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How to Play Xbox Games on iPhone and iPad

Microsoft’s Xbox has been a leading video game supplier with many features for quite a while. The release of new features and software by major gaming brands to make gaming more accessible and exciting for gamers also contributes to the gaming world’s ongoing enthusiasm. Also, we are all aware of how enjoyable gaming is when done on a computer, TV, or other large-screen devices; however, making your games playable on a phone is also incredibly appealing.

In one of our previous articles, we discussed how you can play Steam games over your iPhone and iPad. However, how can you play Xbox games on an iPhone or iPad? For some time now, Android users have had the option to play Xbox Game Pass games directly through the app on their phone using the Cloud Gaming feature as well as the Remote Play option to stream their Xbox console games. Apple, however, didn’t previously authorize the capability for Cloud Gaming until recently. Hence, we’ve put up this article to discuss how you can play Xbox games on iPhone and iPad so that you may start enjoying the Xbox console experience on your phone even if you don’t have a console.

What is Xbox Cloud Gaming?

One of the features of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundle is Xbox Cloud Gaming, which enables you to play your console games on PCs, Android devices, and iOS devices using Microsoft Cloud. With this feature, games can be streamed directly from a remote server to your device without you needing to download them locally.

Simply put, cloud gaming enables Xbox gameplay without the need for a console. It is also rather easy to set up, aside from the fact that it does away with the requirement for Xbox console hardware to play Xbox games. On Android, it has been linked with the Xbox Game Pass app; however, Apple has only recently made Xbox Cloud Gaming accessible on the iPhone and iPad through web browsers like Chrome and Safari.

What are the requirements to use Cloud Gaming to play Xbox games on iPhone and iPad?

Before you can have access to Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming, you need to meet the requirements below:

  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription: it costs $1 for the first month and $14.99 for each subsequent month.
  • Your iPhone or iPad must be running the minimum version of iOS 14.4.
  • Though touch controls work for some games, you should have a wired or wireless Xbox controller.
  • iPhone or iPad must be running Bluetooth 4.0.
  • Supported web browsers like Safari, Chrome, or Microsoft Edge.
  • You must have a very stable internet connection: 10 Mbps or higher for iPhones and 20 Mbps or higher for iPads.
  • 5GHz Wi-Fi network

If you have all those requirements met, then you can proceed with setting up Cloud Gaming on your iPhone or iPad.

How to set up Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming on iPhone and iPad

In order to be able to play Xbox games on iPhone and iPad, you need to set up cloud gaming on your device first. Follow the steps below to start playing your Xbox games on your iOS devices through cloud gaming:       

  1. Open Safari on your iOS device

    Open your iPhone or iPad browser (Safari is recommended) and visit xbox.com/play.

  2. Sign into your Microsoft and Xbox Game Pass account

    On the Xbox page, click on Sign in, enter the Microsoft account linked with your Xbox Game Pass, and select Next.

  3. Add Xbox Cloud Gaming to your home screen

    You’ll be taken to the Xbox Cloud Gaming home screen. Tap on the Share menu at the bottom of the page. Then scroll down to the Add to Home Screen option and click on it.

  4. Select the Xbox Cloud icon

    A pop-up will show with the Xbox Cloud icon option and URL; select Add at the top-right corner of the page.

With this, the Xbox Cloud Gaming icon will be available on your iPhone or iPad home screen for quick access. Anytime you want to play Xbox games on your iPhone and iPad, you simply have to click on the icon.

How to Connect Your Xbox Wireless Controller to an iPhone or iPad

We mentioned that you could play games on Xbox Cloud Gaming on your iPhone or iPad using the touch controls, an Xbox controller, or any other compatible controller. You should be aware that not all games allow for touch control, so you may need to utilize a controller in some cases. Thus, this is how to connect an iPhone or iPad to a game controller.


1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on, and then press and hold the pairing button at the top of the controller until the Xbox logo starts to flash.
2. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings and turn on Bluetooth.
3. You should see the Xbox Wireless Controller under the available devices. Tap on it to pair your iPhone or iPad with the controller.

How to Run Xbox Games on iPhone and iPad: Final Thoughts

How to Play Xbox Games on iOS iPhone iPad hero

You can play Xbox games on iPhone and iPad by following the instructions we’ve outlined above, provided Xbox Game Pass is accessible in your location. Through Xbox Cloud gaming, you may play more than 100 different game titles with ease. Also, the concept that you can play Xbox games on your iPhone and iPad without owning an Xbox console is intriguing enough on its own. In the comment section below, tell us what you think of the feature.

How to Play Xbox Game Pass on iOS: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play my Xbox game on my iPhone?

You can use either the Xbox Remote Play option or Xbox Cloud Gaming to play Xbox games on your iPhone. As long as you have initially configured the Remote Play option, you can stream games from your Xbox console to your iPhone. Additionally, you can stream games from the Microsoft Cloud to your iPhone using the Cloud Gaming option of the Xbox Game Pass.

Is Xbox Cloud Gaming free?

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the only fee-based subscription needed to access Xbox Cloud Gaming. Therefore, you may easily use Cloud Gaming to play your Xbox games on your device as long as you have a Game Pass membership.

Are all games saved on Xbox Cloud?

While using Xbox Cloud Gaming, your saved games are automatically stored in the cloud but not downloaded to your device. Anytime you log in to the profile with the same Microsoft account used to keep your games, you’ll always find them.

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