Troubleshooting
The things that trip people up, and how to fix each one. Still stuck after this? Email support@controller-gateway.com and we'll help.
Find PC returns nothing
- Is the receiver running? The PC tray app must be open — look for its icon by the clock. If it's not there, launch Controller Gateway on the PC.
- Firewall. On the receiver's first run, Windows asks to allow it — choose Allow on Private networks. If you dismissed it, re-run the installer or add an inbound rule for the app.
- Same network. Phone and PC must be on the same Wi-Fi/LAN. Guest networks and some VPNs isolate devices — turn the VPN off or switch networks.
The controller is controlling my phone, not the game
While relaying — including with the screen dimmed — the app takes exclusive control of the controller so Android stops also delivering its input to whatever's on screen. If you see double input, make sure you're on the latest version and that the status line actually shows it streaming. Stopping and restarting the relay clears a stale session.
The PlayStation / Guide button quits Moonlight
The PlayStation (PS) or Xbox Guide button can be captured by Moonlight (or Windows itself), closing the streaming session — this is platform behaviour, not something Controller Gateway can intercept. Use Moonlight's own quit hotkey instead: L1 + R1 + Select/Options + Start/Create. Simply avoid the PS/Guide button during a session.
No rumble
Rumble round-trips on PC for games that support force feedback — some games have it off by default, so check the game's settings.
Premium unlock problems
- Bought premium but it's still locked. The £2.99 unlock is a one-time purchase made inside the app through Google Play. Make sure you're signed into the same Google account you paid with, then close and reopen the app.
- Reinstalled the app, or switched phones. There's no key to re-enter — purchases restore automatically as soon as you sign in with the same Google account and open the app.
- Still not unlocking. Check Play Store → profile icon → Payments & subscriptions to confirm the purchase went through, then email support with the Google account you purchased with.
Didn't find it here?
Send us the details — device, what you tried, and what happened — and we'll get you sorted.