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To use an Android device as the screen and controller endpoint for Steam Big Picture, install Steam Link on the phone or tablet, connect it to the computer running Steam, and pair a gamepad with Android. Steam Link streams the host computer’s Steam interface; Big Picture is a mode in the Steam client, not a separate Android app. You can also launch Big Picture directly on the computer.
What you need
- A computer with Steam installed, running, and signed in.
- An Android phone or tablet running Android 5.0 or newer, which Valve lists as the requirement for the Android Steam Link app. See Valve’s Android Steam Link support page.
- Steam Link installed from Google Play.
- A game controller paired to the Android device. Valve lists several supported examples below.
Connect Steam Link to the computer
- On the computer you want to play from, open Steam and sign in.
- Connect the Android device to the same local network as the computer.
- Install and open Steam Link on Android, then follow its on-screen setup to find and connect to the Steam computer.
- Pair your controller with the Android device before using Steam Link to control the streamed interface. Pairing steps vary by controller; use Android’s Bluetooth settings and put the controller into pairing mode.
Valve describes Steam Link as connecting an Android device to a computer running Steam. In this arrangement, the computer runs the games and Steam, while the Android device receives the stream and sends controller input.
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Which controllers does Valve list for Android?
Valve names the following input devices on its Android Steam Link support page:
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- Microsoft Xbox One S Controller
- Sony DualShock 4, on Android 9.0 and higher
- Razer Kishi
- Raiju Mobile
Other Bluetooth controllers may work, but Valve does not list them as officially supported on that page. A separate Bluetooth gamepad is one option; the listed Kishi and Raiju Mobile are phone-mounted controller styles. Support for a controller does not guarantee that every game or menu will be controllable with it.
#1 Best Overall
- WIDE SCREEN COMPATIBILITY — PHONE TO TABLET: X5 Lite is a versatile phone controller that stretches up to 213mm to fit iPhone 15/16, most Android phones, iPad mini 6/7, and compatible Android tablets. Secure Type-C connection keeps gameplay stable and responsive.
- MOBILE, CLOUD & REMOTE GAMING: Play supported mobile games like Zenless Zone Zero, or stream console and PC games through Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, Moonlight, and remote play. Enjoy physical controls wherever you play.
- HALL EFFECT STICKS — PRECISE CONTROL: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver smooth 360° control for accurate aiming, movement, and camera adjustments. Built for fast-paced mobile games and streamed console or PC titles.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & ERGONOMIC — 135.4G: At just 135.4g, X5 Lite stays lightweight during extended gaming. Ergonomic, laser-engraved textured grips provide a secure, comfortable hold at home or on the go.
- CUSHIONED MEMBRANE CONTROLS — COMFORTABLE & QUIETER: Cushioned membrane buttons and triggers provide comfortable feedback for repeated inputs while keeping operation quieter. Ideal for extended sessions or gaming in shared spaces.
Open Big Picture Mode
After Steam Link connects, use the controller to navigate the streamed Steam interface. If Big Picture is not already open, start it on the host computer using Steam’s top-right “Enter Big Picture Mode” control, or press a controller’s home button while using the Steam client. Valve describes Big Picture as a Steam mode designed for use with a TV and game controller. Its launch options and purpose are covered in Steam’s Big Picture mode support article.
Check controller support for the game
Big Picture does not make every game’s menus or gameplay fully controller-compatible. Check the game’s controller-support label in Steam:
Rank #2
- Bluetooth Controller for iPhone & Android: Mocagen mobile gaming controller Compatible with all iPhone models (including 18/17 series) and Android devices. Pairing steps: 1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and go to the pairing screen. 2. Press and hold the Home button for 3 sec until LED4 flashes. 3. Find "XBOX Wireless Controller" on your phone and tap to pair. Quick reconnect: After first pairing, simply press the Home button once (with Bluetooth on) to reconnect
- Play Most Controller-Compatible Games: This iPhone game controller supports cloud gaming (e.g., Xb*x Game Pass, GeForce NOW), Xbox Remote Play, emulator games, and native mobile games (e.g., Apple Arcade). Enjoy effortless control and play Fortnite, Call of Duty, Roblox, Genshin Impact, and many more anytime, anywhere. Note: Controller only works with games that support controller input, and does not support PS Remote Play
- 5M-Cycle Lifespan & Zero Drift: MC1 mobile gaming controller features a Hall-effect joystick with a 5M cycle lifespan, 2.5x longer than standard carbon-film sticks. Its innovative electromagnetic induction technology ensures drift-free operation, enabling precise character control in intense games and significantly extending this phone game controller durability
- Ergonomic Grip Design: The handle is ergonomically shaped with a l*ser-engraved texture for anti-slip and enhanced grip, effectively reducing fatigue during long gaming sessions. The scientifically designed joystick and button layout ensures smooth operation. Whether for personal use or as a gift, it delivers a more comfortable and healthier gaming experience
- 7-Color RGB Light Ring & 600mAh Battery: The mobile game controller features a 7-color adjustable light ring on the joystick(ABXY button lights can be turned off, but their colors are not adjustable). The lighting is vibrant yet eye-friendly. The built-in 600mAh battery provides up to 6 hours of battery life in brightness mode — enough for a full day of gaming
- Full Controller Support: Valve defines this as a game that can be installed, launched, and played using only a controller.
- Partial Controller Support: Some parts may still require a mouse or keyboard, such as a launcher, settings screen, or menu.
These labels describe game support, not whether your Android device can pair with the controller. Valve explains the categories in its Big Picture support article.
Improve streaming network conditions
Valve recommends a 5 GHz wireless router for Steam Link. Its Google Play listing gives more specific performance guidance: connect the host computer to the router with Ethernet, connect the Android device to the router’s 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, and keep the mobile device within reasonable range of the router. These are recommendations, not minimum requirements or guarantees of a particular latency or stream quality. See the Steam Link Google Play listing.
Rank #3
- Expanded Screen Compatibility: Stretchable up to 213mm, fitting iPad Mini 6/7 and Android tablets; Compatible with iPhone 15/16 and Android devices; Ultra-stable Type-C connection ensures lag-free gaming across all supported screen
- Mobile Gaming Compatibility: Lets you play most of the games you want. Supports Xbox Game Pass, Zenless Zone Zero, cloud gaming, Steam/Moonlight streaming games, and remote play
- Hall Effect Sticks: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver 360° seamless pinpoint control, provide the precision and durability that mobile gamers demand
- Ergonomic and Lightweight Design: Stay comfortable during long gaming sessions with the X5 Lite. Weighing just 135.4g, its lightweight design and ergonomically laser-engraved textured grips ensure a secure, comfortable hold for hours of gameplay
- Cushioned and Durable Membrane: The X5 Lite is equipped with cushioned and durable membrane triggers and buttons. The cushioned feedback provides a comfortable experience while ensuring quieter operation
If Bluetooth pairing fails
Steam Support’s Steam Link Bluetooth pairing guidance recommends removing the saved pairing and trying again:
- Turn off the controller or other Bluetooth device.
- Use another input device, such as a wired mouse or controller, to navigate Steam Link’s Bluetooth settings and delete the existing pairing for that device.
- Put the controller back into pairing mode and try pairing it again.
If your controller is not among Valve’s listed Android inputs, it may still work, but official support is not established by Valve’s compatibility list.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Bluetooth Mobile Game Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 & iOS & Android & Tablets, Wireless Gamepad Grip with Hall Effect Trigger Joystick, Ergonomic Phone Controller for iPhone, iPad Pro, Samsung
- TURBO FUNCTION This MFi wireless controller has a turbo function, you can adjust the turbo button according to your needs and achieve one-click bursts, programming buttons are designed on the behind of the stretched gamepad, support macro programming, customise personalised game. making it easier for you to win in FPS games, and it is a good helper for you to play games.
- Hall effect joystick and linear trigger: mobile controller is with hall effect joystick, high precision, stable performance, faster response speed and long service life. Linear trigger has such high fluidity and response speed that gives you a competitive advantage in any game.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Game accessory controllers are ergonomically designed to ensure flawless control and execution. The shape of the gamepad fits naturally in the hand, so you can better immerse yourself in the fun even during prolonged use. 360° rotating joystick analog sticks and trigger buttons ensure precise accuracy and comfort as well as increased sensitivity so you can better control your gaming remote control.
- Supports controllers up to 11 inch: Scalable design supports most tablets such as 11 inch iPad Pro (M5), 11 inch iPad Air (M3), iPad (A16), iPad mini (A17 Pro), 11 inch iPad Pro (M4), 11 inch iPad Pro 4/3/2/1, for Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon, Huawei tablets etc. (Not compatible with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 13-inch iPad Air）
Rank #4
- Compatible with Android devices and fits mobile devices ranging from 100mm to 170mm in length.
- Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light and tactile.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons
- Profile button. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings. Turbo function.
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