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How to Stream Android, iPad and iPhone Games to Twitch with OBS, Streamlabs OBS and Twitch Studio

Written by Squirrels | Feb 19, 2021 5:17:45 PM

Social video platform services such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming offer gamers an opportunity to turn their recreational hobby into an interactive gaming experience that others can enjoy. These streaming services are about more than just technology — they’re about cultivating and empowering a community of fans and gamers. 

Live streaming is a popular way for enthusiasts to stream gameplay through an interactive platform that connects friends and fans over a shared love of games. It’s more than just a spectator experience. Audio and chat features enable streamers and their audiences to interact in real time.  

Twitch, which is owned by Amazon, has become the dominate live streaming platform, with over 30 million visitors daily. Users can stream and watch gameplay from iOS, Android, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, Chromecast, Fire TV and Nvidia Shield devices. The best part? It’s free to participate on either side of the stream. 

So how do you stream Android, iPad and iPhone games to Twitch? What software do you need? And how can Reflector software help you bring high-quality mobile gameplay streams to your viewers? It's easy after a brief setup. 

 

Jump ahead:

Create a Twitch Account

To start streaming, you need to sign up for the streaming service, Twitch. On the top right of the Twitch website, select “Sign Up” to create your account. Don’t worry, it’s free!

After creating your Twitch account, visit your Creator Dashboard and select “Preferences” > “Channel.” You will see your Stream Key. Save or copy this key because you will need it later.

Note: DO NOT share this key with anyone. Access to this key will allow anyone to stream on your channel. You can change this key by clicking “Reset.”

Twitch Streaming Options

Once you have your Twitch account set up, there are a few options you can choose from to stream mobile gameplay to Twitch. If you want to stream iPhone, iPad or Android games without overlays, a webcam or any other software, you can stream directly from your device using the Twitch app for Android and iOS. This option is a straightforward but very limited way to stream your game from your mobile device. 

A better option is to use desktop software that allows you to enhance your stream, such as Open Broadcasting Software (OBS), Twitch Studio or Streamlabs OBS, all free. With this software, you can boost your stream by adding webcam video and customized overlays, and you gain the ability to manage your stream from your computer.  

For this method, you will also need a way to display your mobile device screen on your computer so the device can be captured via your chosen broadcast software and streamed to your viewers.  To do this, you will need the Reflector app on your computer. Reflector allows you to wirelessly display your mobile device screen on your computer. The mirrored device screen is then captured via your chosen broadcast software and streamed to your viewers. Not sure how to mirror a device to your computer? Check out these guides: 

OBS, Streamlabs OBS or Twitch Studio: Which one is right for you?

You’ve decided you want to take your mobile streaming to the next level, but now you need to decide what software you want to use. OBS, Streamlabs OBS and Twitch Studio are all popular and reliable choices and have some unique advantages.

OBS

OBS is open-source software and is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux devices. OBS is the classic streaming software and receives the latest updates and features first. It is fully customizable, and you can set it up however you want. You’ll have to add any overlays yourself, however.

Streamlabs OBS

Streamlabs OBS and OBS are very similar, but Streamlabs OBS can be helpful to those who find OBS overwhelming. Streamlabs OBS has an easy setup process, a friendly user interface and hundreds of free overlays and design elements for you to customize. It is available on both Mac and Windows devices. Streamlabs also has a mobile app where you can stream your mobile games directly from your device with basic widgets, but themes and more customizations are not free. This option does not allow you to add a webcam while streaming your mobile game.

Twitch Studio

If you’re new to streaming, Twitch Studio is a good place to start. Twitch Studio is Twitch’s first-party streaming software designed with beginners in mind. With simple and customizable overlays to choose from, it is quick to set up and easy to use.

How to stream mobile gameplay to Twitch with OBS

  1. Open Reflector on your computer and wirelessly mirror your iPhone, iPad or Android device to your computer screen.
  2. Important: You need to verify a few settings to make sure your iPhone, iPad or Android device screen shares to OBS properly. Once the device is connected to Reflector, hover your cursor over the mirrored device and click the settings cog next to the device name. Ensure "Always on Top" and "Fullscreen" are toggled off. These should be toggled off to ensure you can successfully begin sharing your device screen to OBS. If you prefer, you can toggle these settings back on after you begin sharing your screen to OBS.
  3. Open (or download and install) OBS. The Auto-Configuration Wizard should pop up. Select “Optimize for streaming” and “Next.”
  4. Specify your video settings and select “Next.”
  5. Under service, select “Twitch” and enter your stream key. You can change this in “Settings” later.
  6. OBS will test your computer and recommend settings ideal for streaming.
  7. Set up your overlays using the Scenes and Sources boxes in the bottom left corner.
  8. In the Scenes box, click the “+.” You can name the scene whatever you like.
  9. In the Sources box, click the “+” just like you did with the scene.
  10. Select “Window Capture” from the list of choices and name it whatever you like.
  11. Select “[Reflector]” with the corresponding name of your device from the dropdown. If using a Windows computer, select “Windows Graphics Capture” under “Capture Method.”
    Note: If Reflector does not show up, you may need to grant OBS access to record your screen in your system’s preferences. If your device is still not showing up, revisit Step 2 to make sure you have the correct settings enabled for Reflector.
  12. Click “Ok” and your device screen will appear in the OBS stream window.
  13. Your sources will appear in order from top to bottom. For example, to ensure your webcam source plays on top of your game, make sure it is above your mobile device source.
  14. Open the game you want to stream.
  15. Close the settings and click “Start Streaming” in the bottom right corner of your OBS software.

You’re now live streaming to your Twitch audience via OBS! Remember, your audience will be able to see everything on your phone screen. Learn how to turn off notifications on your mobile device.

How to stream mobile gameplay to Twitch with Streamlabs OBS

  1. Open Reflector on your computer and mirror your iPhone, iPad or Android device to your screen.
  2. Important: You need to verify a few settings to make sure your iPhone, iPad or Android device screen shares to Streamlabs OBS properly. Once the device is connected to Reflector, hover your cursor over the mirrored device and click the settings cog next to the device name. Ensure "Always on Top" and "Fullscreen" are toggled off. These should be toggled off to ensure you can successfully begin sharing your device screen to Streamlabs OBS. If you prefer, you can toggle these settings back on after you begin sharing your screen to Streamlabs OBS.
  3. Open (or download and install) Streamlabs OBS. Grant permissions for your webcam and mic.
  4. Log in to Twitch and agree to terms of service.
  5. Set up your mic, webcam, theme and optimization settings.
  6. Customize your overlays using the Scenes and Sources boxes in the bottom left corner.
  7. Select “Live Scene” in the Scenes box then navigate to the Sources box and click the “+.”
  8. Select “Window Capture” and click “Add Source.” Name the source whatever you like.
  9. In the Window dropdown, select “[Reflector]” with the corresponding name of your device then “Done.” If using on Windows, select “Windows Graphics Capture” under “Capture Method.”
    Note: If Reflector does not show up, you may need to grant Streamlabs OBS access to record your screen in your system’s preferences. If your device is still not showing up, revisit Step 2 to make sure you have the correct settings enabled for Reflector.
  10. Edit the size and position of your device in the preview. Your sources will appear in order from top to bottom. For example, to ensure your webcam source plays on top of your game, make sure it is above your mobile device source.
  11. Open the game you want to stream on your iPhone, iPad or Android device.
  12. Click “Go Live” in the bottom right corner.
  13. Fill out your stream information and click “Confirm & Go Live.”

You’re now live streaming to your Twitch audience via Streamlabs OBS! Remember, your audience will be able to see everything on your phone screen. Learn how to turn off notifications on your mobile device.

How to stream mobile gameplay to Twitch with Twitch Studio

  1. Open Reflector on your computer and mirror your iPhone, iPad or Android device to your screen.
  2. Important: You need to verify a few settings to make sure your iPhone, iPad or Android device screen shares to Twitch Studio properly. Once the device is connected to Reflector, hover your cursor over the mirrored device and click the settings cog next to the device name. Ensure "Always on Top" and "Fullscreen" are toggled off. These should be toggled off to ensure you can successfully begin sharing your device screen to Twitch Studio. If you prefer, you can toggle these settings back on after you begin sharing your screen to Twitch Studio.
  3. Open (or download and install) Twitch Studio, then sign into your Twitch account.
  4. Select “Get Started” and set up your mic, webcam, scenes and stream quality settings.
  5. Once you are in the app, navigate to the settings wheel in the bottom right corner. Under “General” > “Permissions,” select “Check Permissions.” Grant permission to Twitch Studio to screen record. This may make you restart the app.
  6. Customize your overlays and what appears in your stream in the tab on the left.
  7. Click “Change Capture” under “Main Screen Share.”
  8. Under Window, select “[Reflector]” with the corresponding name of your device and then “Next.” There is a known issue with
    Twitch Studio that may prevent it from showing certain applications properly. If your device shows a blank/black screen, try selecting “Entire Screen” and putting Reflector in full screen mode once it is connected.
    Note: If Reflector still does not show up, revisit Step 2 to make sure you have the correct settings enabled for Reflector.
  9. To edit how your phone screen appears in your streaming window, select “Main” then “Edit Scene.”
  10. Your sources will appear in order from top to bottom. For example, to ensure your webcam source plays on top of your game, make sure it is above your mobile device source.
  11. Open the game you want to stream.
  12. Once you have everything set up, click “Start Stream.”
  13. Fill out your stream information and click “Go Live.”

You’re now live streaming to your Twitch audience via Twitch Studio! Remember, your audience will be able to see everything on your phone screen. Learn how to turn off notifications on your mobile device.

Start streaming your favorite mobile games like Call of Duty: Mobile, Among Us, Minecraft, Clash of Clans and more.

Want to stream more than just mobile games? Learn how to stream Procreate to Twitch with this guide.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a pro streamer, the Reflector software can help you create a high-quality, professional stream of your favorite mobile games with the most popular streaming software.


 

Last updated 9/23/21
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