Xbox Cloud Gaming is officially available on iPhone and iPad. Here’s how to get it up and running.
Key Takeaways
- Xbox's Cloud Gaming is a solid streaming option available on most devices.
- Setting up Cloud Gaming on iPhone and iPad is easy using the Safari browser.
- Compatible devices include newer iPhones and iPads for high-quality streaming.
Cloud gaming isn't going to replace traditional digital or physical games for a while, but it is a very handy and convenient option if you've got a strong enough connection to support it. While there are a ton of game streaming options out there, Xbox's Cloud Gaming is one of the most robust and compatible on just about everything. If you've got an iPad or iPhone, you can take almost all your games wherever you go.
Although there's no dedicated app, Cloud Gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate works great on iPhone and iPad. It uses the Safari browser, but you can also add an app icon to your iOS or iPadOS home screen, so you can have a fullscreen, non-URL experience with a single tap each time. Here's how to set it up and what you need.
How to run Cloud Gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on iOS and iPad OS
Gaming on the go
Xbox Cloud Gaming offers more than 100 games to stream over an internet connection at up to 1080p 60fps for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, so you'll need to get that first (if you haven't already). It costs $15 per month and includes over 300 games for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, 200 games for Windows PCs, all the games available on EA Play, Xbox Live Gold for online play, and exclusive discounts and offers.
Once subscribed, you need to follow the instructions below to get Cloud Gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate running and installed on your iPhone or iPad (see the list of compatible devices below).
1. Open the Safari browser and head to xbox.com/play. Note: while Xbox Cloud Gaming works through the Chrome browser too (and Microsoft Edge) it works best in Safari and you need to use it to create an app icon for your home screen.
2. Tap on "Sign In" and log into your Microsoft account associated with Xbox Game Pass. The Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta) home screen will appear. Look at the bottom of the screen and tap on the share button (the box with an up arrow in it).
3. Scroll down to "Add to Home Screen", tap on it and a pop-up will appear with a Cloud Gaming icon and URL address. Tap on "Add" in the top-right corner.
4. You will now have a new app icon on your home screen titled "Cloud Gaming". Tap on that and you will be asked to sign in again. The full Xbox Cloud Gaming service will now be available, and you only need to open that app whenever you want to play in the future.
Xbox Cloud Gaming compatible iOS and iPad OS devices list
What devices will work
While Xbox Cloud Gaming might work on older iPhones and iPads, Microsoft will only guarantee the following devices will work with Cloud streaming:
iPhones
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPads
- iPad Air (3rd Gen)
- iPad Air (4th Gen)
- iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen
- iPad Mini 5th Gen
- iPad 8th Gen
