GoKawiilElgato's Stream Deck app lets old tablets double as streaming control panels
Elgato's Stream Deck software can repurpose a spare iPad or Android tablet as a touchscreen control panel for streaming setups. Users install the app on both a computer and tablet, pair them via a QR code over the same local network, and then drag customizable action buttons onto the tablet's screen. The app supports plugins for OBS Studio, Twitch, YouTube, Spotify, and smart lighting brands like Philips Hue, Nanoleaf and Govee.
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This offers a low-cost alternative to buying dedicated Stream Deck hardware, giving old tablets a new purpose for streamers and content creators. The requirement for a shared local network, and the extra stability Apple's USB pairing offers, suggests Windows and Android users may face more setup friction than Mac and iPad users.
- Elgato's Stream Deck app turns tablets into customizable control panels for live streaming.
- Setup requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network, taking about five minutes via QR code pairing.
- Apple devices can pair over USB for a more stable, lower-latency connection than Wi-Fi-only Windows/Android setups.
Elgato Stream Deck+ — If you're exploring turning an old tablet into a Stream Deck, the official Elgato Stream Deck hardware is worth checking out for a dedicated, tactile control experience. It pairs seamlessly with the same software ecosystem discussed in the article, letting you expand your streaming setup with physical buttons alongside your tablet-based controls.
See Elgato Stream Deck+ on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Filipe Espósito, 2026-11-07
Published there as: “How to use your old tablet to build a live streaming setup”
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