What you need before you start
The Xbox App on your PC or phone connects to your Xbox console so you can manage your library, see what friends are playing, and control your console from another room. To make this work, you need three things: the Xbox App installed on your computer or phone, an Xbox account (the same one you use on your console), and both devices on the same Wi-Fi network or connected to the internet.
Your console must be turned on or in sleep mode — it cannot be completely powered off. If you are using a PC, Windows 10 or later is required. If you are using a phone, the Xbox App works on both iPhone and Android.
The connection happens automatically once you sign in with the same account on both devices. You do not need to enter a code or pair them manually in most cases.
Key Takeaways
- read the Xbox App from the Microsoft Store on Windows, or from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.
- Sign in to the app with the same Xbox account you use on your console.
- Make sure both your console and your device are connected to the internet and on the same network.
- Your console will appear in the app automatically once you are signed in, and you can then control it or view your library.
- If your console does not appear, restart both devices and check that you are using the correct account.
Installing the Xbox App on Windows
Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. Search for "Xbox App" in the search box at the top. Click the official Xbox App result — it is published by Microsoft Corporation. Click the "Get" button, then "Install".
The app will read and install automatically. Once it finishes, click "Open" to launch it for the first time. You will see a sign-in screen.
Installing the Xbox App on your phone
On an iPhone, open the App Store, search for "Xbox App", and tap "Get" next to the official app published by Microsoft. On an Android phone, open Google Play, search for "Xbox App", and tap "Install" next to the official Microsoft app.
Wait for the installation to finish, then open the app. You will see a sign-in screen.
Signing in and connecting your console
When you open the Xbox App for the first time, you will see a "Sign in" button. Tap or click it and enter the email address and password for your Xbox account — this must be the same account you use on your console. If you do not remember your password, you can reset it through the Microsoft account recovery page before opening the app.
After you sign in, the app will search for your console on your network. If your console is turned on or in sleep mode and connected to the internet, it should appear within a few seconds. Tap or click on your console name to select it. You are now connected.
If your console does not appear after 30 seconds, restart your console by holding the power button for 10 seconds, waiting 30 seconds, then pressing the power button again. Then restart the Xbox App on your device. Sign in again and wait for your console to appear.
What you can do once connected
Once your console appears in the app, you can see which games and apps you own, check what your friends are playing, and send messages. You can also use the app as a remote control — the controller icon at the bottom of the screen lets you navigate your console's menu, launch games, and adjust volume without picking up a physical controller.
On the phone app, you can also use your phone as a keyboard to type in search boxes or messages on your console. On the PC app, you can stream your console to your computer screen if your console is an Xbox Series X, Series S, or Xbox One.
Troubleshooting when your console will not appear
If you have signed in but your console is not showing up, check three things first. Make sure your console is actually turned on or in sleep mode — if the power light is completely off, turn it on. Make sure both your console and your device are on the same Wi-Fi network. If you are on a guest network or a different network, the app cannot find your console.
If both devices are on the same network and your console is on, sign out of the Xbox App completely. Go to Settings or your account menu in the app and select "Sign out". Then close the app entirely and reopen it. Sign in again with your Xbox account. Wait 30 seconds and your console should appear.
If your console still does not appear after these steps, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully restart. Then restart your console and your device, open the Xbox App, and sign in again.
Signing in with a different account
If you want to connect the Xbox App to a different Xbox account, or if someone else in your household wants to use the app on the same device, sign out of the current account first. In the Xbox App, go to your account menu and select "Sign out". Close the app completely, then reopen it and sign in with the different account.
Your console will connect to whichever account is signed into the app. If multiple people in your household use the same device, you will need to sign out and sign back in each time you switch accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network as my console?
You need to be on the same network to see your console in the app and use remote features. However, once your console is set up in the app, some features like messaging and viewing your library work over the internet even if you are away from home.
Can I use the Xbox App to turn on my console if it is completely powered off?
No. Your console must be turned on or in sleep mode for the app to find it and connect. If your console is completely off, you will need to turn it on manually with the power button or a physical controller.
What if I see multiple consoles in the Xbox App?
If you have more than one Xbox console in your home, they will all appear in the app once you sign in. Tap or click the one you want to control. The app will remember which console you used last and show it first the next time you open the app.
Will connecting the Xbox App affect my console's performance or internet speed?
No. The app uses a small amount of bandwidth, but it will not slow down your internet or affect games you are playing on the console. You can use the app and play online games at the same time without problems.
Can I use the Xbox App on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes. You can sign in to the Xbox App on your phone, tablet, and PC all with the same account, and they will all connect to your console. You can control your console from any of these devices.