Disclosure: we make SofaDeck, which is mentioned below. Facts about other products were checked on their makers' own sites on 10 October 2026 and can change — confirm before you buy.
A tablet is arguably a better Stream Deck than a phone. It's big enough for a full page of labeled buttons, it can sit on a stand beside the keyboard all day, and the old iPad in a drawer costs nothing. Here's how to turn one into a deck, which apps work, and how to keep it running through a long session.
Which apps work on a tablet
| Tool | On the tablet | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stream Deck Mobile | iPad / Android app | 6 keys free; Pro is paid. Needs Elgato's desktop software. |
| Touch Portal | iPad / Android app | Free 4×2 grid; Pro raises it up to 110 buttons. Touch Portal's FAQ excludes some Chromebooks and custom ROMs. |
| Macro Deck 3 | Browser or companion app | Free, open source; server on Windows, macOS or Linux. |
| SofaDeck (ours)Get it free on the Microsoft Store → | Browser (Safari, Chrome) — no app | Free 12 buttons + voice; Pro $9.99 once. Up to 16 paired phones and tablets. |
Setting up SofaDeck on an iPad
- Install SofaDeck on the PC or Mac. Make sure the iPad is on the same Wi-Fi (not a guest network).
- Scan the QR code with the iPad's camera, open the link and type the PIN shown on the computer.
- In Safari, tap Share → Add to Home Screen so the deck opens full screen like an app.
- Turn the iPad to landscape; the deck reflows. Increase the grid size in SofaDeck's settings to use the extra space.
Keep it awake and charged
- iPad: Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock → Never while it's on a stand. Guided Access (Settings → Accessibility) keeps it locked to the deck if others use it.
- Android: raise Screen timeout, or turn on the developer option "Stay awake" (screen stays on while charging).
- Lower the brightness and use a dark theme to reduce burn-in on old OLED tablets.
- Wi-Fi beats Bluetooth tethering for a reliable connection; keep the tablet within good range of the router.
Layout ideas for a tablet
Use the space for groups: a row for scenes, a row for audio (mute, volume, music), a row for apps and a row for macros. Tablets also make good dedicated panels — an always-on productivity page beside the monitor, a flight-sim or racing button box, or a game-launcher remote for an arcade cabinet. For streaming layouts see phone as a Stream Deck for streaming.
Direct installer .exe · 3.7 MB Store version signed by Microsoft No account Local network only Signed updates SofaDeck installs on your Windows PC. Your phone is the remote — it works in the phone’s browser.One email from support@dixonappstudio.com. No list unless you tick the box. PrivacyOr on your PC, go to sofadeck.com/getSofaDeck is made by Dixon App Studio LLC and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Elgato, Corsair or any other company named here. Stream Deck is a trademark of Corsair Memory, Inc.
Sources
- Elgato — Stream Deck Mobile
- Touch Portal — Pro upgrade FAQ
- Macro Deck
- Apple — Use Guided Access with iPhone and iPad
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an iPad as a Stream Deck?
Yes. Elgato's Stream Deck Mobile and Touch Portal have iPad apps, and browser-based decks like SofaDeck and Macro Deck's web client run in Safari on an iPad with nothing to install.
Can I use an old tablet as a Stream Deck?
Usually. Browser-based decks only need a reasonably modern browser, which makes them a good fit for an older iPad or Android tablet that can't install current apps. Check that the browser supports the deck's pairing method and that the tablet stays on your Wi-Fi.
How many buttons fit on a tablet deck?
More than on a phone. A 10-inch tablet comfortably shows 4×5 or 5×6 grids with readable labels. SofaDeck lets you set grid size; its free page has 12 buttons, and Pro adds unlimited pages and profiles.