Articles on: Integrations

Use Your Phone as a Mobile Controller

Mobile Controller turns a phone or tablet into an additional PlayAbility controller. It connects through WebRTC, follows the active non-Global profile, and can send gamepad, keyboard, mouse, scroll, and cursor controls supported by the mobile interface.


Beta: Mobile Controller is a beta feature. Test your controls before relying on it during a game.


Before you start


  • Sign in to PlayAbility on the computer.
  • Connect the computer and phone or tablet to the same Wi-Fi or local network.
  • Keep PlayAbility running on the computer.
  • Make sure both devices can reach the internet while the room is created and the controller page is opened.


The initial sign-in and connection exchange use PlayAbility's online services. Controller traffic then uses the WebRTC connection between the devices.


Start Mobile Controller


  1. Open Connections in PlayAbility.
  2. Select Mobile Controller.
  3. Turn on Mobile Connection.
  4. Wait for the status to change from Generating... to Waiting for connection....
  5. Leave this page open while connecting the phone.


PlayAbility displays a QR code, a connection code, and a controller URL.


Connect the phone or tablet


  1. On the phone, scan the QR code with the camera.
  2. If scanning is unavailable, select Copy URL in PlayAbility and open that URL on the phone.
  3. If the controller page asks for a code, enter the five-character Connection code shown in PlayAbility.
  4. Sign in with your PlayAbility account on the controller page.
  5. Wait for PlayAbility's status to change to Connected.


The mobile controller updates when you switch to another regular profile on the computer. The Global profile is not sent as the mobile layout.


Optionally sign in the phone from the desktop session


The Also sign in on phone option sends the desktop account session over the encrypted WebRTC data channel after the controller connects.


  1. Turn on Also sign in on phone before connecting.
  2. Scan the QR code or open the controller URL.
  3. Wait for the connection to complete.


Use this only with a phone or tablet you trust. The option resets when PlayAbility restarts and is not saved as a permanent preference.


Start Mobile Controller automatically


  1. Establish and test a connection first.
  2. Turn on Auto-start on app launch.


On future launches, PlayAbility creates a Mobile Controller room automatically after your desktop account is authenticated.


Verify the controller


  1. Confirm that the desktop status says Connected.
  2. Press and release one visible button on the phone.
  3. Confirm that the matching action activates and releases on the computer or in the target game.
  4. Switch profiles on the computer and confirm that the mobile layout updates.


Start with a button rather than an analog stick so pressed and released states are easy to check.


Troubleshooting


The status remains on Generating or shows Error


  • Confirm that the computer is online and signed in.
  • Turn Mobile Connection off and on.
  • Select Regenerate Code to create a new room and QR code.
  • Temporarily disable a VPN that separates the devices from the local network.


The phone opens the page but does not connect


  • Put both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Avoid guest Wi-Fi networks that isolate devices from each other.
  • Check whether a firewall blocks local WebRTC traffic.
  • Reload the controller page, or regenerate the code and scan the new QR code.


The phone cannot scan the QR code


Use Copy URL, or copy the Connection code and enter it on the controller page.


The controller is connected but nothing happens


  • Make sure Main Output and the required gamepad, keyboard, or mouse output are on.
  • Confirm that the active profile has the action you are testing.
  • Switch to a regular profile; the Global profile is not used as the mobile layout.
  • Disconnect, regenerate the code, and reconnect.


Limitations and security


  • The computer and mobile device must be able to communicate over the local network.
  • The PlayAbility desktop app must stay running while the controller is in use.
  • A QR code, URL, or connection code should be treated as temporary connection information. Select Regenerate Code if it was shared unintentionally.
  • Also sign in on phone transfers an account refresh token to the connected device. Enable it only for a trusted device.



Updated on: 30/07/2026

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