Schedule 1 is Xbox's subscription tier for cloud gaming on phones and tablets
Schedule 1 is the entry-level subscription plan for Xbox Cloud Gaming, which lets you play Xbox games on your phone, tablet, or web browser without owning a console. It costs less than Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and gives you access to a rotating library of games streamed directly to your device.
The service runs games on Microsoft's servers and sends the video to your screen, so you do not need powerful hardware. You play with a controller connected to your phone or tablet — either a dedicated Xbox controller or a compatible third-party option. The games themselves run remotely, which means your device only needs a stable internet connection.
Schedule 1 is separate from Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes console gaming, PC gaming, and cloud gaming all in one subscription. If you only want to play on mobile devices and do not own an Xbox console, Schedule 1 is the cheaper option.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule 1 lets you play Xbox games on phones and tablets through cloud streaming, without needing a console.
- You need a compatible controller connected to your device — the Xbox app on your phone or tablet handles the streaming.
- An internet connection of at least 5 Mbps is recommended for smooth gameplay, though 10 Mbps or higher works better.
- Schedule 1 includes a rotating library of games that changes monthly, similar to Game Pass but without console or PC access.
What games are included with Schedule 1
Schedule 1 gives you access to the same game library as Xbox Game Pass, but only for cloud streaming on mobile and tablet. The library includes first-party Xbox games like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and Starfield, plus third-party titles that rotate in and out each month.
Microsoft publishes a list of available games in the Xbox app and on the Xbox website. Games are added and removed regularly — typically a few titles leave each month as new ones arrive. You can browse the full list before subscribing to see whether the current selection matches what you want to play.
Unlike Game Pass Ultimate, Schedule 1 does not include Xbox Live Gold (the online multiplayer service) or access to games on console or PC. You are limited to the mobile cloud streaming versions only.
Internet speed and connection requirements
Xbox recommends at least 5 Mbps read speed for Schedule 1 cloud gaming, though 10 Mbps or higher produces noticeably better results. A wired connection is more stable than WiFi, but most people play over WiFi at home without major problems.
Your actual experience depends on your router, how far you are from it, and what else is using your network. If other people in your house are streaming video or downloading files while you play, your connection may lag. Playing on a 5G mobile network works in many areas, but data usage can be high — a typical gaming session uses 1 to 3 GB per hour.
If your connection drops during a game, you will be disconnected. The game saves progress on Microsoft's servers, so you can reconnect and resume, but there is a brief interruption.
Controllers and compatible devices
You need a physical controller to play Schedule 1 games on mobile. The Xbox Wireless Controller works with both Android and iOS devices when connected via Bluetooth. Other controllers like the 8BitDo Pro 2 and some PlayStation controllers also work, though Xbox controllers are the most reliable option.
Schedule 1 works on most modern phones and tablets running Android 6.0 or later, or iOS 14.4 or later. You read the Xbox app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, sign in with your Microsoft account, and start playing. The app itself is free — you only pay for the Schedule 1 subscription.
You cannot play with touch controls or a keyboard and mouse. A controller is required for every game in the library.
How Schedule 1 compares to Game Pass Ultimate
| Feature | Schedule 1 | Game Pass Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud gaming on mobile | Yes | Yes |
| Console gaming | No | Yes |
| PC gaming | No | Yes |
| Xbox Live Gold included | No | Yes |
| Game library size | Same as Game Pass | Same as Game Pass |
Schedule 1 is the right choice if you only want to play on your phone or tablet and do not own an Xbox console. Game Pass Ultimate costs more but includes everything — console, PC, and cloud gaming, plus online multiplayer through Xbox Live Gold.
If you already own an Xbox console or a gaming PC, Game Pass Ultimate is usually the better value because you get access to games on all your devices. If you only have a phone or tablet, Schedule 1 is cheaper and does exactly what you need.
Signing up and starting your first game
read the Xbox app on your phone or tablet, sign in with a Microsoft account, and navigate to the Cloud Gaming section. You will see an option to start a Schedule 1 subscription. Microsoft often offers a trial period for new subscribers — check the app to see what is currently available.
Once your subscription is active, pair your controller to your device via Bluetooth, open a game from the library, and select "Play in Cloud." The game will load on Microsoft's servers and stream to your screen. The first launch usually takes 30 to 60 seconds as the game boots up remotely.
Your save files sync across devices, so you can start a game on your phone and continue on your tablet or console if you have one. Progress is tied to your Microsoft account, not the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Schedule 1 games offline?
No. Schedule 1 requires an active internet connection at all times because the games run on Microsoft's servers, not on your device. If your connection drops, you will be disconnected from the game.
Do I need Xbox Live Gold to play multiplayer games on Schedule 1?
No. Schedule 1 includes online multiplayer access for cloud games. You do not need a separate Xbox Live Gold subscription to play online with other people through cloud gaming.
Can I use a keyboard and mouse instead of a controller?
Most Schedule 1 games require a controller. Some games may support keyboard and mouse, but the library is designed primarily for controller play. Check the game's details in the Xbox app to see what input methods it supports.
What happens if my internet cuts out during a game?
You will be disconnected when ready. However, your progress is saved to your Microsoft account, so you can reconnect and resume from where you left off. There is no penalty — just a brief interruption.
Is Schedule 1 the same as Xbox Game Pass?
Schedule 1 uses the same game library as Game Pass, but it only works for cloud gaming on mobile devices. Game Pass includes console and PC gaming as well. If you want to play on an Xbox console or computer, you need Game Pass, not Schedule 1.