Better xCloud: How to Improve Xbox Cloud Gaming on PC, Mobile, and TV

O Xbox Cloud Gaming allows you to play Xbox titles from the cloud without installing the games on your device, but the experience can vary depending on the browser, device, and connection quality. It is precisely at this point that Better xCloudcomes in, a free and open-source project created to add features and options that are not natively available in the service.

Better xCloud works as a userscript or, on compatible Android devices, through its own app. With it, you can adjust the resolution and quality of the stream, choose servers, use touch controls in more games, monitor stream information, and access features like Clarity Boost, mouse and keyboard control, Remote Play, and local co-op.

In this guide, we show you how to install Better xCloud on Windows, macOS, Linux, Steam Deck, Android, Android TV, Meta Quest, iPhone, iPad, and compatible LG TVs.

What is Better xCloud?

Better xCloud is an open-source project that modifies the interface and adds features to Xbox Cloud Gaming accessed at the address xbox.com/play. It is not a separate gaming service and does not require your Microsoft account to be linked to another site.

In addition to Cloud Gaming, the project also adds support for Remote Play directly through the Xbox website, allowing you to stream games installed on an Xbox console to compatible devices.

Main features of Better xCloud

• Set the region or server used by the stream;
• Prefer IPv6 servers, which can help reduce latency;
• Choose the preferred language for games;
• Set the desired stream resolution;
• Adjust the visual quality of the stream;
• Configure the maximum video bitrate;
• Enable a higher quality codec profile when available;
• Use Clarity Boost to improve image sharpness;
• Enable touch controls in games that do not natively offer this feature;
• Use custom touch control layouts in compatible games;
• Use mouse and keyboard natively in compatible browsers;
• Emulate a controller using mouse and keyboard;
• Automatically hide the mouse cursor;
• Enable Remote Play support through the Xbox website;
• Enable local co-op support in compatible games;
• Display detailed stream statistics;
• Capture screenshots directly from the stream;
• Display information about server, resolution, FPS, and stream quality;
• Customize the control bar displayed during gameplay;
• Skip the initial Xbox animation;
• Reduce interface animations;
• Hide system menu elements;
• Disable social features to simplify the interface;
• Hide certain sections of the home page;
• Change various interface and loading options.

Some functions depend on the device, browser, and Xbox Cloud Gaming's own support. Therefore, not all features will be available on all platforms.

Improve Xbox Cloud Gaming image quality

One of the main reasons to use Better xCloud is to have greater control over stream quality. The project allows you to configure the stream resolution and use higher quality profiles when the device and browser support it.

Better xCloud also has Clarity Boost, which applies different methods to make the transmitted image sharper. The result may vary depending on the game, device, and stream quality.

You can also adjust filters like brightness and contrast and set whether they will be applied to screenshots taken during the stream.

Cloud Gaming indicators and statistics

Better xCloud also allows you to display technical information while you play. Depending on the device and configuration used, you can track data such as:

• Current stream resolution;
• FPS;
• Video bitrate;
• Image quality;
• Audio quality;
• Server used;
• Connection information;
• Session time;
• Device-related information.

Is it safe to use Better xCloud? Can I be banned?

According to the project's official documentation, Better xCloud is safe to use. The developers also state that members of the xCloud team have confirmed that users are not banned simply for using a third-party client or extension.

Better xCloud primarily works by modifying the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience on the device itself. Still, the project has no official link with Microsoft or Xbox and recommends that the user use the tool at their own risk.

Important: never provide your Microsoft account, password, or token on third-party sites that promise to provide Better xCloud. The official project states that your account should not be sent to another site.

How to install Better xCloud

The installation method depends on the device. Currently, the project offers different methods for computers, cell phones, tablets, TVs, and virtual reality headsets.

Windows, macOS, Linux, and Steam Deck

On computers, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and SteamOS/Steam Deck, the recommended way is to use a Chromium-based browser, such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, along with the extension Tampermonkey.

• Install Tampermonkey below, on Chrome, Edge, or another compatible Chromium browser.

• If necessary, enable Developer Mode in the browser extensions.
• Download and install the official script of Better xCloud inside Tampermonkey.

• Access https://www.xbox.com/play/.
• After loading, a new button with the server name will appear next to the profile picture.
• Click this button to access Better xCloud settings.

Firefox may work in certain situations, but it is not the recommended option for the project, mainly due to limitations related to Xbox Cloud Gaming support and the Gamepad API.

Android and Android TV

The currently recommended method for Android is the Better xCloud app for Android. It already has the userscript integrated and was specifically developed to offer a simpler and more efficient experience on mobile devices.

The app is compatible with devices running Android 8.0 or higher, including phones, tablets, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K/4K Max, and Meta Quest.

1. Download the Better xCloud APK from the project's official repository using the button above.
2. Install the app on the device.
3. Open Better xCloud and sign in to your Microsoft account.
4. After logging in, use the new button displayed next to the profile picture to access the settings.

The app is the first recommended option, but the project itself warns that simpler Android or Android TV devices may experience performance issues. In such cases, you can use Microsoft Edge for Android with Tampermonkey as an alternative.

Android via Microsoft Edge

The old method using Kiwi Browser should no longer be followed, as the browser has been discontinued. The current official alternative is to use Edge for Android.

• Install Microsoft Edge on the Android device.

• Open Edge and access the extension manager.
• Install the extension Tampermonkey.
• Enable developer mode in extensions if prompted.
• Install the Better xCloud script inside Tampermonkey.

• Access https://www.xbox.com/play/.
• Use the new button next to the profile picture to access the settings.

iPhone and iPad

On iPhone and iPad, Better xCloud uses Safari along with the extension Userscripts. This is the official recommended method for iOS and iPadOS.

• Download the Better xCloud script from the project's official repository.

• Open the Files app and go to the Downloads folder.
• Create a folder named userscripts.
• Move the file better-xcloud.user.js to this folder.
• Install the app/extension Userscripts from the App Store.

• Access Settings > Safari > Extensions and enable Userscripts.

• Open the Userscripts app and select Set Userscripts Directory.

• Choose the folder Downloads/userscripts created earlier.
• Open Safari and go to https://www.xbox.com/play/.
• Open the Safari extensions menu, select Userscripts, and allow access to the site.

• If everything is set up correctly, the Better xCloud button will appear next to the profile picture.

On Safari, there are some limitations. For example, Better xCloud does not work in PWA mode, and Safari does not support the higher quality codec profile available in other compatible browsers.

macOS via Safari

On macOS, you can also use Safari with Userscripts, following a similar procedure to iPhone and iPad. However, the project itself recommends Chrome or Edge on Mac for the best experience and streaming quality.

Meta Quest

The Meta Quest headsets are also among the devices compatible with the Better xCloud Android app. The recommendation is to use the official Android app distributed by the project.

LG TVs with webOS 22 or higher

Better xCloud has a specific version for LG TVs with webOS 22 or higher. According to the official documentation, models from 2022 onwards that use an adequate version of Chromium are typically compatible.

To install, you need to enable Developer Mode on the TV and use the app webOS Dev Manager on a computer to install Better xCloud Lite.

• Enable Developer Mode on the LG TV following the official procedure (see here, in English).
• Install webOS Dev Manager on the computer (download here).
• Download Better xCloud Lite.

• Use webOS Dev Manager to install the app on the TV.
• Open Better xCloud on the TV and sign in.

Which method should I use?

• Windows: Chrome or Edge + Tampermonkey;
• macOS: Chrome or Edge + Tampermonkey; Safari is also compatible;
• Linux: Chrome or Edge/Chromium + Tampermonkey;
• Steam Deck/SteamOS: Chromium browser + Tampermonkey;
• Android: Better xCloud app;
• Android TV: Better xCloud app; Edge is an alternative on devices with performance issues;
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K/4K Max: Android app;
• Meta Quest: Android app;
• iPhone/iPad: Safari + Userscripts;
• LG TV: Better xCloud for webOS 22 or later.

Download Better xCloud safely

The developer recommends downloading Better xCloud only from the project's official repositories. Avoid third-party sites that provide APKs, scripts, or modified versions of Better xCloud.

The official project also provides complete documentation with specific instructions for each device, as well as information about features, troubleshooting, and advanced settings.