A 2024 Guide on How To Connect Xbox To MacBook?

At one point or another, every player has probably considered linking their Xbox console with the MacBook for gaming purposes. But do you know how to accomplish it?

There are two options: either download the Xbox app on your MacBook or utilize an HDMI video capture card that will facilitate the connection between your Xbox and the MacBook.

It is quite enjoyable turning the screen of a MacBook into a game screen. Besides that, most gamers connect their Xbox console to MacBook to record gameplay.

This connection is also helpful to transfer media files between Xbox and MacBook.

Within this tutorial, we have delved into various techniques for linking your Xbox to your MacBook.

Can I Connect My Xbox To My MacBook?

Yes, connecting your Xbox to your MacBook is possible! And, there are various ways to let you choose as per your feasibility.

Like, some people prefer using the Xbox app on their MacBook to connect their MacBook to their Xbox.

Some prefer using third-party streaming apps, while some prefer a physical connection to use Xbox on Mac through an HDMI video capture.

Nevertheless, the connection between Xbox and MacBook is possible!

How To Use a MacBook As a Monitor?

With compatible devices, you can use your MacBook as a monitor through third-party applications like Duet Display and Luna Display.

You basically install such software on both your source device and your MacBook (however, this is not the case with AirPlay, another third-party software).

These software programs create either a wired or wireless connection from your source device to MacBook, and then you select MacBook as your display device.

Apart from that, if you want to stream gameplay on your Mac, then you’d need an HDMI video capture to connect your Xbox console to your MacBook.

You can also record gameplay using this connection.

How To Connect Xbox To MacBook?

We recommend the following methods:

Method 1: Using Xbox App on MacBook

When wondering how to connect Xbox to MacBook, it’s your best option if you love a wireless connection.

1. Download the Xbox app for Mac from the Microsoft website. Just watch your screen for steps related to setting up the app as they will be appearing.
2. Enable the Instant-on power option on your Xbox console next. Then, enable the “Remote Feature” on your Xbox console (you can access it through Settings).
3. Then, you need to connect the controller to MacBook. You can do it via Bluetooth: you just need to keep holding pairing button until you see flashing Xbox logo, afterwards select controller through Bluetooth settings on your MacBook. You can also use a USB for the connection.
4. Once you have done this, go ahead and open the previously downloaded Xbox app and input your Microsoft account details for signing in to the platform.
5. Now, simply select Consoles from the menu and click on your Xbox Console.

Method 2: Using a Video Capture Card

It’s best for those who love to work with hardware and establish a wired connection.

1. First, you need to buy yourself a good-quality and compatible video capture card which has USB output and HDMI input. (We recommend you AVerMedia and Elgato, as they are widely trusted and top-rated).
2. Then, using an HDMI cable, connect the Xbox (HDMI output) to the capture card (HDMI input).
3. Afterward, take hold of a USB cord and link it from your MacBook to the capture card.
4. Next thing would be to go online and check the website owned by the manufacturer of your capturing card. There you’ll find the essential software that you have to download and install, as it will allow streaming and recording Xbox video on your MacBook.
5. Finally, just launch the software on your MacBook and start streaming!

Method 3: Using a Third-Party Streaming App

Those who are looking for an easier method can go for this!

1. Open your MacBook, and download a third-party streaming app (we recommend you OneCast, as it’s rated compatible with MacBook).
2. After downloading, carefully follow the instructions given on your screen to install the third-party app.
3. Then, just launch the app and enter your Xbox account credentials to sign in.
4. After that, connect the app to your Xbox.
5. You can use it now to stream your gameplay on your MacBook.

How To Connect Xbox Remote To Mac?

Your Xbox remote can be connected to your Mac via a compatible USB cable. You simply use the USB cable to plug your Xbox remote into your Mac.

You can also connect them via a wireless connection, which means using Bluetooth. You just need to pair both devices.

Then, you’ll be able to play games that are compatible with your Mac.

Troubleshooting Issues and Solutions For Xbox on Mac

The connection between an Xbox and Mac doesn’t always go as smoothly as it might sound.

There can be problems. Like, sometimes the Xbox controller doesn’t connect with Mac via Bluetooth.

This mainly occurs when one of the devices isn’t in the pairing mode. Checking both devices are in pairing mode and re-pairing them can resolve the issue.

Besides that, if you’re using an HDMI video capture, you might see that Xbox output isn’t displaying on Mac.

To resolve a situation like this, you must make sure you’ve connected all the cables correctly.

Or try changing your HDMI video capture; maybe the current one is faulty.

Moreover, if you’re facing performance issues, it’s best to upgrade your Mac’s hardware.

Adjusting the video quality on Xbox app or the capture card can also help.

Moreover, remember that not all games will be compatible with macOS, as they are not originally designed to play on a Mac.

Still, you can make most of them compatible using a third-party software, like Joystick Mapper.

Final Thoughts

Simply put, if you wondered how to connect Xbox to MacBook, you have now got many options.

You can download and install Xbox app on your MacBook and then connect the MacBook with your Xbox controller via Bluetooth or a USB cable.

And, there’s, of course, the option of using an HDMI video capture card, if you’re more of an I-prefer-wired-connections person.