Remote Play missing from the Xbox app: where to play on your phone

If the familiar Remote Play button is missing from the mobile Xbox app, open xbox.com/remoteplay in your phone's browser. To launch a cloud game, use xbox.com/play. Microsoft lists these addresses in its current mobile app help. You do not need to reinstall the Xbox app to recover an old button.

Why older instructions show a missing button

In the April 2025 update, Microsoft announced that mobile Remote Play was moving to Xbox.com. The Xbox app still displays your library, lets you buy games and send downloads to the console, and supports communication and captures. An install-to-Xbox command downloads the game to the console; it does not stream the game's picture to your phone.

Remote Play from your Xbox: the quick route

1. Launch the game on your console under your profile and enable remote features. Leave the Xbox on for the first attempt.
2. Connect a compatible controller to your phone. Open xbox.com/remoteplay and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to the console.
3. Select your Xbox and connect. The expected result is your console's picture on the phone.
4. After a successful session, separately set up and test Xbox wake-up if you want to start it remotely.

The same home network is a convenient place to test the phone and Xbox for the first time. Playing over mobile data needs a separate external test. If the console does not appear, check the profile, power, internet and remote features; a game's purchase page will not help here.

Cloud Gaming: the quick route without a console

1. Open xbox.com/play in a supported browser; start with Safari on iPhone/iPad. Sign in to Microsoft.
2. Find the exact title and edition. Check cloud availability in your country and the account's access to the game.
3. To play without a controller, choose a game listing that supports touch. Otherwise, connect a compatible controller.
4. Launch the game and wait through any queue. You do not need to install the console game on your phone.

On iPhone/iPad, you can add the web service through Safari → Share → Add to Home Screen. This creates a shortcut to Microsoft's official site. Plans, purchased games and free exceptions are covered in the Game Pass guide for phone gaming.

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When to use XBPlayer

XBPlayer combines Remote Play and cloud games in an app. On a phone or tablet, you can customize the on-screen layout and physical controller profiles. Android has guides for Remote Play setup and cloud launch; iPhone/iPad has a guide covering both modes.

The same console and game-access requirements still apply. Paying for XBPlayer covers the app and does not replace games or Microsoft services. If browser play meets your needs, you can keep using it.

If the game still will not start

• Only a purchase or install button appears. You are on a store or library page; use the address for the required mode above.
• The Xbox is not found. Check the Microsoft account and available console list.
• Cloud play asks for a subscription or purchase. Check the license and edition under the current account.
• The picture appears but buttons do not work. Make sure the controller is connected to the phone; browser touch input depends on the game's support.