So you can use your mobile phone as a controller for Google Stadia

Google Stadia adds new function

Some time ago, the company of the popular internet search engine launched Google Stadia, a streaming game service that was added to other existing proposals such as Nvidia’s GeForce Now or others that would come later like Amazon’s Moon. All this without forgetting iCloud, a Microsoft service that we now know by another name and is included with the Xbox Game Pass subscription.

Well, that bet on the part of the big G was not easy at all. Although it is true that technology allowed it and during this time it has improved even more, the truth is that it depended a lot on the users’ internet connections. Although the main bump to overcome was the reluctance of each user, which had to change the chip and think that the gaming experience could be identical to that of those titles that run locally.

Without always being perfect, the truth is that Google Stadia has convinced many users that right now it is what they use to play. Neither console nor PC Gamer, although the way we cannot say that it was easy either, because for the same the idea of ​​developing exclusive titles through the own video game studios created by Google and closed later fell.

However, focused more on the technology itself, now Phone Link arrives on Google Stadia And it could be a significant change and advantage for many more users to bet or, at least, give the service a chance.

What is Phone Link

As you already know, Google Stadia works through the internet connection. You connect to Google’s servers and that is where the title that reaches you through a streaming signal is executed. Here the better connection, the better user experience. Especially because if it is not fast, the problem you will have when playing for a high PIN will be noticeable.

However, assuming that your internet connection complies well, what you should know is that Google Stadia can be run both on a new Chromecast with Google TV to a mobile phone, a device with a full web browser such as Chrome or Microsoft Edge as well as a television with Android TV or Google TV.

Then to play, you will need a controller. Google sells its own controller for Google Stadia, which also allows it to be used together with the Chromecast Ultra or other devices where Stadia can be run. The problem is that you do not always have it at hand or if you just want to test how the service works, you are not going to spend 69 euros on the remote.

Hence the solution he proposes Phone Link: use your mobile phone as a game controller. The different controls appear on the screen, such as the steering crosshead, the analog sticks or the different buttons. So you can use Stadia without making any extra investment.

How to set up Phone Link on Google Stadia

Now that you know what Phone Link is, let’s see how to set up and use your mobile device as a Google Stadia wireless game controller. Although it will not be the only option that allows this new functionality.

For use your mobile phone as a Google Stadia gamepad you have to do the following:

1. The first step is to make sure that you have updated all the Google Stadia applications, both those of your mobile phone and those of other devices where you use it. For example, TVs or HDMI dongles with Android TV or Google TV
2. Once you have the updated apps, launch the Stadia application on the TV or screen where you want to use it and then the application on your phone
3. In order for both devices to connect, tap on the controller icon and they should automatically be detected and linked when they both have the same user account logged in.
4. Ready, from that moment you can use your mobile as a Stadia controller and access all the options and menus that exist in the same way as you would with the original Stadia controller

In the event that you want to use your mobile phone as a remote for Google Stadia in the Chromecast Ultra the process is the following:

1. Turn on the screen or TV and connect the Chromecast Ultra
2. Open the Stadia app on your mobile phone
3. The classic code should appear on the screen to link a device to the Chronecast Ultra
4. In the Stadia app for your mobile, tap on the controller icon and then on Touch Gamepad
5. Hit play on television and end up entering the code on the screen.
6. Done, you should now switch to gamepad display mode on your phone

Phone Link as a link for Bluetooth controls connected to the mobile

One of the cool features of Phone Link is that it also allows the use of other Bluetooth controllers connected to your phone to be able to enjoy Stadia on the TV. All you need is a gamepad that supports the number and mapping of buttons.

Thus, for example, you can connect a Chromecast Ultra to your TV or make use of one with Android TV or Google TV, then link your mobile with Phone Link to it and end up using the Bluetooth remote connected to the mobile.

Simple, right? The truth is that yes, and from now on you will be able to play and enjoy the service more when you do not have the remote that you usually use. What’s more, you can also test what it offers without having to make an investment in these controls. Because if you do not know if it will convince you, even if you can take advantage of them in another way, a gamepad does not compensate much if you do not have a Gamer soul.

Google Stadia Compatible Devices

Although there are devices that without having compatibility can use Google Stadia, this is the official list according to Google. Mobile phones first, then televisions and other streaming devices.

Compatible mobile devices

• Pixel 2, 2XL, 3, 3XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4, 4XL, 4a, 4a (5G), 5 and 5a
• Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 +, S8 Active, S9, S9 +, S10, S10 +, S20, S20 +, S20 Ultra, S21, S21 + and S21 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e, S6, S7, S7 +, A and A7
• Samsung Note 8, 9, 10, 10+, 20 and 20 Ultra
• OnePlus 5, 6, 7, 7 Pro, 7 Pro 5G, 8 and 8 Pro
• OnePlus 5T, 6T, 7T, 7T Pro, 7T Pro 5G and 8T
• OnePlus Nord, N10 5G and N100
• Apple iPhone and iPad
• Asus ROG Phones
• Razer Phone and Razer Phone II
• LG V50 Thing, V50S ThinQ, V60 ThinQ, G7 ThinQ, G8 ThinQ and Wing

Compatible TVs and streaming devices

• Chromecast Ultra
• Chromecast with Google TV
• Hisense® Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G and U9G)
• Nvidia® Shield TV
• Nvidia Shield TV Pro
• Onn USB Streaming Drive (FHD) and Streaming Device (UHD)™
• Panasonic® JX800 Series (Europe)
• Philips® TVs with Android TVs 2019 (7304 and later) and 2020 (8505 and later)
• TCL® Series 5 and Series 6 (with Google TV)
• Xiaomi® MIBOX3 and MIBOX4

Google Stadia is a streaming game service that offers a free plan and a paid one.