remote play
Software

How to Remotely Play your Favorite Games on your Smartphone

There are many ways to play video games from your game consoles or computer remotely. Firstly, for a PC user, you can buy a portable device like a Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally. PlayStation has released several portable gaming devices, which include the PlayStation Portable and the PSVita. Recently, they released the PlayStation Portal for the PS5. Xbox does not have a device like this, and they have been focused on several other projects including PC gaming and Xbox Game Pass. There is also the Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2, which are great devices that compete with the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally. The best ways to play games are these devices because the older PlayStation portable devices are more out of date.

Another thing to understand is that playing games remotely on your smartphone requires you to have the main device running. This means that you will need your computer to be running to remotely play a game on your IPhone. This is not necessarily a bad thing, and it can create a more comfortable experience playing games on the go. The applications described here will be for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox users only. These instructions look as setting it up mainly on IPhone as well.

How to Set Up Steam Link on iPhone (for PC Users)

Steam Link is great if you game on a PC and use Steam. It basically mirrors your screen from the PC to your phone.

Steps:

  1. Make sure your PC is on and Steam is open.
    – Both your iPhone and PC should be on the same Wi-Fi network for the best connection.
  2. Download the app called “Steam Link” from the App Store.
  3. Open Steam Link on your iPhone. It’ll search for your PC running Steam.
  4. Pair your controller (optional, but highly recommended).
    – You can use an Xbox or PlayStation controller via Bluetooth.
  5. Tap your computer once it shows up. A PIN will appear on your phone.
  6. Enter the PIN in Steam on your PC when prompted.
  7. Run the connection test — Steam will check if your internet is good enough for streaming.
  8. Launch your games from the Steam Link menu on your phone.

That’s it! As long as Steam is running on your PC, you can play your whole library from bed, the couch, or wherever.

How to Set Up PlayStation Remote Play on iPhone

If you’ve got a PS5 or PS4, PlayStation Remote Play is the official app for streaming your console to your iPhone.

Steps:

  1. Turn on your PS5 or PS4 and make sure it’s connected to Wi-Fi.
  2. On your console, go to:
    Settings > System > Remote Play, then turn on “Enable Remote Play.”
  3. (Optional) To enable remote play while in Rest Mode:
    Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode
    – Turn on “Stay Connected to the Internet”
    – Turn on “Enable Turning on PS5 from Network”
  4. Download the “PS Remote Play” app from the App Store.
  5. Sign in with your PlayStation Network account (same one used on your console).
  6. Connect a controller:
    – Pair a DualSense or DualShock 4 controller with your iPhone via Bluetooth.
  7. Let the app search for your console. This might take a minute.
  8. Once it connects, your PlayStation home screen will appear — and you’re good to go.

Now you can play your PS5 or PS4 games directly from your iPhone, just like on a handheld.

How to Set Up Xbox App on iPhone

Xbox doesn’t have a portable console, but the Xbox App makes it easy to stream from your console to your phone.

Steps:

  1. Make sure your Xbox is turned on (or set to Instant-On mode).
  2. On your Xbox, go to:
    Settings > Devices & Connections > Remote Features
    – Enable “Remote Features.”
  3. Still in settings, set the power mode to “Instant-on” so the console can wake up for remote play.
  4. Download the “Xbox” app from the App Store.
  5. Sign in with your Microsoft/Xbox account.
  6. Tap the console icon in the top-right corner of the app.
  7. Tap “Remote Play on this device.”
  8. Pair your Xbox controller with your iPhone via Bluetooth.
  9. The app will connect to your console and start streaming your Xbox dashboard.

You’re all set to play Xbox games from your iPhone.
Bonus: If you have Game Pass Ultimate, you can also try Xbox Cloud Gaming through Safari at xbox.com/play.

Other Things to Consider

So now that you’ve got the setup steps for Steam Link, PlayStation Remote Play, and the Xbox app, you’re probably realizing how powerful your iPhone can be when it comes to gaming. It’s not just a phone anymore — it’s a legit portable console, as long as you’ve got your main device turned on and a stable internet connection. The cool part is, you don’t have to spend hundreds of extra dollars on new hardware like the Steam Deck or PlayStation Portal if you don’t want to. You can just use your existing gear and keep gaming wherever you are — your couch, your bed, the backyard, or even while traveling.

Let’s be honest, portable gaming has changed a lot in the past few years. Back in the day, your only real options were things like the Nintendo DS or the PSP. Those were awesome in their time, but the tech has come a long way. Devices like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and PlayStation Portal are offering full-sized console or PC gaming experiences in a portable form. And with remote play apps, you don’t even need to carry those around. You can just pull out your iPhone, connect a controller, and you’re gaming in minutes.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, your home internet setup really matters. If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure it’s strong and stable — ideally 5GHz instead of 2.4GHz — so the video stream from your PC, PlayStation, or Xbox comes through smoothly. If you’re planning to play remotely outside your home (like at a friend’s house or in a hotel), you’ll need to make sure your home console or PC is left on and connected to the internet. For that reason, using features like Instant-On Mode for Xbox or Remote Play in Rest Mode for PlayStation is pretty much essential.

You also want to think about your controller setup. While you can technically use touch controls on some games, that’s not going to be ideal for most people — especially if you’re playing something like Elden Ring, Call of Duty, or even Spider-Man. Pairing your DualSense, DualShock 4, or Xbox controller over Bluetooth makes a big difference. The experience feels way more like playing on an actual console, and a lot less like struggling with tiny touchscreen buttons.

Another thing that’s worth pointing out is that even though Xbox doesn’t have its own handheld device, their strategy is way more focused on cloud gaming and platform flexibility. Game Pass Ultimate, for example, lets you stream games directly from Microsoft’s servers — no console required. You can do that through Safari at xbox.com/play, and that opens up a whole new level of freedom. It’s not quite the same as Remote Play (since the game runs on a server, not your home Xbox), but it’s part of the same conversation. If you’re a Game Pass subscriber, it’s totally worth checking out.

As for Steam Link, it’s a lifesaver for PC gamers. Whether you’re a casual indie game fan or deep into AAA titles like Cyberpunk or Baldur’s Gate, Steam Link is super convenient. Once it’s set up, it just works. You can pause a game on your PC, pick up your phone, and continue playing from your couch. You don’t need to invest in a Steam Deck right away unless you’re really set on a dedicated gaming device.

What’s also interesting is how cross-platform everything is getting. You can use a PlayStation controller to play Steam games on your iPhone. You can use an Xbox controller for Remote Play on PlayStation. There are even third-party controllers made specifically to clip onto your iPhone, like the Backbone One or Razer Kishi. These things turn your phone into a full-fledged gaming device with tactile buttons, analog sticks, and even built-in charging.

So really, there’s never been a better time to be a gamer who values portability and flexibility. Whether you’re grinding through a long RPG, playing quick multiplayer matches, or just exploring open-world games in your spare time, remote play makes everything more accessible. And best of all, you don’t have to choose between comfort and performance — you can have both.

To sum it up:

  • PC gamers should definitely check out Steam Link. It’s free, easy to set up, and works great with most games.
  • PlayStation users will love Remote Play if they have a stable connection and want to play their console games anywhere in the house — or even miles away.
  • Xbox fans have it good with both Remote Play and Cloud Gaming through Game Pass. It’s a really versatile option that works well across devices.

And the iPhone? It’s kind of the universal remote for all of this. It can talk to your PC, your Xbox, and your PlayStation. With just a few apps, it turns into a mini gaming hub that fits in your pocket. As long as you’re cool with pairing a controller and keeping your main device powered on, you’re ready to go.

So go ahead — set it up, experiment a little, and see what works best for you. Whether you’re traveling, chilling at home, or stuck in a long wait somewhere, remote gaming can keep you connected to your favorite games anytime, anywhere.

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