Xbox Remote Play Not Working? Here’s Fix
Last updated: Mar 31, 2025 • 5 min readXbox is leading this generation for sure with new authentic, awesome features that all users with an Xbox account and console can access.
We are not talking about Xbox Game Pass - we meant Xbox Remote Play instead!
You need a mobile device, an Xbox Console, a good connection and remote features that will blow your mind away.
But what if Xbox Remote Play is not working as you expect? Why can’t you access remote play?! This guide will teach you all you need to know about:
- Why is Xbox Remote Play not working?;
- How to fix Xbox Remote Play not working;
- What to do if you cannot access Remote Play on your device?
How Does Xbox Remote Play Feature Work?
Xbox Remote Play allows you to use your own Xbox console and Xbox controller to access the Remote Play capability on your phone.
You need an Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or Xbox One, an Android or iOS device, the Xbox App, a new controller with enough AA batteries and one connection that works steadily in your house.
You can add your Bluetooth headset for a more immersive experience, for overall, this is all you need.
Now, if you cannot play Xbox games as you expect because an error message or a black screen shows up, then we might be talking about bugs within the app.
How to Fix Xbox Remote Play Not Working
There are different reasons why you might not be able to use the Remote Play Xbox App on your mobile device.
First and foremost, we might be talking about an Internet connection problem, which is why it is imperative for you to determine if connectivity issues are messing with your Xbox system or not.
If connection problems are not the thing causing the troubles, then continue reading to learn how to fix Xbox Remote Play right away!
1. Enable Remote Play On Your Xbox One Console
This might seem really obvious, but did you already enable Remote Play on your Xbox device’s operating system?
In order to do so, follow these steps:
- Turn on your Xbox by pressing the power button;
- On the home menu, press the Xbox button on your Xbox controller;
- Log in to the same Xbox account linked to the Xbox app;
- Go to Settings, Devices, and then Connections;
- On your console system, toggle switch the option that says “Enable Remote Play.”
From now on, you should be able to use Remote Play features on your phone. If not, move on to the following step.
2. Check Xbox Network Service Status
Maybe the real reason why you cannot use your console for Remote Play is that Xbox Servers are down.
In this case, you need to check the Xbox Status to see if there’s something going on.
Go to the official Xbox Status Page by clicking here and check whether there are problems with Remote Play at the moment.
If so, wait until Xbox supports remote play again, and then try to connect to the platform once again.
3. Check Your Wireless Device Coverage
Are you sure that your Wireless Router is located within a central location of your home network?
If your Xbox happens to be way too far away from the device you are trying to connect to; then you might have problems when using Remote Play.
Likewise, check if there are metal objects, such as metal shelving, in front of the console and the Internet device.
The connection should be fluid and never interrupted by external objects.
4. Remove Additional Controllers from the Xbox App
When you go to a friend’s house with your Xbox controllers, you can connect a maximum of eight controllers into the same console.
Nonetheless, you cannot connect more than one controller to Remote Play.
Having more controllers or other controllers connected to your session will cause bugs that can only be fixed if you deactivate them.
To do this, press the Xbox Button, select Turn Controller Off, and leave only the Xbox Remote Play Controller you will use.
After having just one controller linked to the App, you should be able to use all Remote Play features again.
5. Update and Restart Xbox Console
It might happen that you cannot use Remote Play because your Xbox firmware version is outdated.
Press the Xbox button, go to System Settings, select Software, and Update your console.
Put it on power cycle or restart it after you finish the update.
Now, try to use Remote Play on your console. Outdated Xbox consoles will not be able to access new features if the user fails to update them.
6. Clear Xbox App Cache
We have tried all the fixes related to your console, now let’s see if the problem is your phone.
Go to Settings, open the Apps Tab, select Xbox App, press the three-dot button, and select Clear Cache.
Then, force-close the Xbox application, enter again, and see if you can now play Remote Play on your phone.
Sometimes, cache files mess with the functioning of mobile apps, so this might as well do the trick.
7. Contact Microsoft Support Team
If you have tried everything but problems with Remote Play are still there, then Xbox Support might have the solution that you need.
Go to the official Xbox website and tell them that you have tried everything to fix Remote Play without success.
Luckily, they answer back pretty fast, so you should be enjoying Xbox titles from Remote Play in the blink of an eye.
FAQ
Can I Play Xbox Remote Play With Keyboard and Mouse?
No, the only way to play Xbox Remote Play is by using an Xbox controller - no exceptions.