Use your phone as a gamepad for PC

PC Remote by Monect is one of the most popular options. It shows a virtual gamepad on your phone screen and sends input to your PC over Wi-Fi.

1. Install PC Remote from Google Play on your phone
2. Install the PC Remote Receiver on your computer from the Monect website
3. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network
4. Open the app on both devices — they should connect automatically
5. Select the gamepad layout on your phone

DroidJoy creates a virtual Xbox 360 controller on your PC, so games see it as a real gamepad. Works over both Wi-Fi and USB.

1. Install DroidJoy from Google Play
2. Install the DroidJoy Server on your PC
3. Connect via Wi-Fi (same network) or USB cable
4. The PC will detect a virtual Xbox 360 controller

USB connection gives lower latency than Wi-Fi. Use it for games that require fast input.

Some solutions work entirely through the browser. Your PC runs a local server and your phone connects to it via a web page — no app installation required.

• Bespoke browser tools: Open-source projects on GitHub let you host a gamepad page locally
• How it works: The PC runs a small server, your phone opens a URL in its browser, and touch input is sent over WebSocket
• Pros: No app store needed, works on any phone with a browser
• Cons: Typically higher latency than native apps

Beyond Steam Link (covered above), iPhone options are more limited due to iOS restrictions, but a few solutions work:

• Controller for Steam: A paid iOS app that connects to Steam's Remote Play and emulates a controller
• Controlly: macOS app that lets you use various inputs as game controllers, with companion iOS support

For the best experience on iPhone, consider getting a physical controller that clips onto your phone — MFi controllers or the Backbone One work well.

Wi-Fi is the easiest way to connect. Requirements:

• Both phone and computer on the same Wi-Fi network
• Router should be nearby for low latency (5 GHz band preferred)
• No VPN or firewall blocking local network traffic

Typical Wi-Fi latency is 10–30 ms. Fine for most games, but competitive players may notice the delay.

Some apps like DroidJoy support USB connections for lower latency:

1. Enable USB debugging on your Android phone (Settings → Developer options)
2. Connect your phone to your PC with a USB cable
3. Select USB mode in the gamepad app

USB latency is typically under 5 ms.

A few apps support direct Bluetooth pairing:

• Pair your phone with your PC via Bluetooth settings
• Select Bluetooth mode in the gamepad app
• Range is typically 5–10 meters

Bluetooth latency is usually 15–40 ms. It's convenient but Wi-Fi is generally more reliable for gaming.

• Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi — 2.4 GHz is slower and more congested
• Sit close to your router — every meter adds a bit of latency
• Close background apps on your phone — they compete for CPU and network
• USB beats Wi-Fi — if latency matters, plug in with a cable
• Lock your phone screen orientation — accidental rotations reset the gamepad layout

A phone gamepad works best for games that don't require precise analog input:

• Platformers: Celeste, Hollow Knight, Shovel Knight
• Racing games: Especially with gyroscope steering
• Retro/emulator games: NES, SNES, GBA — originally designed for simple D-pad input
• Turn-based games: No timing pressure, so latency doesn't matter

Avoid competitive FPS or fighting games — touch controls lack the precision and tactile feedback of a real controller.

After setting up your phone as a gamepad, use our online gamepad tester to verify it works:

1. Open the gamepad tester on your PC
2. Start the gamepad app on your phone
3. Press any button on the virtual gamepad
4. The tester should detect the virtual controller and show button presses

If the tester doesn't detect it, the app may not be emulating a standard gamepad. Check the app's settings for "Xbox controller" or "XInput" mode.