Connect a controller through your phone

Use Phone Link to connect your favorite supported third-party controller to your Android or iOS® mobile device and play games on your TV. Phone Link is useful if you don't have a Stadia Controller and your Stadia-compatible streaming device doesn't support Bluetooth®. If you don't have a controller, you can also use your mobile device's touch screen as a virtual gamepad.

Before you start, connect your mobile device and Stadia-compatible TV or streaming device to the same Wi-Fi network. Keep the Stadia app open while you play. To ensure gameplay is uninterrupted, keep your mobile device connected to your Wi-Fi network and connected to a power charger.

Which controllers can I use?

If a controller is compatible with your mobile device, you can use it to play games on your TV.

How to connect your controller

On Google TV and Android TV

1. Launch Stadia on Google TV or Android TV.
2. On your mobile device, open the Stadia app .
3. Connect a third-party controller to your mobile device with Bluetooth or a USB cable.
   • If you need help connecting a controller, tap Connect a controller follow the instructions.
4. Tap the controller prompt.
   • If you miss the prompt, tap Controller tap your controller tap Play on TV.

Linking codes

If your controller doesn’t appear in the Stadia app , use a linking code to connect it.

1. Launch Stadia on Google TV or Android TV.
2. Use your TV remote to select your avatar select Controller .
3. On your mobile device, open the Stadia app tap Controller .
4. Tap the controller you want to use tap Play on TV.
5. Tap the directional pad and face button icons to enter the linking code displayed on your TV.

On Chromecast Ultra

1. On your TV, switch to the input for Chromecast Ultra and find the linking code on the Chromecast's ambient mode screen.
   • If you can't find the linking code, turn it on in your ambient mode settings.
2. On your mobile device, open the Stadia app tap Controller .
3. Connect a third-party controller to your mobile device with Bluetooth or a USB cable.
   • If you need help connecting a controller, tap Connect a controller follow the instructions.
4. Tap your controller Play on TV.
5. Tap the directional pad and face button icons to enter the linking code displayed on your TV.

Use the touch gamepad

If you don't have a controller, you can use your mobile device's touch screen as a virtual gamepad to play games on your TV.

On Google TV and Android TV

1. Launch Stadia on Google TV or Android TV.
2. On your mobile device, open the Stadia app tap the controller prompt.
   • Note: If you miss the prompt, tap Controller Phone touch gamepad Play on TV.

On Chromecast Ultra

To connect your phone touch gamepad to Chromecast Ultra, you'll need to enter a linking code from your mobile device.

1. On your TV, switch to the input for Chromecast Ultra.
2. Find the linking code on your Chromecast's ambient mode screen.
   • If you can't find the linking code, turn it in your ambient mode settings.
3. On your mobile device, open the Stadia app .
4. Tap Controller Phone touch gamepad Play on TV.
5. Tap the directional pad and face button icons to enter the linking code displayed on your TV.

Special buttons on the touch gamepad

Tap the Assistant and Capture buttons on your touch gamepad to use the Google Assistant or capture video clips and screenshots.

Disconnect your controller

To disconnect your controller from your phone, tap Close Disconnect on your mobile device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I connect my controller through my iOS device?
This feature works on iOS 12.2 or greater, but for the best experience, we recommend that you install iOS 14. If you have problems connecting a controller through your iOS device, visit our troubleshooting guide.

What should I do if my controller disconnects?
If your controller disconnects, restart the mobile app. On an iOS device, restart your web app.

My streaming device already supports Bluetooth®. Can I link a controller through my phone instead?
Yes.

I use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Can I connect a third-party controller through my phone?
If you have trouble connecting a controller through your phone, disable your VPN and try again. Also, note that this feature may not function properly on public Wi-Fi networks that are found in locations like hotels or cafés.

Can I connect a third-party controller through my phone without exiting a game?
Yes. Just connect a controller to your mobile device after you open the Stadia app . Next, tap the prompt that appears, or tap Controller tap your controller tap Play on TV.

I connected a controller to my phone but it doesn't appear in the Stadia app . What next?
If your controller isn't listed in the controller menu, make sure it's compatible with Stadia and connected to your mobile device with Bluetooth or a USB-C® cable.

Also, make sure you're signed into your Stadia account on your TV and mobile device, and that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

The app closed on my phone during gameplay. Can I reconnect my controller without losing progress?
Yes. Make sure your controller is connected to your mobile device, and that your mobile device is connected to the same network as your TV. If a prompt appears on your TV, select Reconnect.

I exited or closed Stadia on my TV while my third-party controller was connected to my phone. Can I keep playing?
Yes. Just re-launch Stadia on your TV and reconnect your controller per the instructions at the top of this article.

I have a tablet. Can I connect my controller through it to play on my TV?
Yes. You can connect your controller through any mobile device that can run the Stadia app on Android or the web app on iOS.

I have a Stadia Controller. Do I need to link it through my phone?
No. Stadia Controllers are linked directly to your screen.

BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license.

USB-C is a registered trademark of USB Implementers Forum.