What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Pairing a Bluetooth controller to an Android phone takes two separate setups: first connect the controller in Android’s Bluetooth settings, then configure Steam Link to stream games from a computer running Steam. Bluetooth pairing alone does not install Steam Link, find your gaming PC, or guarantee that every game will recognize the controller.
What you need before you start
Have the controller, an Android phone with Bluetooth enabled, and a computer with Steam installed and running. For remote play, install the Steam Link app on the phone and connect both devices to the same local network. Valve lists Steam Link for Android as supporting Android 5.0 and newer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Controller: It must support Bluetooth pairing with Android. Use the manual for the exact model to enter pairing mode.
- Phone: Android 5.0 or newer is required for the Steam Link app according to Valve. The phone’s settings labels can differ by manufacturer and Android version.
- Host computer: Steam must be open on the computer that will run the game. The computer and phone should be connected to the same network for Steam Link setup.
- Steam Link: Pairing the controller does not install this app. Install it separately from your phone’s app store and complete its on-screen host setup.
A USB cable, phone clamp, adapter or repair tool is not required for the Bluetooth pairing procedure described here.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Step 1: Put the controller into Bluetooth pairing mode
Follow the instructions for your exact controller model. Pairing buttons and timing are not universal, and a sequence that works for one controller can do nothing—or trigger another function—on a different model.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
Use the controller’s own manual
Turn the controller on, then use its documented Bluetooth pairing command. A blinking status light commonly indicates that it is discoverable, but the light pattern is model-specific and should not be treated as a universal rule. Keep the controller close to the phone while it is discoverable.
Do not copy instructions between generations
Valve’s discontinued 2015 Steam Controller is a special case. Its Bluetooth Low Energy behavior depends on firmware and uses generation-specific instructions. Use Valve’s Steam Controller support procedure for that device rather than an Xbox or PlayStation button combination. Instructions for the 2015 model should not be applied to later or unrelated controllers.
Step 2: Pair the controller in Android
- Open Settings on the phone.
- Open Connected devices. Some manufacturers place the same controls under Connections, Bluetooth or a similarly named menu.
- Choose Pair new device. If Bluetooth is off, turn it on when Android asks.
- Wait for the controller’s name to appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices.
- Select the controller’s name to pair it. Google Android Help describes this as selecting the controller from the available Bluetooth-device list.
- Accept a pairing confirmation or code if Android displays one. If the controller disappears before you select it, put it back into pairing mode and scan again.
Android normally saves a successful pairing. The controller can remain paired until you deliberately disconnect, forget or unpair it; being saved does not necessarily mean it is currently connected.
Step 3: Confirm or reconnect a saved controller
Check the current state
Return to Settings > Connected devices and open the Bluetooth or saved-device list. A connected controller should be shown as connected; a previously paired one may appear under saved devices. Menu names and the location of the disconnect command vary across Android versions and phone manufacturers.
Reconnect without pairing again
If the controller is listed as saved but is not connected, select its name and choose the available connect option. Keep the controller powered on and out of pairing mode unless its manual requires pairing mode for every connection.
Start over with Forget
When a saved pairing is corrupted or the phone keeps trying the wrong device, open the controller’s device entry and select Forget (also called Unpair on some phones). Then repeat the pairing procedure from Step 1. Forgetting removes the phone’s saved relationship; it does not reset the controller’s firmware.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Step 4: Install and configure Steam Link
Once Android reports a controller connection, install and open the Steam Link Android app. The app streams the game from a computer running Steam; it does not run the PC version of the game locally on the phone.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- Turn on the host computer and start Steam.
- Connect the phone and host computer to the same network. Valve’s Android Steam Link guidance specifically says to ensure the phone is connected to the same network as the host PC.
- Open Steam Link and follow its on-screen setup to discover or select the host computer.
- Complete any displayed pairing or authorization step between Steam Link and Steam on the computer.
- When Steam Link shows the host’s library or Big Picture interface, select a game and test the controller before starting a long session.
These network and host requirements are independent of Bluetooth. A phone can show the controller as connected while Steam Link is still unable to reach the computer.
Controller support in Steam Link for Android
Valve’s published Steam Link support list names specific input devices and attaches an Android-version condition to one of them. A model not appearing on the list is not proven incompatible; it is simply not confirmed by that list and may work with limitations.
| Controller or category | What Valve’s Android Steam Link information establishes | What you should verify |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Controller | Listed as a supported input device for Steam Link. | Use the correct model and current firmware instructions, especially for the discontinued 2015 device. |
| Xbox One S Controller | Listed as a supported input device for Steam Link. | Confirm that your exact controller is the Bluetooth-capable Xbox One S model and follow its manual. |
| DualShock 4 | Support is listed for Android 9.0 and higher. | Check the phone’s Android version before troubleshooting pairing or game input. |
| Other Bluetooth controllers | Valve says other input devices may work even when they are not officially supported. | Verify Android pairing, Steam Link recognition and the individual game’s controller behavior; do not assume universal compatibility. |
When choosing between controllers you already own, prioritize four checks: whether Valve lists the exact model, the Android-version requirement attached to it, whether its manual documents Bluetooth pairing with Android, and whether its button layout is familiar to you.
Adjust buttons and joysticks in Android
Android provides controller settings after a game controller is connected. Depending on the phone and Android release, you may be able to swap button or joystick assignments. Open the connected-controller entry or the phone’s game-controller settings and look for remapping controls.
Recommended Free Tools
Remapping at the Android level can help when a game expects a different layout, but it does not make an unsupported controller officially supported by Steam Link. If a game has its own input-mapping screen, use that screen for game-specific changes and leave the Android mapping unchanged unless you need a system-wide adjustment.
Rank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
Troubleshoot a controller that will not pair
The controller never appears in Pair new device
- Confirm that the controller is actually in its model-specific Bluetooth pairing mode, not merely powered on.
- Move it close to the phone and repeat the manual’s pairing sequence.
- Turn Bluetooth off and on in Android, then reopen Pair new device.
- Check whether the controller is already connected to another phone, tablet or computer. Disconnect it there before trying again.
- If the phone previously saved the controller, open the saved-device entry, choose Forget or Unpair, and pair it again.
Android’s own guidance directs users to the controller manual for entering pairing mode. There is no single button chord that can be safely prescribed for every Bluetooth controller.
Android asks for a code or pairing fails
Use the code shown by Android or the one specified in the controller’s manual. If the attempt fails repeatedly, forget the saved device on the phone, power-cycle the controller, return it to pairing mode and try once more. Avoid selecting a similarly named device that belongs to a nearby accessory.
The controller connects, then immediately disconnects
Check the controller’s charge and whether it is maintaining a connection with another device. Remove the saved pairing from competing devices, reconnect from Android’s saved-device list, and keep the controller within normal Bluetooth range during setup. If the model’s manual documents a firmware requirement for Bluetooth operation, follow that model-specific procedure.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Troubleshoot Steam Link after Bluetooth pairing succeeds
Steam Link cannot find the computer
- Verify that Steam is open on the host computer, not just that the computer is powered on.
- Confirm that the phone and computer are on the same network, as Valve requires for the Android setup.
- Complete Steam Link’s on-screen host authorization or pairing step.
- Reopen Steam Link after correcting the network or host state.
A Bluetooth connection icon in Android does not prove that Steam Link has connected to Steam. Bluetooth handles the local controller-to-phone link; Steam Link handles the phone-to-computer streaming link.
Steam Link opens, but the game ignores the controller
First test input in Steam Link’s interface. Then compare the exact controller model with Valve’s support notes and check the Android-version condition. For a DualShock 4, Valve’s listed support condition is Android 9.0 or higher. For a controller not on Valve’s list, treat operation as possible but unconfirmed rather than guaranteed.
If Steam Link responds but one particular game does not, inspect that game’s controller settings and Steam’s controller configuration screens. Do not conclude that Bluetooth pairing failed when the issue is limited to one title.
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
Input works in menus but not during play
Return to the game’s input settings and verify that the controller is selected or enabled. Some games use different layouts or require a controller profile. Android remapping can swap buttons or joysticks, but changing it may affect every app using the controller, so record the original assignment before making a system-wide change.
Choosing among controllers you already own
Use this decision path rather than assuming that every Bluetooth gamepad behaves the same way:
- Identify the exact model and hardware revision printed on the controller or its manual.
- Check whether Valve’s Steam Link Android information lists that model.
- Check the Android version requirement. The explicit DualShock 4 condition is Android 9.0 or higher; Steam Link itself supports Android 5.0 and newer.
- Confirm in the manual that the model supports Bluetooth pairing with Android.
- Consider layout familiarity. A controller that pairs reliably but uses an unfamiliar button arrangement may require remapping or a learning period.
- Test the controller in Steam Link before buying accessories or changing hardware.
The Xbox One S Bluetooth controller is a defensible compatibility example because Valve lists the Xbox One S Controller for Steam Link on Android. That listing establishes relevance, not current stock, price, a particular retail listing or affiliate availability.
What pairing does—and does not—solve
| Task | Handled by Bluetooth pairing? | Additional requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Make Android recognize the controller | Yes | Correct pairing mode and the Android Bluetooth settings path. |
| Reconnect a previously paired controller | Yes | Select the saved device in Android if it is disconnected. |
| Install Steam Link | No | Install the Steam Link Android app separately. |
| Connect the phone to a Steam library | No | Host computer powered on, Steam running, same network and Steam Link setup. |
| Guarantee support in every game | No | Check Valve’s listed devices and the individual game’s input behavior. |
A reliable final check
Before starting a session, verify the complete chain in order:
- Android shows the controller as connected, not merely saved.
- The controller’s buttons or sticks respond in Android’s available game-controller settings or Steam Link’s interface.
- The host computer is on, Steam is running and both devices share the same network.
- Steam Link has completed its host authorization and displays the computer’s Steam interface.
- The exact controller model and Android version meet Valve’s published support conditions, or you understand that support is unconfirmed.
- The game’s own controller settings recognize the input and use the desired layout.
If all six checks pass, Bluetooth pairing and Steam Link are configured as separate, working links: controller to phone, then phone to the Steam host.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pairing a Bluetooth controller automatically connect Steam Link?
No. Pairing only creates the controller-to-phone Bluetooth connection. You still need the Steam Link Android app, a host computer with Steam running, the phone and computer on the same network, and Steam Link’s on-screen host authorization.
Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
Where does Android show a controller that was paired before?
Open Settings and look under Connected devices, Bluetooth, or the manufacturer’s equivalent saved-device list. A saved controller may be disconnected; select its name and use the available connect option. If the pairing is unusable, choose Forget or Unpair and start again.
What if my controller does not appear under Pair new device?
Put it into the exact Bluetooth pairing mode documented for that model. Being powered on is not always enough. Keep it close to the phone, check that it is not connected to another device, and scan again. Android directs users to the controller’s manual because pairing controls are model-specific.
Which controllers does Steam Link officially support on Android?
Valve lists the Steam Controller and Xbox One S Controller. It lists Sony DualShock 4 support on Android 9.0 and higher. Other input devices may work, but an unlisted model is not confirmed by that support list and should be tested rather than guaranteed.
What Android version do I need?
Valve lists the Steam Link Android app as supporting Android 5.0 and newer. The DualShock 4 entry has the additional condition of Android 9.0 or higher. Your phone manufacturer’s menus may differ even when it meets the version requirement.
Can I remap controller buttons on Android?
Android provides controller settings after connection and may allow button or joystick assignments to be swapped, depending on the phone and Android release. Use a game’s own mapping screen for title-specific changes; Android-level remapping can affect every app.
Are a cable, phone clamp or adapter required?
No. The documented Bluetooth pairing workflow requires the controller, the Android phone and its Bluetooth settings. Steam Link additionally requires the app, a running Steam host and the same network; those requirements do not make a cable, clamp or adapter necessary.
How should I pair the discontinued 2015 Steam Controller?
Use Valve’s generation-specific Steam Controller support procedure and firmware guidance. Its Bluetooth Low Energy behavior has its own pairing process, so do not apply a generic Xbox or PlayStation button sequence.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The Bottom Line
Put the exact controller model into its documented pairing mode, select it under Android’s Connected devices > Pair new device, and confirm that it is connected rather than merely saved. Then open Steam Link with Steam running on a host computer on the same network. Check Valve’s model and Android-version notes—especially Android 9.0 or newer for listed DualShock 4 support—and treat unlisted controllers as unconfirmed until they work in both Steam Link and the game.
Quick Recap
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.
