Google Stadia is experimenting with mobile data streaming

Motorola Edge
Motorola Edge (Image credit: Joe Maring / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • Google Stadia is gaining a new experimental feature on July 28th.
  • The feature allows you to stream games over mobile data.
  • Google says this isn't meant to be stable, and will work over 4G or 5G networks.

Many users have questioned what it means for Stadia to be a living service with a constant stream of updates, and today we're getting a great example of what that means. Starting today, the Android version of the Stadia app will include an experimental feature which allows you to stream over 4G or 5G networks.

From the Google Stadia Blog:

If you'd like to be part of this Experiment, you can opt in to cellular play by opening the Stadia app on an Android phone, clicking on your avatar in the top right corner, selecting Experiments, and then choosing Use Mobile Data. We'll have more opt-in programs in the future as we bring even more helpful features to Stadia.

The app update is rolling out now, but be warned the word experimental is deeply serious here. If the connection to your mobile network isn't great, Stadia won't allow a stream to start. If you're in a moving vehicle, there's a good chance Stadia will not work. This is only really going to be enjoyable if you have a strong 4G/5G connection and you're seated somewhere comfortable.

Grab a chair, play some games, and tell us how it works out for you in the comments.

Russell Holly

Russell is a Contributing Editor at Android Central. He's a former server admin who has been using Android since the HTC G1, and quite literally wrote the book on Android tablets. You can usually find him chasing the next tech trend, much to the pain of his wallet. Find him on Facebook and Twitter