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Why Won’t Remote Play Work on Xbox? Troubleshooting Common Issues

Xbox Remote Play, the ability to stream your Xbox games to your phone, tablet, or PC, is a fantastic feature, but it can be frustrating when it doesn’t work as expected. The reasons for failure can range from simple network hiccups to more complex account and configuration issues. In a nutshell, Remote Play won’t work on Xbox if there’s a problem with your internet connection, the Xbox app, your console settings, or a combination of these factors. Let’s dive deeper into troubleshooting these common culprits.

Understanding the Core Issues

At its core, Remote Play depends on a smooth data stream between your Xbox console and the device you’re using to play. Think of it like a high-definition video call. If your internet is slow or unreliable, the call will break up. Similarly, if your Xbox isn’t properly configured or the app on your phone isn’t functioning correctly, Remote Play will fail.

Here are some key areas to investigate:

Network Connectivity: This is the most common bottleneck. Remote Play needs a stable and reasonably fast internet connection on both your console and your remote device.
Xbox Account and App: You must be signed into the Xbox app with the same account that’s linked to your console. Problems with the app’s cache or installation can also cause issues.
Console Settings: Remote Play needs to be enabled on your Xbox, and your console needs to be properly updated.
Software Glitches: Sometimes, a simple restart of your devices or a network reset can resolve temporary software glitches.
VPN Interference: Using a VPN can sometimes interfere with Remote Play, especially if it’s not configured correctly.

Steps to Troubleshoot Xbox Remote Play

Verify Your Xbox Account: Ensure you are signed in to the Xbox app on your remote device using the same Microsoft account that you use on your Xbox console. Mismatched accounts are a frequent cause of connection problems.
Check Xbox Console Updates: Make sure your Xbox console has the latest system update installed. Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues with Remote Play. Turn on your Xbox and navigate to Settings > System > Updates to check for available updates.
Confirm Remote Play is Enabled: On your Xbox, go to Settings > Devices & connections > Remote features and verify that “Enable remote features” is checked. Also, ensure that “Power mode” is set to “Instant-on” or “Sleep” so that you can wake the console remotely.
Test Your Network Connection: Run a network speed test on both your Xbox and your remote device. Microsoft recommends a minimum upload and download speed of 5 Mbps for Remote Play, but faster speeds (ideally 10 Mbps or more) will provide a better experience. On your Xbox, go to Settings > General > Network settings > Test network speed & statistics.
Restart Your Devices: A simple restart can often fix temporary glitches. Restart both your Xbox console and the device you are using for Remote Play.
Clear the Xbox App Cache (Android): If you’re using an Android device, clearing the app’s cache can sometimes resolve connection problems. Go to Settings > Apps > Xbox > Storage > Clear cache.
Clear Xbox App Storage (Android): As a more aggressive measure, you can also clear the app’s storage. This will reset the app to its default settings, so you’ll need to sign in again. Go to Settings > Apps > Xbox > Storage > Clear storage.
Reinstall the Xbox App: If clearing the cache and storage doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Xbox app. This will ensure you have the latest version of the app and that any corrupted files are replaced.
Check for Network Congestion: Other devices on your network might be using a significant amount of bandwidth, which can impact Remote Play performance. Try closing any bandwidth-intensive applications, such as streaming services or large downloads, before using Remote Play.
Disable VPN (If Applicable): If you’re using a VPN, try disabling it temporarily to see if it’s interfering with Remote Play. Some VPNs can cause connection problems or increase latency.
Reset Network Settings: As a last resort, you can try resetting your network settings on your Xbox. Go to Settings > General > Network settings > Advanced settings > Alternate MAC address > Clear. This will restart your console and clear your network settings. You’ll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network after doing this.
Check Your Router: Ensure your router’s firmware is up to date. Older router firmware can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
Wireless Interference: If using WiFi, interference from other devices like microwaves or cordless phones can affect connectivity. Try moving closer to the router or switching to a 5GHz network.
Port Forwarding: In rare cases, you might need to configure port forwarding on your router to ensure that the Xbox can communicate properly with the Remote Play servers. This is an advanced troubleshooting step and should only be attempted if you’re comfortable with router configuration. Consult your router’s manual for instructions on how to set up port forwarding.
Direct Connection (PC): If you are using a PC, try connecting it to the router via an ethernet cable instead of using WiFi. Wired connections are more stable and can improve performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Xbox Remote Play:

1. What internet speed do I need for Xbox Remote Play?

The minimum required connection speed for Remote Play is 5 Mbps for both upload and download. However, for the best experience, Microsoft recommends at least 10 Mbps.

2. Can I use Remote Play with a mobile data connection?

Yes, you can use Remote Play with a mobile data connection, but it’s not recommended unless you have a very stable and fast connection. Cellular data can be unreliable and expensive, and it may consume a lot of data quickly. Wi-Fi is generally preferred.

3. Why does my Remote Play keep disconnecting?

Frequent disconnections are usually caused by unstable internet connectivity. Check your network speed and stability, and try moving closer to your router or switching to a wired connection.

4. How do I find my Xbox IP address?

To find your Xbox IP address, go to Settings > General > Network settings > Advanced settings. The IP address will be listed on the screen.

5. Is Xbox Remote Play free?

Yes, Xbox Remote Play is free for anyone who owns an Xbox console and has an Xbox account. You don’t need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to use Remote Play.

6. Can I Remote Play Xbox One games on my Xbox Series X/S?

Yes, you can use Remote Play to play Xbox One games on your Xbox Series X/S, as long as you own the games digitally or have the disc inserted in your console.

7. Why can’t my friend join my Remote Play session?

Remote Play is primarily designed for single-player gaming. There isn’t a built-in feature to allow multiple players to join a Remote Play session directly. However, services like Steam Remote Play Together (for PC games) offer this functionality.

8. Does Remote Play drain my console’s battery?

Remote Play doesn’t directly drain your console’s battery because the console is plugged into a power source. However, it will consume power as it’s actively streaming the game.

9. Can I use a Bluetooth controller with Remote Play?

Yes, you can use a Bluetooth controller with Remote Play. Most modern smartphones, tablets, and PCs support Bluetooth controllers. Make sure your controller is paired with your device before launching Remote Play.

10. How do I enable Remote Play remotely?

Unfortunately, you can’t enable Remote Play remotely. You need to enable it on your Xbox console directly before you can use it. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your console.

11. Can I use Remote Play and play on console simultaneously?

No, you cannot use Remote Play and play on the console simultaneously. Remote Play mirrors the display on the console, so only one person can control the game at a time.

12. What is error 0x87e10004 on Xbox One when trying to use Remote Play?

Error message “Microsoft Store can’t be used while streaming (0x87e10004)” often means there is an issue with the Microsoft Store in relation to streaming or cloud gaming. It can also indicate that you need to link your Xbox and Ubisoft accounts if you’re playing Ubisoft games via the cloud.

13. Does the Xbox Console Companion app still work for Remote Play?

Microsoft is ending support for the Xbox Console Companion app, with the newer Xbox app being its replacement. Make sure you’re using the latest Xbox app for Remote Play.

14. Is Xbox Cloud Gaming better than Remote Play?

It depends on your needs and priorities. Remote Play lets you stream games directly from your own Xbox, using your own saves and settings. Cloud Gaming allows you to play games from Microsoft’s servers, without needing to own the console or download the games.

Cloud Gaming requires an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, while Remote Play is free.

15. Does Xbox Remote Play support 1080p?

Yes, Xbox Remote Play supports up to 1080p resolution, depending on your network speed and the capabilities of your device.

Games, Learning and Technology

Understanding the technology that underpins gaming and the principles of learning through play are increasingly important in today’s world. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org are at the forefront of this exciting intersection. To learn more, visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

By systematically troubleshooting these common issues, you can usually get Xbox Remote Play working smoothly. Remember to check your network connection, verify your account settings, and ensure that your console is properly configured.

Why won’t remote play work on Xbox?