How to Turn Your Android Phone As A Gamepad for PC Games

I’ve seen PC games feel clunky with keyboard and mouse. A gamepad for PC games is often way smoother. But not everyone owns a controller. If you want gaming without a physical controller, you can use Android Phone As A Gamepad for PC. It’s a neat trick that can improve gaming experience. I’d guess it works best on Windows PCs. It’s a cheap way for casual gamers to skip extra gear. If your controller isn’t working then you can also test your gamepad.

Why Pick Your Android Phone As A Gamepad for PC?

I’ve used my Android phone as a gamepad for PC and I was surprised by how well it works. It feels like a real virtual game controller in my hand. I love how I can jump into a PC game without hunting for my usual gear.

• Natural touch controls that feel like a real controller
• Gyroscope gaming and accelerometer for motion-based play
• Multiple pairing options: Bluetooth gamepad, Wi-Fi, USB, QR code
• Custom game controls let me tweak every button and layout
• Cheap and travel-friendly—no extra gear to carry

Note: Phones with high refresh rates or larger screens can give an even smoother feel.

How to Convert Your Android Phone As A Gamepad for PC

I’ve tried this setup a few times and it really works—just grab two apps and put them on the same network. You’ll be running a PC Remote Receiver on your Windows PC and PC Remote on your phone.

1. Install the apps
   • On PC: download and install PC Remote Receiver.
   • On Android: get PC Remote from Google Play.
2. Connect to the same network
   • Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi.
3. Open both apps
   • Launch PC Remote Receiver on your PC.
   • Open PC Remote on your phone.
4. Pair your devices
   • In the Android controller for PC app, tap Connect.
   • Pick your PC under Local PC.
5. Allow firewall access
   • If it won’t link, check your Windows firewall and allow PC Remote Receiver.
6. Upgrade options
   • The basic Wi-Fi gamepad connection is free.
   • You can buy premium to remove ads or boost stream quality.
7. Backup connection methods
   • If Wi-Fi fails, try USB or Bluetooth instead.
   • You can even use your phone’s mobile hotspot as a quick workaround.

Connect Using a USB Cable

USB controller connection is rock-solid and low-lag—perfect if you hate stutter.

• Launch PC Remote Receiver on your PC and PC Remote on your phone.
• Plug your phone into the PC with a USB cable.
• On Android, go to Settings → Network & internet → Hotspot & tethering → turn on USB tethering.
• In the phone app, tap Connect and choose USB.
• Wait a few seconds—your devices should now talk.
  

Connect Using Bluetooth

Bluetooth gives you a wireless link without Wi-Fi, but it can be a bit jumpy on old PCs.

• Turn on Bluetooth on both your PC and phone.
• Open PC Remote Receiver on PC and PC Remote on phone.
• In the phone app, tap Connect → select Bluetooth.
• Pick your PC’s name from the list of devices.
• If it doesn’t link, try moving closer or use USB instead.

Connect Using a QR Code

QR code pairing is quick when you can’t use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

• In PC Remote Receiver on your PC, click Generate QR Code.
• On your phone’s app, tap Connect → Scan QR Code.
• Point your camera at the code on your PC screen.
• Once it scans, the Android phone gamepad setup is done.

USB tethering is usually the most stable. But if your PC can’t do Bluetooth, QR or USB are your best bets.

Pick Your Controller Layout

Once I’m connected, I head to the Layouts section in the app. I tap the game name and it auto-loads a layout. If it can’t find one, it uses the Xbox360 layout by default. I like how simple it is to get started.

• Go to Layouts in the app to choose gamepad layout
• Tap your game to auto-load its default setup
• If none shows up, stick with the Xbox360 layout
• Tap the top-left icons to tweak button positions
• Hit the “+” icon (top right) to import custom layout or make your own

Maybe try a portrait mode layout for slow-paced games. You can save different layouts for each game to switch fast later.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Your Phone as a Gamepad

I’ve used my phone as a gaming controller when I didn’t have my real pad. It’s a handy backup but it’s not perfect.

Pros	Cons
No need to buy a separate controller	Might lag or disconnect sometimes
Easy to carry—your phone is always with you	Doesn’t feel as natural as real buttons
Customizable button layout	Drains phone battery quickly
Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and more	Notifications can interrupt gameplay
Great for quick, casual sessions	Can get uncomfortable in long play (ergonomics)

Tip: Turn on Do Not Disturb to block notifications, and take breaks so your phone doesn’t overheat during long sessions.

Things the PC Remote App Can’t Do Well

• Can’t use two phones as controllers on one PC
• Joystick movement may freeze sometimes
• Free version shows fullscreen video ads (upgrade removes ads)

Note: App updates may fix some issues over time—keep it updated.

Use Your Phone to Rule PC Games

PC Remote isn’t the only option for gamepad alternatives, but most best Android controller apps out there feel laggy or lack real features. I’ve tried a bunch and they often drop input or force you into clunky menus. 

Some gamers swear by Steam Link as a controller and streaming alternative, especially if you’re deep in the Steam ecosystem. If you just want remote control apps that work, try Unified Remote for PC—it turns your phone into a keyboard and mouse, a file manager, or media controller. Unified Remote for PC has over 70+ remote control functions, so it’s perfect if you need more than a simple Android controller app.

I Tried DroidJoy and Steam Link on My OnePlus 9

I used DroidJoy and Steam Link on my OnePlus 9 to play Rocket League on my 1080p PC. It felt a bit laggy at first, but once I tuned the settings, I could hit boost and flip just fine. My phone got warm after 20 minutes, so I took breaks. Overall, it worked well for a quick match when I didn’t have my real controller.

I found a user who uses apps like Steam Link or Unified Remote to turn their phone into a virtual gamepad for PC gaming.

They stream the game over Wi-Fi (or USB/Bluetooth) and map touch, gyroscope, or on-screen buttons to keyboard and mouse or controller inputs.

It’s not as comfy as a real pad, but it’s a cheap, flexible way to play PC games using your smartphone.

Which Software and Hardware You Need

I’ve tried a few combos and this setup worked best for me.

Recommended Software & Apps
I use Monect gamepad software on PC and PC Remote app on my Android. You can also try LEA Extended Input Gamepad if you want analog sticks.

• Monect lets you mirror your screen and use your phone as game controller
• PC Remote app gives simple Wi-Fi and touchscreen input
• LEA Extended Input Gamepad adds true analog input for advanced games

Set Up Your Smartphone
You might need a USB OTG cable for USB input. I installed the PC Remote app from the Play Store and gave it the rights it asked for.

• Open the app and choose Wi-Fi or USB mode
• Tap your PC name to pair
• Allow any permission pop-ups

Set Up Your Computer
You’ll need to enable remote desktop access Windows style so your phone can reach your PC. Here’s how I did it:

1. Go to Control Panel → System and Security → System
2. Click Remote Settings on the left
3. Check “Allow remote connections to this computer”
4. Add a password for safety
5. Save and close

That’s it—now your smartphone as game controller can send input straight to your PC.

Why Aren’t My Buttons Mapping Right?

I’ve run into this issue a few times. Here’s how I fix it:

• Check your layout
  Open the app’s Layouts and make sure the buttons match your game.
• Restart both apps
  Close PC Remote Receiver on PC and PC Remote on phone, then reopen.
• Re-pair your devices
  In the phone app, tap Disconnect, then Connect again and pick the right method (USB, Bluetooth, QR).
• Update the app
  Older versions can glitch. Go to Play Store or the PC software site and grab the latest.
• Check permissions
  On Android, let the app use USB tethering, Bluetooth, or network. On PC, allow firewall access.

That usually gets my virtual game controller mapping back on track.

What You Need for System Requirements & Compatibility

I’ve seen this trip up new users. You’ve got to check your phone and PC can talk to each other before you start.

• Android phone: version 6.0 or higher, USB tethering support, and Bluetooth 4.0+ if you choose wireless
• PC: Windows 7 or newer (macOS Sierra+ and most Linux distros work too)
• Memory: at least 2 GB RAM on each device to keep things smooth
• Network: same 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network or a USB cable for tethering
• Apps: latest PC Remote Receiver on your computer and PC Remote on Android
• Extras: make sure your firewall lets the app through and your phone’s battery is above 20 % to avoid sudden shutdowns

Side-by-Side Comparison of Top Controller Apps

Here’s how the best apps stack up:

App Name	Price	Connection Types	Pros	Cons
Steam Link	Free	Wi-Fi, Ethernet	Official Steam integration, low lag	Only works with Steam games
Moonlight	Free/Open	Wi-Fi (NVIDIA GameStream)	Ultra-low latency for NVIDIA GPUs	Requires NVIDIA GPU support
DroidJoy	$4.99	USB, Bluetooth	Customizable layout, low CPU usage	Paid, limited OS support
Octopus	Free/In-app	USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi	Multiple game profiles, macros	Ads in free version

Required Apps & Software Overview 

I keep these apps ready when I want to turn my Android phone into a gamepad:

• Steam Link (Free)
  • Install Steam on your PC and get Steam Link from Google Play.
  • Easy setup with Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  • Best for Steam games.
    
• Moonlight (Free/Open Source)
  • PC needs NVIDIA GameStream (GeForce Experience).
  • Download Moonlight on Android.
  • Ultra-low latency over Wi-Fi.
    
• DroidJoy ($4.99)
  • Install the Windows server app from the developer’s site and the phone app from Google Play.
  • Maps buttons and sticks with low CPU use.
  • Connect via USB or Bluetooth.
    
• Octopus (Free/In-app Ads)
  • Get it on Google Play.
  • Supports USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
  • Offers macros and multiple game profiles.
    
• Unified Remote (Free/Premium)
  • Install the PC server from unifiedremote.com and the Android app from Google Play.
  • Mostly for keyboard, mouse, and media control but has a gamepad plugin.

Reddit User

I found a Reddit user who recommends using Moonlight or Steam Link to stream your PC to your phone and let your phone-connected controller send inputs back over Wi-Fi.

Another user built an app called Remote Gamepad that forwards button presses from any controller paired to your Android straight to your Windows PC.

There’s also Touch PC Controller: install its Android app and PC server, join them on the same network, scan the QR code, and you get Xbox/PlayStation layouts with virtually no lag—and you can even connect multiple phones for local co-op.

Conclusion

In short, turning your Android Phone As A Gamepad for PC is a handy, low-cost way to jump into your favorite games without extra hardware. With apps like PC Remote, Steam Link or Moonlight and flexible connection options (Wi-Fi, USB or Bluetooth), you can find the right balance of performance and convenience.

Just keep your phone charged, tweak layouts to suit each game, and remember it’s best for casual or backup play rather than marathon sessions.

FAQs