Steam Link lets you play your PC Steam library on an Android phone or tablet by streaming games from a computer running Steam. Instead of installing the game on your mobile device, your PC handles the processing while your Android device acts as the screen and controller input.
To get the best experience, you’ll need a capable host PC, the Steam Link app, a stable local network, and either a compatible controller or touch controls. Once everything is paired, you can launch games from your Android device and play from another room without sitting at your desk.
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What You Need Before Using Steam Link
Before you install Steam Link on your Android phone or tablet, make sure your gaming PC, Android device, and network are ready. Steam Link does not run the game directly on your Android device; instead, your PC renders the game and streams the video to your screen while your taps, controller inputs, or keyboard commands are sent back to the computer. That means the quality of the experience depends heavily on your PC hardware and home network.
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A Steam-enabled gaming PC
You need a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer with Steam installed and signed in to your Steam account. The PC should be powerful enough to run the games you want to stream at a stable frame rate. If a game already struggles on your computer, it will usually feel worse when streamed because video encoding and network transmission add extra load. For best results, keep your graphics drivers updated and leave Steam running on the host PC before launching Steam Link on Android.
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- Steam installed: Download and install the Steam desktop client on the computer that will run the games.
- Games available in your Steam library: Installed games are easiest to launch, though Steam can also stream some non-Steam games added to the library.
- Remote Play enabled: In Steam on your PC, go to Settings, then Remote Play, and make sure Remote Play is turned on.
- PC awake and unlocked: The computer must be powered on, connected to the network, and available for streaming.
An Android phone or tablet
Your Android device needs access to the Google Play Store or another trusted source for the official Steam Link app. A recent Android phone or tablet will generally work, but a device with a good Wi-Fi chip, a responsive display, and enough battery life will provide a smoother session. A larger tablet can be more comfortable for strategy games, RPGs, and games with small text, while a phone works well with a controller for action games and platformers.
A strong network connection
Network quality is one of the biggest factors in Steam Link performance. Ideally, connect your gaming PC to your router with an Ethernet cable. For the Android device, use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi 6 network when available, and stay close to the router to reduce packet loss and latency. A 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection may work for slower games, but it is more likely to suffer from interference, stutter, and blurry video during fast motion.
| Component | Recommended setup |
|---|---|
| Gaming PC | Steam installed, Remote Play enabled, Ethernet connection preferred |
| Android device | Modern phone or tablet with the official Steam Link app |
| Wi-Fi | 5 GHz or Wi-Fi 6 with a strong signal |
| Controller | Bluetooth controller, USB-C controller, or Steam Link touch controls |
You should also decide how you want to control your games. Steam Link supports Bluetooth controllers such as Xbox Wireless Controllers, PlayStation DualShock and DualSense controllers, and many Android-compatible gamepads. Some phones and tablets also support USB-C wired controllers or controller grips. Touch controls are available inside the Steam Link app, but they are best suited to slower games or quick setup testing rather than precise shooters, racing games, or action titles.
Finally, make sure both devices are on the same local network for the easiest first-time setup. Steam Link can work beyond your home network in some situations, but pairing and testing locally first makes it easier to confirm that Remote Play, controller input, audio, and video streaming are working correctly before you try more advanced use.
How to Install Steam Link on Android
Once your PC and network are ready, install the Steam Link app on the Android phone or tablet you want to use for streaming. Steam Link is available free from the Google Play Store and works on most modern Android devices, including phones, tablets, and many Android-based handhelds. For the smoothest setup, keep your Android device connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your gaming PC before you open the app.
To install it, open the Google Play Store on your Android device and search for Steam Link. The publisher should be Valve Corporation. Tap Install, wait for the download to finish, then tap Open. If you are setting up a tablet or handheld with limited storage, you do not need to reserve space for the PC games themselves; Steam Link streams the game video from your computer, while the game remains installed and running on the PC.
Installing Steam Link from the Play Store
- Unlock your Android phone or tablet.
- Connect to the same local network as your Steam PC, preferably a 5 GHz or Wi-Fi 6 network.
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for Steam Link.
- Select the app published by Valve Corporation.
- Tap Install.
- When installation finishes, tap Open.
When Steam Link opens for the first time, Android may ask for permissions. Allow the app to access nearby devices or local network features if prompted, since it needs to find your PC on the network. You may also be asked about Bluetooth access if you plan to use a wireless controller. These permissions help the app detect your computer, connect accessories, and complete the first-time setup without manual network configuration.
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How to Pair Your Android Device With Your PC
Once Steam Link is installed on your Android phone or tablet, the next step is pairing it with the computer that will run your games. Your PC needs to be powered on, signed in to Steam, and connected to the same local network as your Android device for the first setup. Open Steam on your computer before launching the Steam Link app, and make sure Steam is not stuck at an update prompt or login screen.
On your Android device, open the Steam Link app. The app will scan your network for computers running Steam and show any detected PCs by name. Tap the computer you want to use. If your PC does not appear, confirm that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, that your PC is not connected to a separate guest network, and that Steam is open on the desktop.
- Open Steam on your Windows, macOS, or Linux computer.
- Launch the Steam Link app on your Android device.
- Wait for your computer to appear in the device list, then tap it.
- Steam Link will display a PIN on your Android screen.
- Enter that PIN in the Steam prompt that appears on your PC.
- Wait for Steam Link to run its network test and finish pairing.
After you enter the PIN, Steam will authorize your Android device for Remote Play. The Steam Link app usually performs a quick connection test to estimate streaming quality. If the test reports a weak connection, you can still continue, but you may see lower resolution, input delay, stuttering, or compression artifacts while playing. For the best result, connect your PC to your router with Ethernet and keep your Android device on a strong 5 GHz or Wi-Fi 6 connection.
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If automatic discovery fails, you can add the computer manually from the Steam Link app. Look for an option such as Other Computer or Rescan, depending on the app version. Steam Link may give you a PIN to enter in Steam on your PC under Settings > Remote Play > Pair Steam Link. This method is useful when network discovery is blocked by router settings, firewall rules, VPN software, or mulle network adapters.
- Check Remote Play: In Steam on your PC, open Settings > Remote Play and make sure Enable Remote Play is turned on.
- Disable VPNs temporarily: A VPN on either device can prevent Steam Link from finding your PC on the local network.
- Allow Steam through the firewall: On Windows, allow Steam on private networks when prompted, or check Windows Security firewall settings.
- Avoid guest Wi-Fi: Guest networks often block devices from seeing each other, even when they share the same internet connection.
- Restart both devices: Restart Steam, the Steam Link app, and your router if pairing repeatedly fails.
When pairing succeeds, your PC should remain saved in the Steam Link app for future sessions. The next time you open Steam Link, you can select the same computer and connect without entering a new PIN, as long as Remote Play is enabled and Steam is running. If you reinstall Steam, reset the app, change networks, or remove authorized devices in Steam settings, you may need to repeat the pairing process.
How to Connect a Controller or Use Touch Controls
After pairing Steam Link with your PC, set up your input method before launching a game. A physical controller is the best choice for most Steam games, especially action, racing, platforming, and sports titles. Steam Link for Android works with many Bluetooth controllers, including Xbox Wireless Controllers, PlayStation DualShock 4, PlayStation DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and many third-party Android-compatible gamepads. You can also use Steam Link’s built-in touch controls if you do not have a controller nearby.
Connect a Bluetooth controller to Android
- Put your controller into pairing mode. On an Xbox controller, hold the pairing button until the Xbox light flashes. On a DualShock 4, hold PS and Share. On a DualSense, hold PS and Create.
- Open Settings on your Android phone or tablet.
- Go to Connected devices, Bluetooth, or a similarly named menu, depending on your Android version.
- Select Pair new device.
- Choose your controller from the list and confirm the pairing request.
- Open the Steam Link app and check that the controller appears on the main setup screen.
If your controller is not detected inside Steam Link, open the app, go to Settings > Controller, and test the buttons. Steam may ask you to choose a layout or enable Steam Input. For most modern controllers, the default layout works well. If the buttons are mismatched, open Steam on your PC, go to Settings > Controller, and make sure support is enabled for your controller type. You can also adjust layouts per game from the Steam overlay once streaming has started.
Use a wired controller
A wired controller can reduce input lag and avoid Bluetooth battery issues. To connect one, use a USB-C cable or a USB-C OTG adapter, depending on your Android device and controller. Plug the controller into your phone or tablet, then open Steam Link and check the controller status. Wired Xbox controllers and many USB gamepads usually work without extra setup, while some third-party controllers may need to be switched into Android, XInput, or HID mode using a button combination from the controller’s manual.
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Use Steam Link touch controls
If you do not have a controller, Steam Link can display virtual controls on your Android screen. Open Steam Link, tap Settings, then choose Controller or Touch Controller. You can enable an on-screen gamepad, move buttons around, resize controls, and choose layouts for different styles of games. Touch controls are convenient for slower games, turn-based titles, visual novels, point-and-click games, and some 2D games, but they are less precise for shooters or games that require quick camera movement.
- For controller-friendly games: use a Bluetooth or wired gamepad and enable Steam Input if needed.
- For mouse-heavy games: try touchpad-style input or pair a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard with your Android device.
- For portable play: use a phone clip or tablet stand so the screen stays stable while using a controller.
- For lower latency: prefer wired controllers or keep Bluetooth devices close to your Android device.
Before starting a long session, launch a game for a quick input test. Check movement, camera control, triggers, menu buttons, and any game-specific shortcuts. If something feels wrong, open the Steam overlay, select Controller Settings, and apply a community layout or remap individual buttons. Once your controls feel comfortable, you are ready to start streaming your Steam library from the Android device.
How to Start Streaming Steam Games
Once your Android device is paired with your Steam-enabled PC and your controller or touch layout is ready, you can start a streaming session from the Steam Link app. Make sure Steam is open on your computer, the PC is awake, and both devices are connected to the same local network for the simplest setup. If your PC is locked, asleep, updating, or showing a Windows permission prompt, Steam Link may connect but fail to launch games properly.
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- Open the Steam Link app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Confirm that your paired computer appears on the main screen.
- Check that the controller status shows as connected, or choose touch controls if you are not using a controller.
- Tap Start Playing.
- Wait for Steam Big Picture Mode or the Steam interface to appear on your Android device.
- Select Library, choose a game, then tap or press Play.
After you tap Start Playing, your Android device acts as the display and input device while the game still runs on your PC. The computer does the rendering, and Steam sends the video and audio feed to your phone or tablet. Your controller, touchscreen, keyboard, or mouse inputs are sent back to the PC over the network. This means game performance still depends heavily on the host computer’s hardware, while responsiveness depends on your network quality.
For the best experience, start with a game that already works well with a controller. Many Steam games show controller compatibility directly on their store or library page, and those usually feel more natural on Android. If you are using touch controls, slower games such as turn-based strategy titles, visual novels, RPGs, management games, and point-and-click adventures are easier to play than fast shooters or fighting games. You can still launch any installed Steam game, but games that require many keyboard shortcuts may need a custom touch layout or a connected Bluetooth keyboard.
Using the Steam overlay during a stream
While streaming, you can access Steam’s overlay and streaming controls without going back to the PC. With a controller, press the configured Steam or guide button if your controller supports it. In the Steam Link app, you can also tap the on-screen menu button to bring up options such as controller settings, touch controls, and session controls. From there, you can adjust input behavior, stop streaming, or return to your Steam library.
If a game launches on your PC but does not appear correctly on Android, give it a few seconds, especially if it changes resolution or switches between windowed and full-screen mode. Some games open launchers before the actual game starts, so you may need to use the touchscreen as a mouse to click Play, Continue, or a similar launcher button. If the stream shows the desktop instead of the game, select the game window on the PC or use the task switcher from the host computer to bring it to the front.
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How to Improve Streaming Performance
Steam Link performance depends mostly on your home network, your PC’s ability to encode video quickly, and your Android device’s ability to decode it smoothly. If games feel laggy, look blurry during motion, or stutter even though they run well on the PC, start by improving the connection between the gaming computer, router, and Android phone or tablet.
For the best results, connect your gaming PC to the router with an Ethernet cable. This removes Wi-Fi instability from the most demanding side of the stream. On your Android device, use a 5GHz or 6GHz Wi-Fi network instead of 2.4GHz, and stay close to the router when possible. If your router shows separate network names, choose the one labeled 5G, 5GHz, or 6GHz. Avoid streaming while large downloads, cloud backups, or other video streams are using the same network.
Adjust Steam Link streaming settings
Open the Steam Link app on Android, tap the gear icon, then check the streaming options. The Fast, Balanced, and Beautiful presets change image quality and bandwidth use. If you notice input delay or dropped frames, switch from Beautiful to Balanced or Fast. You can also lower the resolution to 1080p or 720p, which is often better for phones and tablets than forcing a higher desktop resolution.
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- Use Fast or Balanced mode: Choose these if controls feel delayed or the image stutters.
- Limit resolution: 1080p is a good target for most home networks; 720p can help on weaker Wi-Fi.
- Lower the bandwidth limit: If the stream freezes or breaks up, reduce the Mbps setting until it stabilizes.
- Enable hardware decoding: Keep hardware decoding enabled on Android unless it causes visual glitches.
- Test with Performance Overlay: Use Steam Link’s performance overlay to check latency, frame loss, and network behavior while playing.
On the host PC, open Steam and go to Settings > Remote Play > Advanced Host Options. Make sure hardware encoding is enabled if your graphics card supports it. NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel GPUs can usually encode the stream more efficiently than software encoding on the CPU. If the stream looks choppy after enabling it, try toggling the GPU-specific encoding option off and on again, then test a game for a few minutes.
Reduce input latency while playing
Input delay can come from the controller, the Android device, the router, or the PC. If you are using a Bluetooth controller, sit closer to the Android device and make sure the controller battery is charged. For competitive games, a USB-C wired controller or a controller connected through a low-latency adapter may feel more responsive. Also close unnecessary apps on Android before launching Steam Link, especially apps that use overlays, screen recording, VPNs, or background network traffic.
| Problem | Setting or change to try |
|---|---|
| Laggy controls | Use Ethernet on the PC, switch to 5GHz or 6GHz Wi-Fi, and choose Fast mode. |
| Blurry image during movement | Increase bandwidth slightly or use Balanced mode instead of Fast. |
| Frequent stutters | Lower resolution to 1080p or 720p and pause downloads on other devices. |
| Random disconnects | Move closer to the router, restart the router, and disable VPNs on Android. |
If performance is still poor, restart the PC, router, and Android device, then run Steam Link’s network test again. Consistent low latency matters more than maximum speed, so a stable 1080p stream usually feels better than an unstable high-resolution one. Once the stream is smooth, raise quality settings one step at a time until you find the best balance for your network and device.
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Steam Link is usually straightforward once your Android device and PC are paired, but streaming depends on several moving parts: your local network, Steam settings, graphics drivers, controllers, and the Android app itself. If games will not launch, the stream looks blurry, or input feels delayed, start with the basics: make sure Steam is open on your PC, both devices are on the same network, and your computer is awake, unlocked, and not stuck behind a Windows permission prompt.
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If the Android app cannot find your computer, confirm that Steam is running on the host PC and that Remote Play is enabled in Steam under Settings > Remote Play. Your phone or tablet should be connected to the same router as the PC, preferably on the same Wi-Fi network if you use mulle access points. If you use a VPN, guest Wi-Fi network, firewall suite, or network isolation feature on your router, temporarily disable it and scan again. Restarting Steam, the Android app, and your router often clears stale discovery issues.
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Pairing code fails or the connection drops
When the PIN shown on Android is rejected, remove the old pairing entry in Steam’s Remote Play settings and pair again from scratch. Check that your PC clock is correct, Steam is updated, and the Android app is updated from Google Play. If the stream disconnects after a few seconds, look for security software blocking Steam, Steam Web Helper, or network streaming. On Windows, allow Steam through the firewall for both private and public networks, though private is the one normally used at home.
Lag, stutter, or delayed controls
Latency is most often caused by Wi-Fi congestion or an overloaded host PC. For the best result, connect the gaming PC to your router with Ethernet and use 5 GHz or Wi-Fi 6 on the Android device. In the Steam Link app, open Settings > Streaming and try the Fast preset, then lower the resolution to 1080p or 720p if needed. You can also reduce the bandwidth limit until the stream becomes stable. If the game itself is running poorly on the PC, lower its graphics settings before streaming.
- Blurry image: Increase the bandwidth limit, use a stronger Wi-Fi signal, or switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz.
- Audio crackling: Lower streaming quality, close background downloads, and restart both Steam and the Android app.
- Controller not responding: Reconnect the controller in Android Bluetooth settings, then check Steam’s controller settings on the PC.
- Wrong button layout: Open Steam Input for the game and select a controller layout that matches your device.
- Black screen: Update your GPU drivers, disable HDR temporarily, and try running the game in borderless windowed mode.
Games launch on the PC but not on Android
If a game opens on the computer but the Android screen stays frozen or black, the issue is often display capture. Update NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics drivers, then restart the PC. Disable overlays from apps such as Discord, GeForce Experience, Radeon Software, or MSI Afterburner to test whether they are interfering. Some games with launchers or anti-cheat systems may require you to tap through a prompt on the PC before streaming continues. For non-Steam games, add them to Steam as a shortcut and test them from Big Picture Mode.
Steam Link works only when you are near the router
This points to weak wireless coverage rather than a Steam problem. Move closer to the router, reposition the router away from walls and appliances, or use a mesh node with a strong backhaul connection. Avoid streaming while another device is downloading large files, backing up to the cloud, or streaming 4K video on the same network. If your router has Quality of Service settings, prioritize the gaming PC and Android device. After each change, run Steam Link’s network test again to confirm whether latency, packet loss, and bandwidth have improved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Steam Link work when I’m away from home?
Yes, Steam Link can stream over the internet using Steam Remote Play, but it works best on a strong connection with good upload speed from your gaming PC. For the smoothest experience, connect the PC to your router with Ethernet and use fast Wi-Fi or mobile data on your Android device. If performance is poor outside your home network, lower the streaming resolution and bitrate in the Steam Link app settings.
Do I need a controller to use Steam Link on Android?
No, Steam Link includes on-screen touch controls, but they are usually better for slower games, point-and-click games, or simple menus. For most PC games, a Bluetooth controller such as an Xbox, PlayStation, or compatible Android controller will feel much better. You can pair the controller in Android’s Bluetooth settings before opening Steam Link.
Can I stream non-Steam games with Steam Link?
Yes, you can stream many non-Steam games by adding them to your Steam library on your PC. In Steam, choose “Add a Non-Steam Game” and select the game or launcher you want to use. Some games with separate launchers or anti-cheat systems may not work perfectly, so you may need to test them individually.
What internet speed do I need for Steam Link on Android?
For home streaming, your local network matters more than your internet speed, and a 5 GHz Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi 6 connection is strongly recommended. For remote streaming, your PC’s upload speed is critical; 10–20 Mbps upload can work for 720p or 1080p streaming, while higher quality may need more. If you see stuttering, reduce the resolution, frame rate, or bitrate in the Steam Link performance settings.
How do I fix lag or input delay in Steam Link?
Start by connecting your gaming PC to the router with an Ethernet cable and keeping your Android device close to the Wi-Fi router. In the Steam Link app, switch the stream quality to “Fast” or manually lower the resolution and bitrate. Also close downloads, cloud backups, video streams, and other network-heavy apps on both your PC and Android device.
Bottom Line
Steam Link is one of the easiest ways to bring your PC Steam library to an Android phone or tablet, as long as your gaming PC, app, controller, and network are set up properly. For the smoothest experience, use a strong 5GHz Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connection, keep your devices updated, and adjust streaming quality if you notice lag or stutter.
Once everything is paired and tested, you can treat your Android device like a portable screen for your gaming PC. Start with a few controller-friendly games, fine-tune the settings to match your network, and you’ll be ready to play from the couch, another room, or anywhere your connection can keep up.
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