PocketPad — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about using your phone as a wireless gamepad, keyboard & mouse, TV remote, and presentation controller. How-to guide · Get it on Google Play.
How can I use my phone as a gamepad or game controller?
Install PocketPad on your Android phone. Open a gamepad layout, connect via Bluetooth HID (no app on your PC) or Wi-Fi with PocketPad Companion on Windows, then play.
How do I use my phone as a remote keyboard and mouse for my PC?
Select the Universal layout in PocketPad. Connect via Bluetooth HID or Wi-Fi for touchpad, typing, WASD keys, and keyboard shortcuts.
Can I use my phone as a TV remote control?
Yes. Use PocketPad's Media Remote layout and pair via Bluetooth HID to control volume, playback, and navigation on TVs and media apps.
How can I use my phone as a presentation or slide controller?
Use PocketPad's Slide Controller layout: swipe to change slides and use buttons for fullscreen and black/white screen over Bluetooth HID.
Does PocketPad work without installing anything on my PC?
Yes. Bluetooth HID requires no host software. Optionally install PocketPad Companion on Windows for lower Wi-Fi latency and multiplayer.
What is the best app to use my phone as a wireless game controller?
PocketPad combines gamepad, keyboard/mouse, TV remote, and slide control with Bluetooth HID and optional Wi-Fi Companion for low latency and multiplayer.
Can multiple phones connect as controllers at the same time?
Yes. Multiple phones connect over Wi-Fi with PocketPad Companion; each appears as a separate Xbox controller on Windows.
Should I use Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi to connect PocketPad?
Use Bluetooth for instant pairing with no host install. Use Wi-Fi with Companion on Windows for discovery, pairing codes, lowest jitter, and multiplayer.
How do I connect PocketPad instantly via Bluetooth?
In PocketPad choose Bluetooth, tap Prepare for pairing, add the phone from host Bluetooth settings, then pick a layout.
How do I connect PocketPad over Wi‑Fi with Companion?
Install Companion on Windows, allow firewall, same Wi-Fi, connect from the app; enter the 6-digit code for Universal keyboard/mouse layouts.
Does PocketPad work with Steam and PC games?
Yes. PocketPad emulates standard gamepad or keyboard/mouse input for Steam and PC games that support those devices.
Does PocketPad work on Mac and Linux?
Bluetooth HID works on Mac and Linux with no extra software. PocketPad Companion is for Windows only.
Can I control a Smart TV or Android TV with PocketPad?
Yes via Bluetooth HID with Media Remote or Universal layouts if the TV supports HID input.
How low is PocketPad's latency?
Bluetooth HID is responsive for gaming; Wi-Fi with Companion is optimized for low jitter on the same LAN.
Can I use my phone as a gamepad without a server app on my computer?
Yes. Bluetooth HID mode needs no server or companion on the host, unlike many Wi-Fi-only controller apps.
Do I need an account to use PocketPad?
No account is required. Settings and layouts are stored on your device.
Does PocketPad work offline?
Yes. Bluetooth and LAN Wi-Fi work without internet.
Is PocketPad free? What is PocketPad Pro?
Core features are free. Pro removes ads and adds cosmetic skins via Google Play billing.
Why does Windows Companion mention ViGEmBus?
ViGEmBus lets Windows see virtual Xbox controllers. The installer adds it only when missing.
PocketPad won't connect over Wi‑Fi — firewall help?
Allow Companion on private networks in Windows Firewall and ensure phone and PC share the same LAN (not guest-isolated Wi-Fi).
My PC doesn't show PocketPad in Bluetooth — what should I try?
Tap Prepare for pairing in the app, clear old pairings, and scan again from the host Bluetooth settings.
My game doesn't recognize PocketPad as a controller
Use a gamepad layout; on Windows Wi-Fi ensure Companion and ViGEmBus are running. Some games only accept XInput controllers.
Why do I need to pair again after switching layouts or modes?
Gamepad and keyboard/mouse use different Bluetooth HID profiles; most OSes require re-pairing after switching.
Does PocketPad collect my controller inputs or layouts?
Controller inputs and layouts are not sent to Datron servers. Optional anonymous analytics are described in the Privacy Policy.
Is PocketPad the same as the Pocket-Pad app on GitHub?
PocketPad by Datron is a separate full-featured app, not affiliated with similarly named GitHub projects.
Can I customize button layouts and create my own presets?
Yes. Use the layout editor to drag, resize controls, clone presets, and save profiles.
Can I steer racing games with phone tilt?
Yes. Tilt-to-steer maps phone orientation to steering on supported gamepad layouts.