Sticks: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver 360° seamless pinpoint control, provide the precision and durability that mobile gamers demand
- Ergonomic and Lightweight Design: Stay comfortable during long gaming sessions with the X5 Lite. Weighing just 135.4g, its lightweight design and ergonomically laser-engraved textured grips ensure a secure, comfortable hold for hours of gameplay
- Cushioned and Durable Membrane: The X5 Lite is equipped with cushioned and durable membrane triggers and buttons. The cushioned feedback provides a comfortable experience while ensuring quieter operation
Show the FPS counter
- Open Game Dashboard while the game is running.
- Tap FPS, then close the panel.
- Tap the FPS control again to hide the counter.
FPS indicates game frame output; it is not the same as the display’s maximum refresh rate. A game can run below the screen’s refresh rate, and the counter may not be available on every device or implementation.
Use Do Not Disturb while playing
Tap the dashboard’s Do Not Disturb control to reduce interruptions during a session, or enable the gaming-specific Do Not Disturb option in Game Dashboard settings if your device provides it. Depending on your notification configuration, selected people or apps may be allowed through. Do Not Disturb manages interruptions; it does not increase graphics performance. Google Pixel Tablet Help: Use Game Dashboard
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- Compatible with Android devices and fits mobile devices ranging from 100mm to 170mm in length.
- Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light and tactile.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons
- Profile button. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings. Turbo function.
Older Android 12 instructions may direct you to Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb → Schedules → Gaming. Menu paths vary with software version, so use Settings search if those labels do not match your phone. Android Central: Android 12 Game Dashboard
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Choose a game optimization mode
If an Optimization tile appears, it may offer these modes:
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- Hall effect joystick and linear trigger: mobile controller is with hall effect joystick, high precision, stable performance, faster response speed and long service life. Linear trigger has such high fluidity and response speed that gives you a competitive advantage in any game.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Game accessory controllers are ergonomically designed to ensure flawless control and execution. The shape of the gamepad fits naturally in the hand, so you can better immerse yourself in the fun even during prolonged use. 360° rotating joystick analog sticks and trigger buttons ensure precise accuracy and comfort as well as increased sensitivity so you can better control your gaming remote control.
- Supports controllers up to 11 inch: Scalable design supports most tablets such as 11 inch iPad Pro (M5), 11 inch iPad Air (M3), iPad (A16), iPad mini (A17 Pro), 11 inch iPad Pro (M4), 11 inch iPad Pro 4/3/2/1, for Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon, Huawei tablets etc. (Not compatible with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 13-inch iPad Air）
| Mode | What it prioritizes | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | The game’s default behavior | No special performance or battery prioritization |
| Performance | Gaming performance or frame rate | Can use more battery and generate more heat; it does not guarantee higher FPS |
| Battery Saver | Longer battery life | May reduce performance or frame rate |
The Optimization tile is not universal: the game must implement Android’s Game Mode API, and the device software must expose the control. Results also depend on the game, hardware and thermal limits. Android Developers: Game Dashboard components
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Stream to YouTube, achievements and leaderboards
Some Android 12-era versions included a YouTube Live shortcut. Its presence is not guaranteed, and a dashboard shortcut does not bypass YouTube’s account, policy, connectivity or other livestream eligibility requirements. Streaming is distinct from saving a local screen recording. The cited Android 12 coverage documents the shortcut but does not establish a current, universal eligibility threshold; check YouTube’s current rules for your account. Android Central: Android 12 Game Dashboard · Android Authority: Android Game Dashboard guide
Achievements and leaderboards may also be offered, but they depend on the game integrating the relevant Google Play Games features. Their absence does not mean the basic dashboard is broken. Android Developers: Game Dashboard components
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| What is missing | Possible reason |
|---|---|
| The whole dashboard | The phone or software does not support Google’s implementation, it is disabled, or the manufacturer uses a different overlay. |
| Floating icon | The floating-icon option is off, or the game is not detected. |
| Optimization | The game has not implemented the Game Mode API, or the device software does not expose the tile. |
| Achievements or leaderboards | The game has not integrated the relevant Google Play Games features. |
| Recording | Capture is restricted, a permission or storage issue is present, or the software has a problem. |
| YouTube Live | The shortcut is unavailable on that build, or account, app, region or eligibility conditions are not met. |
Troubleshoot a missing icon or failed recording
- Search Settings for Game Dashboard. Confirm that both Use Game Dashboard and the floating icon are on.
- Restart the phone, then try a different game to see whether the issue is limited to one title.
- Install available Android system and Google Play services updates.
- If recording fails, test Android’s ordinary screen recorder from Quick Settings. If that also fails, the issue is not specific to the game dashboard.
- Turn Game Dashboard off, wait several seconds, turn it back on, and restart the phone. Use the standard Screen Record Quick Settings tile as a fallback.
- If the ordinary recorder works but dashboard recording still fails, clearing relevant app caches is an advanced step; the exact components vary by device. Pixel Community troubleshooting also suggests toggling the feature and restarting, but those steps are not guaranteed fixes. Google Pixel Community: screen recording troubleshooting
If the option remains absent on a Pixel, or recording continues to fail after these checks, contact Google or the phone manufacturer with the model, Android version and affected game. A managed work profile or parental controls can also restrict features on some devices.
Android 12 versus later versions
Game Dashboard debuted with Android 12, but menus and controls have changed across later Android and Pixel software. Use the current Settings route where it exists; treat launch-era screenshots and alternate menu paths as version-specific rather than evidence that the same labels appear on every phone.
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