If your friend can’t join a Steam Remote Play Together session, work through the checks in order: make sure the game supports the feature, update Steam on both computers, and send the invite from the in-game Steam overlay. If that does not work, check firewall permissions and network restrictions. If the session connects but stutters, troubleshoot stream quality separately.
First check the game and session setup
Remote Play Together lets a host invite Steam friends into a supported local co-op game remotely; invited friends do not need to own or launch the game. The game itself must support the feature. Check the game’s Steam store details, as Steam says supported titles are identified there. See Steam Remote Play.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Update Steam on both computers.
- On the host computer, launch the game at least once and confirm it runs.
- Make sure the host is in the game and the friend appears online in Steam.
- Open the Steam overlay while in the game, open the friends list, and send the Remote Play Together invite.
These steps are for Remote Play Together, not Remote Play Anywhere, which has a different setup process.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf the invite fails or the computers don’t see each other
Allow Steam through the firewall
A Steam client or game update can cause a firewall to block network access even if the session worked previously. Steam advises removing outdated Steam executable permissions and allowing Steam to request current permissions. Restart Steam after changing firewall or security settings. Do not leave the firewall disabled; if you briefly turn it off to identify a cause, turn it back on and correct the rule. See Steam’s firewall guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Blazing-fast WiFi 7 boosts tri-band throughput up to 12000 Mbps with 320 MHz channels of 6 GHz band, Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and 4K-QAM
- Powerful wired network capacity of up to 20G with one 2.5G WAN port and seven 2.5G LAN ports.
- High-performance quad-core 2.0GHz CPU with robust cooling, 2GB RAM and eight internal antennas providing up to 3000 sq. ft. of range.
- Smart Home Master makes it easy to set up functional subnetwork (up to 3 SSIDs) for IoT devices and VPNs
- ROG-exclusive Gaming Network streamlines Triple-Level Game Acceleration setup and connections through convenient SSIDs
Check the Remote Play ports
Steam lists these ports for streaming: UDP 27031 and 27036, and TCP 27036 and 27037. Steam’s general required-ports FAQ gives a broader Remote Play listing of UDP local ports 27031–27036 and TCP local port 27036. The dedicated streaming list is the more direct reference for Remote Play. Allow Steam through the firewall, and consult your router or firewall documentation—or your network administrator—if you need to change network rules. Do not open ports indiscriminately; individual games may require additional ports. See Steam’s suggested network settings.
Check whether the network blocks Remote Play
Some network settings prevent the computers from connecting regardless of the invite or game setup. Steam says Remote Play is not supported on public, workplace, school or university, and guest networks; networks with gateway portals or login requirements; or networks with access-point/client isolation enabled. On a managed network, ask its administrator whether Steam traffic is blocked or isolation is enabled. Steam also notes that some business and university networks or proxies block required ports. See Steam’s network settings guidance and Steam’s network connectivity troubleshooting.
Rank #2
- Beyond-fast WiFi 7 (802.11be) with new 320MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4096-QAM significantly increases network capacity and throughput, with speeds of up to 30 Gbps
- Multi-link Operation links to multiple bands at the same time to ensure stable internet connections and efficient data transfers
- Cutting-edge external dual-feeding antennas boost coverage by providing high efficiency and significantly enhanced signal strength
- Maximized wired connectivity and flexibility with dual 10G ports and quad 2.5G ports
- Triple-Level Game Acceleration - The GT-BE98 Pro boosts your PC gaming traffic every step of the way, from your PC gaming port all the way to the game server.
If it is safe and practical, restarting the router or testing another network can help isolate a routing or network-policy problem, but neither is a guaranteed fix. Steam’s router guidance covers router-related connectivity checks.
If the session connects but stutters or freezes
A connection that starts but has poor performance is a different problem from an invite that fails. Steam recommends a wired connection for best streaming results. If either computer is on Wi-Fi, testing with Ethernet can help identify wireless instability; a cable will not fix an unsupported game, blocked firewall rule, or restricted network.
Rank #3
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Achieve optimized performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- 𝟔-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟔.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐭𝐡 - Achieve full speeds of up to 5764 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with 6 streams. Enjoy seamless 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and incredibly fast downloads/uploads.
- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Get up to 2,400 sq. ft. max coverage for up to 90 devices at a time. 6x high performance antennas and Beamforming technology, ensures reliable connections for remote workers, gamers, students, and more.
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN port and 3x 1 Gbps LAN ports offer high-speed data transmissions.³ Integrate with a multi-gig modem for gigplus internet.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
- Try 5 GHz Wi-Fi if available; Steam notes it may be less congested than 2.4 GHz.
- Reduce streaming quality or bandwidth if the stream is unstable.
- Enable the performance overlay and watch its cyan network-time line. Steam says spikes in that line can be associated with stuttering or freezing.
These are stream-quality checks, not remedies for a friend who cannot join at all. Details are in Steam’s suggested network settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Look for software interference, then contact Steam Support
Steam identifies VPNs, firewalls and security software, IP filtering or blocking tools, and bandwidth-heavy peer-to-peer or other background programs as possible sources of interference. Test one suspected cause at a time so you can tell what changed. Do not permanently disable security software; restore protection and adjust its permissions if that is the cause. Restart Steam after relevant changes. See Steam’s list of programs that may interfere.
Rank #4
- Tri-band 2.4GHz + 5GHz + 6GHz; latest WiFi 6E supports 8-streams on tri-band simultaneously, up to 6.6Gbps speed
- AI QoS; satisfies all users' needs by automatically prioritizing data packets
- Powerful processor; 1.8 GHz quad core processor delivers ultra fast and reliable connections
- Mystic light; sync RGB light effects with mystic light compatible products
- Game accelerator; provides an uninterrupted WiFi connection for immersive gaming experiences
If the problem remains, submit a detailed report to Steam Support with the exact steps that reproduce it, what each computer does, and whether the problem is a failed invite or poor stream quality.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
