With Microsoft’s cloud game streaming service, xCloud, now in beta testing on both iOS and Windows 10, you might wonder how you can gain access to the platform on these devices. Here’s everything you need to know about how you can join the xCloud beta.
What Is Microsoft’s xCloud Beta?
Notably, xCloud beta is not available as an app that you can download from the iOS App Store—even though you can do exactly that on Android. This is because Apple has steadfastly refused to allow cloud gaming services such as xCloud and Stadia on the App Store—citing liability issues.
To overcome this, xCloud on iOS devices has to be accessed through a web browser such as Safari (the default browser on your iPhone or iPad). This is even simpler than downloading an app—all you have to do is visit the xCloud website to get started.
What You Need to Join the xCloud Beta
Microsoft has stated that it will be randomly sending out invitations to existing members of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate—the platform’s premier game subscription service.
Furthermore, you must reside in one of the following countries to use xCloud: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, and the US.
You must use the latest version of either Safari, Google Chrome, or Microsoft’s own Edge browser. Unfortunately, users on iOS 13 or earlier will not be eligible to participate in the xCloud beta.
To find what software version your iOS device is running, simply refer to Apple's support page, which details what menus to navigate to locate the appropriate setting.
What to Do if You Receive an Invite
In addition to a device running Windows 10 or iOS 14, the only other requirement is a solid internet connection. Microsoft recommends that your connection be able to sustain at least 10Mbps. Double that number, though—even if it’s just to maintain some headroom for other devices in your household.
If you’re using Wi-Fi, consider connecting to your router’s 5GHz signal. On newer routers, this will appear as a separate Wi-Fi network alongside the more traditional 2.4GHz one.
As for controllers, Microsoft has included support for touch controls on iOS—even though it’s running within a web browser. If you’re looking for a more refined experience though, you can connect an Xbox controller to your iOS device.
Unfortunately, Microsoft has not implemented support for keyboard and mouse—which means that you’ll have to connect a controller even on Windows 10.
If you’ve already received an invite to join the xCloud beta program on iOS and Windows 10, head on over to the Xbox.com xCloud page to get started. You will be asked to log into your account to verify your eligibility after which you’ll be able to access all 100 or so games included with your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
The xCloud Beta... Invite-Only for Now
As per Microsoft, existing subscribers should automatically receive an email to join the xCloud beta program. Quoting the company’s recent post on Xbox Wire:
Our plan is to iterate quickly and open up to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in the coming months.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do until Microsoft decides to expand the beta program and send out a new wave of invitations; hopefully this will happen sooner rather than later.
While the preview program on Android was open to all, this invite-only system certainly makes gaming on xCloud a lot more complicated.