Today’s smartphones have a lot of features and can replace a number of different devices at once. With the right software, mobile devices can further expand their abilities. Software tools let you handle many home appliances from your phone, and some even let you use it as a car key.
From a phone or tablet, you can also make a full-fledged gamepad that lets you play games on your computer. If you don’t have a real game pad, being able to use your phone instead of a controller can be helpful.
How to use an Android phone as a joystick for a computer
You will need the following to finish the task:
A smartphone or tablet; a PC or laptop running Windows 7 or higher; and an internet link.
You will need to run both the app on your phone and the server part on your PC in order to use your phone as a computer joystick.
The app can connect and work with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB. The first choice is easier to use because it doesn’t require any wires and the data sharing is faster. However, both the phone and computer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Let’s look at the process one step at a time by using some programs as models.
Monect PC Remote
This is one of the best free programs for controlling your PC over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The benefits of an app let you:
You can control a computer from afar or close by; choose the type of joystick you want to use for a game and change the layout of the buttons as you see fit; use the accelerometer on your phone; connect up to 4 virtual screens to your computer; use the mouse and keyboard; and move files between devices.
You can use your phone as a drawing pad on a computer that supports styluses.
Here’s what you need to do to use your phone as a PC joystick:
Get PC Remote Receiver and run it on your computer.
You can get Monect PCRemote for your phone from the official store (Google Play or the App Store).
We make it possible for devices to join to the same network.
We open the software on both machines and choose how to connect them.
There is a button on the computer program called “Generate QR Code.” This code can be scanned with a smartphone if you can’t join without one.
In the app for your phone, click the “Connect” button.
The gadgets are now connected to each other. If it doesn’t, we use the QR code to make a link.
It starts out in mouse mode, but we switch it to joystick mode, and you can use it.
You can use your phone as a steering wheel for racing (with G-sensor support), a joystick with two sticks and 12 customizable buttons, a gamepad for shooters, or a joystick for flight simulators. You can change the modes based on the game if you need to.
DroidJoy Gamepad Joystick Lite
As of version 7, this is another good program that lets you use your phone as a keyboard for Windows. DroidJoy gives you a lot of ways to change how the gamepad works with different types of games. These good things will happen to you because of the program:
It can connect to 4 smartphones at once (the number of virtual gamepads needed is set in the server app on the computer); it can connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; and it can emulate a gamepad.
Support for G-sensors, customized button layouts and profiles, and controller emulation from the Xbox 360 with the original XInput driver.
These steps will help you connect:
Get DroidJoy server, put it on your computer, and then run it.
We make sure that both the computer and the smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you choose the Bluetooth pairing option, we make sure that the PC can see other devices.
Download the DroidJoy app and open it.
Click “Search for a server” in the “Connection” window to connect to the PC client.
You can change the buttons to suit your needs in the Settings menu, or you can choose a unique template from the list.
If the game only works with X-Box gamepads and not DInput, the server needs to be set up to pretend to be an XInput device.
Using your smartphone as a steering wheel with Touch Racer
If you like racing, an app that lets you turn your phone like a game driving wheel is a great choice. The gas and stop pedals are also simulated, and you can control the game by moving your fingers across the screen. To change the speed of acceleration and braking, the user can also swipe from anywhere on the screen, in any direction.
To make sure that gadgets can talk to each other:
The server program goes on the computer, and the software goes on the phone.
For pairing devices to work, they need to be linked to the same Wi-Fi network, just like for other apps.
When the software is run on both devices, the system will instantly set up a connection between them and recognize the phone as a game controller.
The control setting is done in a way that is similar to how a regular joystick is set up. In the game, you’ll need to choose the joystick as the input method in the settings.
Once everything is set up correctly, click “Start Game” to begin your favorite games.
From what you can see, you don’t need a real joystick to use your phone as a controller. All you need is some special software. The programs that are being looked at are always being changed and given new features that make them much more useful.
Have you tried using your phone as a control for your PC? How was this done? Let us know in the comments.
Tips
With the advancement in technology, it is now possible to use your Android phone as a game controller for PC gaming. By connecting your Android device to your PC using a USB cable or via Bluetooth, you can enjoy playing your favorite video games with ease.
Gone are the days when game controllers were limited to specific consoles or devices. Now, with the help of additional hardware and apps, you can turn your Android phone into a versatile game controller. Whether you prefer mobile games or PC gaming, your Android phone can serve as a video game controller for a seamless gaming experience.
The convenience of using your Android phone as a game controller allows you to play games on your PC remotely. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who want to enjoy their favorite PC games on the go. By transforming your Android device into a mobile controller, you can have the flexibility to play games on your phone or tablet, just like using a Nintendo Switch or Xbox controller.
Moreover, using your Android phone as a game controller eliminates the need for traditional input devices like a keyboard and mouse. With wireless controller connectivity options, you can choose the best mobile controller that suits your gaming preferences. Whether you are looking for a pro controller for competitive gaming or simply want to enjoy casual gaming on your PC, turning your Android phone into a game controller opens up a world of possibilities for gaming enthusiasts.
To enhance your gaming experience, you can consider using specific hardware such as the Razer Kishi V2 or the GameSir G8 Galileo. These devices are designed to transform your Android phone or tablet into a powerful gaming controller. The Razer Kishi V2, for example, offers a comfortable grip and tactile buttons that mimic the feel of a traditional game controller. Similarly, the GameSir G8 Galileo provides a customizable gaming experience with its ergonomic design and multifunctional buttons.
To connect your Android phone to your PC for gaming, you can use a mobile app such as Steam Link or GameSir’s dedicated Android app. These apps enable seamless connectivity between your Android device and your PC, allowing you to play a wide range of games, including racing games and multiplayer titles.
For wired connections, USB OTG (On-The-Go) cables can be used to pair your Android phone with your PC via a wired USB connection. This method is particularly useful when you want to use a GameSir T4 or GameSir X3 controller for mobile gaming on your PC.
When it comes to mobile gaming, touch controls are often the default input method. However, by using additional hardware and apps, you can elevate your gaming experience by integrating a physical USB controller with your Android phone. This is especially beneficial for playing popular titles like Call of Duty, where precise controls are essential for competitive gameplay.
The versatility of turning your phone into a game controller extends beyond Android devices. With the appropriate hardware and apps, you can also pair new devices such as an iPhone or a Switch Pro Controller for an enhanced gaming experience.
Whether you are interested in casual mobile gaming or competitive multiplayer games, the ability to use your Android phone as a game controller opens up new possibilities for enjoying your favorite PC games on the go.
Let’s take for instance, Thomas Vos, a software developer with a passion for gaming, recently discovered the versatility of using his Android phone as a game controller. A few months ago, he invested in a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which allowed him to access a wide range of games on his Windows PC and Android device. To enhance his gaming experience, he decided to explore the world of mobile controllers and Bluetooth game controllers.
After researching various options, Thomas settled on the SteelSeries Stratus Bluetooth controller, which offers excellent battery life and compatibility with Android games. The controller’s programmable buttons and Hall Effect sticks made it an ideal choice for both mobile and PC gaming. Additionally, the SteelSeries Stratus comes with a mobile clip that securely holds his Android phone, providing a comfortable and ergonomic gaming setup.
For his PlayStation edition games, Thomas also uses a generic Bluetooth gamepad controller that works seamlessly with his Android device. This controller not only supports Android games but also allows him to use it as a PlayStation remote for his console. The ability to switch between different devices and platforms using the same controller has significantly improved his gaming experience.
To expand his gaming options even further, Thomas decided to invest in a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, which he found to be compatible with a wide range of games and cloud gaming services. The controller’s Bluetooth connectivity and micro USB support made it easy to pair with both his Android phone and Windows PC.
Thomas also explored opportunities for using his Android phone as a game controller for cloud gaming services. By using apps like Steam Link and GameSir’s dedicated Android app, he was able to seamlessly connect his phone to his PC for cloud gaming. This allowed him to take advantage of the controller support offered by these services and enjoy a wide variety of games on different platforms.
In conclusion, Thomas Vos has successfully integrated various Bluetooth game controllers with his Android phone to create a versatile gaming setup. From playing Android games to accessing his Game Pass subscription and using cloud gaming services, the ability to use his phone as a game controller has opened up new possibilities for enjoying games across different platforms.
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