How to: Install Xbox Game Pass on Google TV and Chromecast

A great option for playing Xbox games while traveling, or just while in another room at home.

The latest iteration of Chromecast, the Chromecast with Google TV, is powered by Android. Microsoft already offers Xbox Game Pass as an app for cloud gaming on Android devices, however this app is not yet available on the Play Store for Google TV devices.

With a few tweaks, you can get around these restrictions and install Xbox Game Pass on your Chromecast with Google TV. With this option you can stream stream Xbox Series X|S games to your TV — no console required.

Steps

1. Install the Downloader app
2. Enable Unknown Sources
3. Install the Xbox Game Pass app
4. Connect a controller
5. Play

Install the Downloader app

First, you’ll need to get the Xbox Game Pass app onto your Chromecast with Google TV. Because it is not available on the App list on your Chromecast, you’ll need to install it manually. The Downloader app will help you do this.

1. On your Chromecast, go to the Apps screen
2. Search for and install “Downloader”

Enable Unknown Sources

Because you’ll be installing from a source other than the official Google Play store, you need to tell your Chromecast to allow installations from other sources.

1. On your Chromecast, go to Settings > System > About
2. Highlight the “Android TV OS build” menu item, and click the OK button on your Chromecast remote 5 times in a row. You should receive a message that says you are now a Developer.
3. Go to Settings > Apps > Security & Restrictions
4. Enable “Install unknown apps” for the Downloader app

Install the Xbox Game Pass app

You’ll need to get a copy of the Xbox Game Pass app by downloading and installing it to your Chromecast with the Downloader app. APK Mirror is a useful resource that hosts apps available for download outside of the official app stores.

1. From the home screen, open the Downloader app
2. Within the Downloader app, search for Xbox Game Pass (beta) APK Mirror, or go directly to this URL: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/microsoft-corporation/xbox-game-pass-beta/
3. Download the latest version of the app with the armeabi-v7a architecture. Here is the one I used.

Connect a controller

A bluetooth controller is required to play Xbox games on the Chromecast with Google TV.

1. On your Chromecast, go to Settings > Remotes & Accessories > Pair remote or accessory
2. Enable pairing mode on your bluetooth controller. Any bluetooth controllers should work. The Xbox controllers work well.
3. Initiate the pairing on Chromecast when your controller is discovered.

Play

With the Xbox Game Pass app installed and your controller connected, you have everything you need to get gaming.

1. From the Chromecast home screen, open Game Pass Beta and login to your Microsoft account.
2. Play!

Questions

How well does it work?

Pretty well. The game menu system is a little bit clunky (it’s optimized for touch interfaces), though game streaming is just as smooth as on any other Android device.