How to stream live tv from an xbox one to a windows pc iphone or android phone
Sebastian Wright
Published Mar 29, 2026
By Chris Smith April 23, 2015 2:23 am BST
Microsoft has detailed the May update for the Xbox One, with a particular focus on how the console will play nice with Windows 10 smartphones, tablets and PCs.
The monthly updates usually bring a host of improvements to the Xbox One console itself, but the May boosts are mainly centred around interoperability between the gaming machine and other Microsoft devices.
Perhaps most interesting is the forthcoming ability for Xbox One owners using a digital TV tuner to stream that live TV content wirelessly to a Windows 10 device.
Elsewhere within the latest preview versions of Windows 10 will be a new Game DVR application similar to the one on the new-gen Xbox One console.
The Xbox app will allow PC gamers to use a ‘record that’ button to save the last 30 seconds of gameplay. Manual recording and screenshot capture will also be available within the Windows 10 Xbox app.
Also, Windows 10 now has an Xbox Avatar customisation app available within the Windows Store.
Read more: PS4 vs Xbox One
On the Xbox console side of things, Microsoft has also announced the inclusion of a new Wireless Display app for the Xbox One, which will be enabled later this week for Xbox preview members and later this summer for the wider community. This will enable Miracast streaming support so content can be sent directly to the Xbox One from compatible Android phones and Windows devices.
The May update will also bring a new user-selectable power mode, which enables Xbox One owners to select their preferred power mode when setting up the console.
This comes following the controversy over how expensive it can be to run an Xbox when the voice controlled instant-on mode is in operation. The energy-saving mode, which requires users to press the Xbox button on the console, can now be selected as default.
In a similar vein, the new beta versions of the Xbox One SmartGlass app for Windows, Windows Phone and Android have been updated to allow users to turn the console on and off through the app.
You can see the full feature list on Major Nelson’s blog and preview some of them in the YouTube video below.
Play games from your console straight to your PC, phone or tablet over the internet with Xbox remote play.
Play games installed on your Xbox console, including Xbox Game Pass titles, to any compatible Android or iOS device. Currently excludes backward compatible titles from Xbox 360 or Original Xbox.
How to use Xbox remote play
Here’s what you’ll need to start playing
Compatible phone or tablet
Android version 6.0 or greater, iOS version 10 or greater, Bluetooth version 4.0+
Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One console
Compatible Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth
Optional clip to connect your phone and controller. Available at retailers including Microsoft Store.
Xbox app
A Microsoft account with Xbox profile
Internet connection
5Ghz Wi-Fi or mobile data connection
10Mbps down
How to tell if your Xbox controller is Bluetooth ready
Plastic around the Xbox button is connected to the main body of the controller
Xbox Wireless Controllers accompanying the Xbox Series X and Xbox One X, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, or Xbox Design Lab controller.
Plastic surrounding the Xbox button continues around the top of the controller
Original controller accompanying the Xbox One console or the original Xbox Elite Wireless Controller
Getting Started
The app will guide you through setup on your enrolled Xbox console. This includes a test to ensure your home network, console and controller are ready for Xbox remote play.
Your away game
Download the free Xbox app today.
Xbox remote play is now on PC
Play games from your Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles right on your PC. Set up remote play in the Xbox app.
Mobile gaming accessories
Razer Kishi
Bring your A-game anytime, anywhere. Introducing a universal gaming controller designed to bring console-level control to your mobile gaming. With this controller by your side, where you go, victory will follow.
Xbox Wireless Controller
Equip yourself with the Xbox Wireless Controller, featuring a sleek, streamlined design and textured grip for enhanced comfort. Available in a wide range of styles and colors.
PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip
Jump into mobile gaming. Designed in partnership with the Xbox Design Studio, this clip is optimized for balance and comfort. It snaps into a Bluetooth-enabled Xbox Wireless Controller and keeps your phone securely in place during play.
Frequently asked questions
Can I purchase games in the Xbox app on Android and iOS?
In order to bring console remote play to the Xbox app for Android and iOS, we had removed purchase capabilities. You can still easily search for and start downloading any game from the Xbox catalog, right from the app, so it’s ready to play when you get back to your console. Then, if you choose to buy it, you can do that when you’re back on your console before playing.
*Playing over the internet from console on supported Android and iOS phones or tablets (mobile data charges may apply). Supported Bluetooth controller, and Microsoft Account with Xbox profile required. Some games and online multiplayer require Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Live Gold (memberships sold separately). Includes participating Xbox One games. Requires Xbox One console turned on or in Instant-On mode, and high-speed internet (ISP fees may apply).
Asides being popular viewed as a console by which allows users play over 1,300 games, the XBox One is a product designed by Microsoft to double as a home entertainment system. It is more than just a console; it comes with universal, non-gaming apps, TV tuners, and other streaming services that wouldn’t make it surprising to see the XBox One in a non-gamer entertainment center.
Being a Microsoft product, the XBox One can be easily integrated with your Windows PC. However, the overall set-up process could prove difficult and slightly tricky if you are not cognizant of the technical know-how.
Depending on certain factors like, say, video formats, there is no one size fit all solution or method to streaming on your XBox One console from your Windows PC. This is why we have below, 3 different methods through which you can successfully integrate your XBox to your PC and stream any content of choice.
Addendum: All method below were tested with the Windows 10 and many not function with older versions of the Windows OS.
How To Stream Video From Windows 10 PC to XBox One
Let’s take it in ascending order of difficulty. But before that, ensure that you check the following pre-integration boxes:
- Both XBox One console and PC are connected to the same network.
- Ensure that your XBox One console is powered on.
The above pre-integration check boxes apply to all methods below.
Method 1: Cast to Device
This method is the easiest of them all.
1. Select the video or multimedia file you wish to stream to your XBox on your PC’s
2. Right click on the file
3. On the list of menu/options, identify and click “Cast to Device”
4. Select “XBox One” afterwards
You should have the selected video playing on your XBox One. Read on if you wish to learn another way to send files to stream on your XBox One…or if method 1 above fails.
Method 2: Streaming via Films & TV App
Sending media to the Films & TV app is another easy way to stream media to your XBox One but not as easy and straightforward as the “Cast to Device” method.
1. Select video or multimedia to be streamed
2. Right click on the content and select “Open with” from the list of pop-up menu.
3. Afterwards, select the “Films and TV” app and your content should begin playing
4. On the bottom-placed menu of the Films & TV app, click on the three-dotted icon and select “Cast to Device”
5. On the list of devices, find and click on “XBox One” and your media should begin playing on your console.
Method 3: Homegroup Shared Library
This method is the longest of the trio but also gets the job done.
1. Open your PC’s Control Panel and click on the “Network and Internet” menu
2. Next, click the “choose homegroup and sharing options”
3. Click on “Create Homegroup” and proceed to set permissions for the type multimedia (Music, Videos, Pictures, Documents etc.) you want to stream on your XBox.
NOTE: Anyone that uses your Xbox One could access those files.
4. Set a password and click on “Finish”
Now, over to the XBox side of this method…
5. On your XBox, in the Games & Apps menu, launch the “Media Player App”
6. Click the folder named after your PC and locate the sub-folder where the media (picture, video, or music) you want to stream is located.
Reminder: If you do not grant certain folder(s) “Shared” permission as shown above in step (2), they will not be accessible or be displayed by your XBox One Media Player.
The Homegroup method can also be used to share files between two Windows PC.
The 3 methods above are surefire ways by which you can stream on you XBox One from your Windows 10 PC and utilize the home entertainment capabilities of your console to the fullest potentials.
Ever tried integrating your PC to your XBox One console? Did you try any of the above-listed methods? Which one worked perfectly for your without glitches?
Xbox One owners can now stream games from their consoles to their Android smartphones and tablets. PC and PlayStation players have had similar streaming options available for a while now but, until today, Microsoft limited Xbox One streaming to Windows PCs.
Support for Android devices is an obvious step towards Microsoft’s cloud-streaming plans for the next console generation, but for now, streaming to your phone is still in final testing. Because of that, you might experience fickle performance and more latency than expected during your in-home game-streaming attempts.
Potential hiccups aside, users should be able to start streaming to their Android device once they’ve fulfilled the following technical requirements :
To stream from Xbox One to Android, you’ll need
- A Microsoft account with an active Xbox Live subscription that’s also enrolled in the Xbox Insider program .
- An Xbox One enrolled in the Xbox One Update Preview. More info on that can be found here .
- An Android phone or tablet with at least Android 6.0 and Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities.
- A Bluetooth-enabled wireless Xbox One Controller to pair with your phone or tablet.
- T o set your Xbox One’s power settings to “ Instant-on ”
- A decent home wifi setup. Your home network must have at least 4.75 Mbps upstream bandwidth (though Microsoft recommends 9 Mbps) and 125 ms or less network latency. (Sit closer to your wireless router if you’re experiencing hiccups.)
If you clear that list of requirements, here’s how to start streaming:
- Download the Xbox Game Streaming app from the Google Play Store.
- Once you’ve installed it, open the app and follow the setup instructions to get started.
- Don’t forget to pair your Bluetooth-enabled controller to your phone or tablet!
If anything needs work, the app will let you know. Microsoft’s official streaming program post on Reddit has guides and other supplemental materials should you run into any issues (or are looking for ways to tune up your home network to meet the streaming requirements).
Remote Play lets you stream games from your Xbox to your phone, tablet, or PC. It's convenient and easy to use, but you will have to set it up first. Here's how to get started streaming your Xbox games locally.
If you have an Xbox, it goes without saying that the best experience is sitting on your couch in front of a big HDR TV with good gaming features. But sometimes your TV isn’t available—maybe you’re out of the house, someone else is hogging the living room, or you’re just too lazy to get out of bed for some Gears of War. Microsoft has you covered with Remote Play, allowing you to stream games from your Xbox right to your phone, tablet, or PC.
It should be noted that this is different from Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly xCloud), which streams games from Microsoft’s own servers to your device. Remote Play renders those games on your home Xbox to another device. The feature doesn’t require an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, but you will need a compatible controller.
Remote Play is a convenient feature that is easy to use, but you will have to set it up first. Here’s how to get started streaming your Xbox games locally.
Prepare Your Xbox for Streaming
Remote Play is supported by the Xbox One, One S, One X, and the newer Xbox Series X and Series S (with some caveats, which we’ll get to in a moment). On your Xbox, open Settings > Devices & Connections > Remote Features and check the Enable Remote Features box. Ideally, you should also change Power Mode to Instant On (so you can turn the Xbox on from afar). Then click the Test Remote Play button to ensure everything is set up properly.
It will let you know if there are any weak links in your system that might lead to a poor experience. You don’t need a fast internet connection if you’re playing at home, but you do need a stable one, so I highly recommend hooking your Xbox up to your network with an Ethernet cable, if possible. (And if you do so, you’ll want to go to Settings > General > Network Settings and disable the wireless network you were connected to before.)
An Ethernet connection will ensure the stream is as stable as possible, so you can game without status or lag. You will probably be stuck on Wi-Fi if you’re streaming to a phone or tablet, so make sure you have good signal from the router from wherever you play. If you want to play your games away from home, you would need a fast enough internet connection to stream that video from your Xbox.
Stream Xbox Games to Your PC (Xbox One Only)
To play your Xbox games on a laptop or desktop, you can stream them through the pre-installed Xbox Console Companion on Windows 10. Unfortunately, this only supports Xbox One consoles for the time being, so owners of the latest Xbox Series X and S are out of luck for now. However, Microsoft is currently working on a new app that will support both xCloud and local streaming from the new consoles.
Open the app and select the Connection option near the bottom of the left sidebar. (It’s the icon of an Xbox with some radio waves coming out of it). You should see your Xbox listed in the main window; click on it and power it on, if it isn’t already running, and then click the Stream button to begin playing. You’ll want an Xbox controller hooked up to your PC as well.
If you need to adjust the streaming quality, head to Xbox Console Companion’s Settings in the sidebar, click the Xbox One tab, and change the Video Encoding Level. Microsoft recommends Low if you’re on a 2.4GHz wireless network, Medium if you’re on a 5GHz wireless network but far away from your devices, or High if you’re on Wi-Fi with a very strong connection. If you’re connected over Ethernet, try Very High for the full 1080p/60fps experience.
PlayTo is an Xbox feature that enables your Xbox 360 or Xbox One console to play streamed media from compatible devices and apps in Windows 10, including the Groove Music and Movies & TV apps.
Note PlayTo is available only on devices that have Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)-compliant playback capabilities, such as computers and some phones. You can only use PlayTo with your Xbox console if you’re running Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 on your PC or device.
For more information about using PlayTo with Xbox 360, see PlayTo overview for Xbox 360.
For more information about enabling PlayTo on your Xbox One, see Change the Xbox One console preferences.
Requirements
An Xbox One or Xbox 360 console with PlayTo enabled.
A computer or other device that’s running Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 along with Groove or Xbox Video. The computer or device must be on the same network as the console.
Add your Xbox to the list of devices on your computer
Don’t see your console in your computer’s list of devices? Here’s how to add it.
Click Devices (Bluetooth, printers, mouse).
Choose ConnectedDevices from the left navigation pane.
Click Add a Device.
Select your Xbox One or Xbox 360 console.
Your Xbox console must be turned on, connected to the Internet, and on the same network as your PC for it to be discoverable by your computer.
The name of your Xbox console may not be as shown.
If your console doesn’t appear as an available device, see one of the following articles for information about enabling it:
Stream media to your Xbox console from a computer
To stream media from your PC:
Start the Groove or Movies & TV app on your computer.
Select a song or video that’s stored on your computer.
Tap or click Play.
At the bottom of the screen, tap or click Cast To Device.
Select your console from the list of devices. If your console is turned on and online, the media will start playing.
Microsoft might be struggling to get its cloud-streaming service onto iOS devices , but at least you can now play your Xbox One games remotely on an iPhone or iPad. All you need to do it is the latest version of the Xbox app. While cloud streaming is the cooler idea, this new remote-streaming feature provides a free way to play your Xbox One (and, soon, Xbox Series X) games on-the-go.
However, updating the Xbox app is only one piece of the remote streaming puzzle. There are several restrictions and hardware requirements you’ll need to know about too.
Streaming your Xbox One (and Xbox Series X) games to iOS/iPadOS
Any Xbox games you want to stream will need to be locally installed onto your Xbox One console or inserted into the disc drive. Again, this feature is for streaming the games you own over wifi or mobile data; it is not cloud streaming.
The Xbox app’s streaming feature only supports Xbox One games, meaning you won’t be able to play Xbox 360 or original Xbox games even if they’re installed on your Xbox One console. Similarly, you won’t be able to play PC Game Pass games installed on your computer. That said, the Xbox app’s remote play will support the upcoming Xbox Series X and Series S on day one.
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To play over wifi, your console needs to be connected to the same network as the iPhone or iPad you’re streaming to. (Microsoft recommends using your 5GHz network for the fastest possible connection.) Playing over mobile data will require a strong LTE or 5G connection with at least a 10mb download speed if you’re playing outside your home.
Lastly, you need an Xbox One wireless controller synced up to your Apple device —and a controller mount to slot your iPhone into will be helpful, too.
If you meet those requirements, you’re ready to start streaming in the app, like so:
Rent and buy the latest hit movies and commercial-free TV shows from Microsoft, and watch them using the Movies & TV app—at home or on the go.
In the Microsoft Store, choose from a huge selection of films in 1080p HD in a variety of genres. Microsoft Store also features commercial-free TV shows the day after they air on broadcast networks. Buy single episodes, or buy a season pass to get the latest shows automatically delivered to the Movies & TV app on all of your Microsoft devices (Windows PC, Xbox, Windows phone, or Windows tablet).
Watch at home or on the go
Need to watch the latest programs right now? If you have a broadband connection, stream to watch instantly. Travelling? Download to your Windows laptop, tablet, or phone, and enjoy it on the road, even without Internet.
All of your purchased movies and TV shows are stored online and synced across the devices you use with your Microsoft account, so your programs follow you from screen to screen. Start a movie on your Windows tablet while riding the bus, then finish it on your TV at home using Xbox. The Movies & TV app makes it easy to pick up where you left off.
Note: Movies & TV is available only in certain countries and regions, and some features might not be available everywhere. The app works on Windows 10, Xbox One, and Xbox 360. If you’re using Windows RT or Windows Phone 8.1, use the Xbox Video app.
You don’t need to install an app on your TV. Simply follow the steps below to watch on the big screen:
- Download the FITE mobile app from the iOS App Store, Android Google Play or Amazon
- Connect your mobile device to the same WiFi as your TV
- Open the FITE mobile app and select TV Connect Wizard from the Account menu. It will automatically discover and connect to your TV
- Once your device/TV has been found you are all set to watch on the big screen; simply find the show you want to watch, hit play via your mobile app and enjoy
Watch on Vidaa, Xfinity X1 & Xfinity Flex, COX Contour, Vizio, Samsung, LG or VEWD Smart TV’s, via Netgem’s set-top box or via the AT&T TV device all through the FITE App.
Instructions for each of the platforms are below:
Samsung TVs
LG TVs
Vidaa or VEWD via Hisense TVs and selected TiVO boxes
Vizio SmartCast TVs
Netgem Set-Top Box
AT&T TV Device
- Press the APPS or Diamond button on your AT&T TV remote
- Go to the Google Play TM store
- Sign in to your Google account. If you’re already signed in, you won’t have to do it again
- Search for the FITE app and download it to order an event
Comcast’s Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex
The easiest way to get FITE is to say “FITE” into your Xfinity remote control. Alternatively, just press the Xfinity button on your remote and select Apps. Go to FITE under VIDEO. If you already are a FITE user, use your FITE login. If not, sign up here.
Cox Contour
The easiest way to get FITE is to say “FITE” into your Cox Contour remote control. Alternatively, go to the On-screen guide, select Apps then choose FITE. If you already are a FITE user, use your FITE login. If not, sign up here.
Watch on Virgin Media via Virgin TV V6 or TiVo box
- Press Home on the remote
- Choose On Demand
- Choose Live Events
- Press Red to view the available events
- Select the event you wish to ordern
- Enter your TV PIN if prompted
Once you’ve bought it, you can watch the event as soon as it’s started.
To watch your event go to On Demand > Live Events.
Watch on Shaw TV
The easiest way to get FITE is to say “FITE” into your Shaw TV remote control. Alternatively, go to the On-screen guide, select Apps then choose FITE. If you already are a FITE user, use your FITE login. If not, sign up here.
Watch on Phone or Tablet
Install the FITE app from iOS App Store, Android Google Play or Amazon. Enjoy!
Watch on Amazon Fire TV or Kindle Fire tablet
Download the FITE app on your Fire TV or Kindle Fire tablet. If you already are a FITE user, use your FITE login. You can stream to your Fire TV from the FITE mobile apps or use it as a standalone when you have FITE installed.
Watch on Roku
Add the FITE channel on your ROKU and sign up for free. There’s no subscription and no commitment to start watching. If you are already a FITE user, use your FITE login credentials to recover your profile. FITE is available for all ROKU devices with version 7.7 and above.
Watch on Apple TV
There is a native Apple TV FITE app that can be used standalone. Just search for it in your Apple TV store, install and log in with your FITE account. This will sync your purchases and let you make new ones directly from the Apple TV.
Watch on Xbox One
You don’t need to install an app onto your Xbox One. Simply follow the steps below to watch on the big screen:
- Download the FITE mobile app from the iOS App Store, Android Google Play or Amazon
- Connect your mobile device to the same WiFi as your Xbox One
- Open the FITE mobile app and select TV Connect Wizard from the Account menu. It will automatically discover and connect to your Xbox One
- Once your Xbox One has been found you are all set to watch on the big screen; simply find the show you want to watch, hit play via your mobile app and enjoy
For Xbox you’ll be prompted to install the Movies & TV app on the Xbox if it’s not installed already.
Unfortunately Xbox 360 is not supported due to old hardware.
Watch on PS4
To watch FITE on PS4, open the PS4 browser, go to sign in, pick a video you want to watch and enjoy.
Watch on Chromecast
Similar to other popular mobile video apps, the FITE mobile app automatically discovers your Chromecast and and allows you to stream to them. Install the FITE app from iOS App Store, Android Google Play or Amazon, connect your mobile device to the same WiFi router as your Chromecast and enjoy watching combat sports on the big screen.
Watch on Android TV
Just go to the Android TV store and install FITE. Log in with your account and you are all set!
Watch on Computer
Pick an event from the schedule, or search for a specific content. Open the content page and enjoy!
You can use FITE with all major modern browsers including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge. You can cast to Chromecast devices and Chromecast-enabled TVs straight from the FITE video player in your browser, and cast to iOS devices and iOS-enabled TVs directly from your iPhone, iPad or Mac computer.