The Xbox app is a robust companion to the Xbox console, offering a wide variety of functionalities that improve the gaming experience. But while the app is well-known for things like streaming gameplay, chatting with friends, and purchasing games, there are a number of features that might not be as widely recognized.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 hidden or lesser-known features of the Xbox app that you may not be using to their full potential. From managing your console remotely to customizing your notifications, this list of features will help you make the most out of your Xbox experience.
1. Remote Play Your Xbox Console
One of the most useful, yet overlooked features of the Xbox app is the ability to remotely play games from your Xbox console to your mobile device. This means you can continue your game even when you’re away from the TV or if someone else is using the TV at home. To use this feature, all you need is a stable Wi-Fi connection, and both your console and the app must be signed into the same Xbox account.
How to Use:
- Open the Xbox app and ensure your console is powered on and connected to the network.
- Tap the “Remote Play” button on the app’s home screen.
- Follow the prompts to connect to your Xbox, and you’ll be able to stream and control games right from your phone.
2. Purchase Games and Content Remotely
The Xbox app allows you to browse the Microsoft Store, purchase games, and download content directly to your console, even when you’re away from it. This feature is great when you’re away from home but want to ensure a game is ready for you when you return.
How to Use:
- Open the app and browse the store for the game or content you want to purchase.
- Once you’ve made the purchase, you’ll have the option to remotely install it on your console.
- If your console is in sleep mode, it will automatically start downloading once it’s turned on.
3. Track Your Achievements and Gamerscore
For achievement hunters, tracking your progress is an important part of the gaming experience. The Xbox app makes it easier to monitor your achievements and compare your Gamerscore with friends or the broader Xbox community. You can see detailed breakdowns of your achievements and how close you are to unlocking the next ones.
How to Use:
- Go to your profile on the Xbox app.
- Tap on the “Achievements” tab to see all of your unlocked achievements and their progress.
- You can also compare achievements with your friends or other players.
4. Find and Join Multiplayer Sessions
The Xbox app has a fantastic feature for joining multiplayer sessions on games you’re currently interested in. Instead of navigating through the console interface, you can find open multiplayer sessions and join games directly through your mobile device. You can even chat with friends or strangers in a group voice chat while you play.
How to Use:
- In the Xbox app, go to the “Social” tab.
- Look for ongoing multiplayer sessions in the “Looking for Group” section.
- Tap “Join” to enter the session, and start chatting with the group or jump right into the game.
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5. Customizable Notifications for Game Events
Getting constant notifications for game events and updates can be annoying, but the Xbox app lets you customize exactly what notifications you want to receive. Whether it’s for updates on game sales, new content, or in-game events, you can adjust your settings to stay informed without being overwhelmed.
How to Use:
- Open the Xbox app and go to your profile.
- Tap on “Settings,” then go to “Notifications.”
- From there, you can toggle on/off notifications for different game events, sales, and more.
6. Linking Your Xbox Account to Other Social Platforms
The Xbox app makes it easy to connect your gaming profile to other social media platforms like Discord, Twitter, and Twitch. This integration allows you to share your gaming achievements, stream live, or even invite friends from social networks to join your gaming sessions.
How to Use:
- In the app, go to your profile and select “Link accounts.”
- Choose which social media accounts you’d like to connect.
- From here, you can easily share your Xbox activity with your followers or send invites to friends from other platforms.
7. Customizing Your Gamerpic and Profile Theme
While this feature is pretty well-known, many don’t realize the full extent of customization options available. You can set a unique gamerpic from your phone’s gallery, or choose from a selection of avatars, and also change the theme and color of your profile.
How to Use:
- In the Xbox app, go to your profile.
- Tap “Customize Profile” to change your Gamerpic, background, and color theme.
- Choose from a list of pre-made themes or upload your own photo.
8. See What Your Friends Are Playing in Real-Time
Curious about what your friends are playing? The Xbox app has a live feed that shows you exactly what your friends are doing in real-time. This can help you decide which games you want to play or invite your friends to join you in a multiplayer session.
How to Use:
- Go to the “Social” tab in the Xbox app.
- Scroll through your feed to see which games your friends are currently playing and what their latest achievements are.
9. Game Pass Discovery and Management
If you’re a Game Pass subscriber, the Xbox app is an ideal way to manage and discover new games within the Game Pass library. You can see which games are available to download or stream, and it provides tailored recommendations based on your playing history.
How to Use:
- From the home screen, tap on the “Game Pass” section.
- Browse through the available games, view tailored recommendations, or search for a specific title.
- You can install or stream any game directly from the app.
10. Manage Your Xbox Storage
You can also manage the storage space on your Xbox directly from the app. Whether it’s checking how much space is left on your console or uninstalling games you no longer play, the app lets you do it all remotely. This is particularly useful if you’re running low on space and want to make room for new titles.
How to Use:
- In the app, go to “Console Settings.”
- Select “Storage,” and it will show you a breakdown of available space, as well as the option to uninstall games or move them between internal and external storage.
FAQs
Can I play Xbox games on my mobile without owning a console?
Yes, with Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud), you can play a variety of Xbox games on your mobile device without the need for an Xbox console. This feature is available through the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Simply open the Xbox app, navigate to the Cloud Gaming section, and start playing supported games on your mobile device.
How do I set up Xbox Remote Play on my phone?
To set up Xbox Remote Play, you need to ensure your Xbox console is connected to the internet and that your Xbox app is updated. Then, within the app, tap on the “Remote Play” button and follow the on-screen prompts to link your console. Once linked, you can stream games from your console to your phone over Wi-Fi.
Can I manage my Xbox friends list through the Xbox app?
Yes, you can add, remove, and manage friends through the Xbox app. Simply go to the “Social” tab and search for friends by their Gamertag or email address. You can also send invites to join games and communicate with friends via chat.
Can I redeem Xbox gift cards or promo codes via the app?
Yes, the Xbox app allows you to redeem gift cards or promo codes directly through the store. Open the app, go to the Microsoft Store, and enter the code in the “Redeem Code” section to add funds to your Xbox account.
Does the Xbox app support two-factor authentication?
Yes, the Xbox app supports two-factor authentication (2FA). To enable it, go to your Microsoft account settings and turn on 2FA. This adds an extra layer of security when accessing your Xbox account through the app.