Google Stadia has come to its unfortunate end. Whilst Google has officially stopped support for Stadia, this doesn’t mean your controller is unusable. In fact, you can now connect your Stadia controller via Bluetooth to enjoy playing your favourite games on your PC and even your phone.
Here at Overclockers UK, we’ve put together this handy step-by-step guide showing you how to connect your controller via Bluetooth.
What is Google Stadia?
Originally launched back in 2019, Stadia was a cloud gaming service developed by Google. The platform allowed users to stream online games without requiring a console or PC. It offered a selection of both free-to-play and paid titles, including some game exclusives, such as Outcasters, PixelJunk Raiders, and Get Packed.
Since it didn’t require a PC or console, the platform could be accessed through Chromecast, Android TV, Google Chrome, and ChromeOS on all Chromebook laptops. Those with a compatible Android phone could also enjoy playing their favourite Stadia games via the mobile app.
Wait… Hasn’t Google Stopped Support?
Whilst the platform was a roaring success at the beginning, having launched with only 22 games which later grew to 130 games in 2020, Google announced back in 2022 that they would be stopping support for Stadia. Citing a lack of growth and ‘traction with users’, players would have until January 18th 2023 to complete their final play sessions.
However, even though Google has stopped support for the platform, you can convert this Wi-Fi only controller into a perfectly functioning Bluetooth games controller.
How to Connect:
If you want to convert your Stadia Controller to Bluetooth, all you need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions below.
To begin with, you will need to ensure your Stadia Controller has enough charge. Google has recommended at least 10% charge.
If it has enough charge, go to the Stadia Controller Update Tool > Switch to Bluetooth Mode.
Your controller will need to be verified to continue. To do this, click Allow Chrome to verify. You will see a drop-drown menu where your Stadia controller should be available. If it is, select Connect.
After which you will see a series of button commands that you will need to press in order to allow the Wi-Fi to Bluetooth conversion.
These button commands will be:
- Unplug your controller
- Hold the options button whilst plugging in the controller
- Finally, press the same options button along with the Google Assistant button.
In order to download the Bluetooth update on your browser, you will need to select your controller once more. To do this, select Allow Chrome to download > Connect from the drop-down menu > Find your controller. It may be listed as SP Blank RT Family, Stadia Controller, or USB Composite Device.
This should have enabled Bluetooth on your Stadia Controller.
To connect wirelessly to other devices via Bluetooth, you will need to hold the Y button and Stadia buttons simultaneously for two seconds until the status light flashes orange. This indicates that the controller is in pairing mode.
Google has started that, once your controller is paired to a device, it will auto-connect to the last paired device when you turn your controller on.
Please note, however, making the switch from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth is a permanent change. You can’t change your controller back to use Wi-Fi on the Stadia platform. What’s more, you can only make the switch until the 31st of December 2023. After this date, any Stadia Controller will be unable to play games wirelessly. You will, however, still be able to use it wired via USB.
In addition to this, you will also have to make sure you are connecting to a compatible Bluetooth device.
Compatible Bluetooth Devices:
Google has confirmed that not all Bluetooth devices have been tested. The Bluetooth systems that are compatible includes:
- Windows 10 / 11 and Steam
- MacOS 13 and Steam
- ChromeOS
- Android
We decided to try and test the Stadia Controller on IOS devices and although it connects, you cannot use it whilst gaming.
If we do test it on anymore devices, we’ll be sure to update you!
- 4 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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Thanks for the article. Annoyingly, when I use my Stadia controller now with a Samsung S10, and click R2, the onscreen keyboard pops up. Makes in unusable for me and can’t find a way to disable it. Another user reported this on Reddit a couple of years ago (which must have therefore been using USB) so perhaps there is hope.