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Steam Link streams a game from a computer running Steam to another device. Install the free Steam Link app on a phone, tablet, television platform, computer, Raspberry Pi or compatible headset; pair it with the host PC; connect a controller; then launch the game. The PC renders the game, while Steam Link sends video and audio to the receiving device and returns your inputs.
What Steam Link does
Steam Link is a local or internet-based game-streaming client, not a console and not cloud gaming. The game normally remains installed on the host computer, which must be powerful enough to run and encode it. The receiving device displays the stream and forwards controller, keyboard, mouse or touch input.
It is different from Remote Play Together, which lets friends join supported local multiplayer games over the internet. To use that feature, launch the game, open the Steam Overlay with Shift+Tab, select a friend and choose Remote Play Together. Steam Link is also distinct from a Steam Deck: a Deck is a complete handheld computer that can additionally act as a Remote Play client.
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What you need
- A computer with Steam installed, running and signed in.
- The game installed on that computer and able to run normally.
- The Steam Link app on the receiving device, or an older physical Steam Link box.
- A stable network connecting the host and receiving device.
- A compatible controller, keyboard and mouse, or touch controls.
For the simplest first setup, put both devices on the same home network. Do not use a guest network or a network with client isolation, because those settings can prevent the devices from discovering each other.
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Supported devices
Valve currently lists Steam Link for the following platforms on its Remote Play page:
| Category | Platforms listed by Valve | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro | OS and app-store requirements vary; Valve’s page displays iOS/iPadOS 11.0 or later for the listed app. |
| Android and TV | Android phones and tablets, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV | Support depends on the device, operating system, app store and region. |
| Computers | Windows, macOS and Linux | The client still needs a network path to the host PC. |
| Single-board computers | Raspberry Pi 3, 3+, 4 and 5 | Installation and performance depend on the Pi operating system and configuration. |
| VR | Meta Quest 2, 3 and Pro | Headset, tracking and game requirements remain separate from Steam Link support. |
A television is not automatically compatible just because it is a smart TV. Check its operating system, model, region and current app-store support.
How to set up the Steam Link app
- Install Steam Link. Download it from the receiving device’s official app store or use Valve’s platform page.
- Prepare the host PC. Turn it on, sign in to Steam, confirm that the game is installed and leave Steam running. Valve’s host guidance is documented here.
- Connect both devices. Use the same private home network for the initial pairing. Ethernet is preferred, especially for the computer.
- Open Steam Link. Allow it to search for computers and select the host when it appears.
- Enter the pairing code. If the app displays a code, enter it in the Steam client on the host PC.
- Run the connection test. Treat the result as a starting point, not a guarantee that every game will be smooth.
- Pair a controller. Connect it to the phone, TV, box or computer by Bluetooth or USB, as that device supports.
- Launch a game. Choose the host PC’s library in the streamed Steam interface. Rendering and game processing happen on the PC.
How to use the physical Steam Link box
The physical box is an older Steam Link product. Valve still maintains hardware support documentation, but its current consumer page emphasizes the app. Use the box if you already own one or find a functioning unit at a sensible price; investigate the app first if you are starting from scratch.
- Connect the box to the television with HDMI and connect its power supply.
- Select the correct HDMI input on the television.
- Connect the box to the router with Ethernet, or configure its Wi-Fi connection.
- Connect a controller by USB, Bluetooth or the box’s supported wireless method.
- Let Steam Link discover the computer, select it and complete the pairing code.
- Open the streamed Steam interface and start the game.
Connecting controllers, keyboards and touch input
Steam Input officially supports Steam Controller, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch Pro and DirectInput gamepads, as well as the Steam Link app’s mobile touch controller. Details are in Valve’s Steam Input device documentation. Basic button support does not guarantee identical behavior for paddles, touchpads, gyro, wireless features or button glyphs on every platform.
Physical controllers
Pair the controller with the receiving device, not automatically with the host PC. A wired controller is often the simplest and most predictable option. Xbox-style pads commonly map easily on Windows; PlayStation and Switch Pro controllers work through Steam Input, although in-game button labels may differ.
Phone or tablet touch controls
The app includes a touch controller that is useful for menus, turn-based games and simple titles. A real controller is preferable for shooters, racing games, platformers, fighting games and any title requiring precise or simultaneous inputs.
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Keyboard and mouse
They suit strategy, simulation and management games, but support depends on the receiving device and game. Some television and mobile platforms handle USB or Bluetooth peripherals less completely than a computer.
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Wire the host PC to the router first. If possible, wire the Steam Link device or television as well. Valve specifically warns that having both ends wireless can perform poorly because the stream must travel wirelessly from the PC to the router and then wirelessly back to the receiving device. Its network guidance is available here.
- Best: Ethernet from host to router and Ethernet from client to router.
- Usually good: Ethernet on one endpoint and strong, modern Wi-Fi on the other.
- Most variable: Both endpoints on Wi-Fi, particularly across rooms or on a congested band.
Stop large downloads, cloud synchronization, video streams and other traffic while testing. Keep wireless devices near the router and avoid guest or isolated networks.
Reduce lag, stutter and low frame rates
Identify the bottleneck
Enable the Steam Link performance overlay in the advanced streaming client settings. Valve documents showing the graph with F6 or Start + Y, depending on the input device and interface. Large spikes in the network-time graph commonly coincide with stutter or freezing; see Valve’s explanation here.
Apply changes in a useful order
- Wire the host PC, then the receiving device if possible.
- Stop competing network traffic and close overlays, capture tools, cloud-sync utilities and streaming applications.
- Lower the stream resolution or bandwidth in the Steam Link client. Set 1280×720 temporarily as a diagnostic; it is not a universal cure.
- Lower the game’s own resolution or graphics settings if the host cannot render the game quickly enough.
- Test hardware-encoding choices for NVIDIA, AMD and Intel graphics. Valve says the best setting depends on the host hardware; its guidance is here.
- Compare results with the performance overlay after each change.
A low streamed frame rate can come from the game’s rendering load, host encoding, network transport or client decoding. Improving only image quality settings will not fix every cause.
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Labels vary by Steam client, Steam Link firmware, app version and interface mode. Common locations are:
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- Steam client: Steam → Settings → In-Home Streaming; host controls may be under Advanced Host Options.
- Steam Link interface: Settings → Streaming, with advanced client controls for resolution and bandwidth.
- During a stream: Open the Steam Overlay and choose the available streaming or in-home streaming options.
Valve’s support pages still use “In-Home Streaming” in several places, while newer consumer pages use “Remote Play,” so do not assume one label appears on every version.
Troubleshooting by symptom
Steam Link cannot find the computer
- Confirm Steam is open and signed in on the host.
- Confirm both devices are on the same private network, not separate guest or isolated networks.
- Toggle streaming off and on in Steam’s settings.
- Restart the router, host and receiving device.
- Try Ethernet on at least one endpoint.
Valve’s discovery checklist is here.
The computer appears offline
Check that Steam remains running, allow Steam through the operating system firewall and use a home/private network profile where appropriate. Create an exception rather than leaving the firewall disabled. Valve treats disabling protection only as a temporary diagnostic step and says to re-enable it afterward: firewall guidance.
Pairing fails
Repeat discovery after restarting both endpoints, verify the code is entered in the correct Steam account and remove guest-network isolation. If the host is found but pairing repeatedly fails, test with Ethernet and temporarily close VPNs or restrictive security software.
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Video stutters or input feels delayed
Use the overlay to distinguish network spikes from encoding or decoding delays. Lower stream resolution and bandwidth, wire one endpoint, stop competing traffic and test another hardware-encoding setting.
Black screen or no audio
Check the television input and volume, then restart the stream. Disconnect USB and Bluetooth headsets temporarily and power-cycle the Steam Link device; Valve lists this as a diagnostic step for some display and audio combinations. Update the host graphics driver and test without overlays or capture software.
The controller is not detected
Pair it with the receiving device, not just the host. Confirm the device sees it before opening Steam Link, try USB instead of Bluetooth, and check the game’s Steam Input layout. Special features may not pass through on every platform.
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The game launches but ignores input
Test a different controller layout, switch Steam Input on or off for that title, close launchers that have taken focus and try a controller-friendly game. Some anti-cheat systems, launchers and keyboard-and-mouse-only games do not behave well when streamed.
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Remote streaming over the internet is possible in some setups, but it depends on the host location’s upload capacity, the client’s download connection, latency, routing, firewall behavior and whether the host remains powered on, signed in and reachable. Public Wi-Fi, cellular connections, hotels, workplaces, dorms and guest networks may block discovery or produce unacceptable latency.
Make same-home streaming reliable first. If local streaming is stable but remote play is not, the remaining issue is usually internet path, firewall or network policy rather than the controller or game installation.
Game and device limitations
Steam Link can stream many games that run on the host, but suitability varies. Expect extra trouble with anti-cheat systems, launcher or authentication windows, VR titles requiring specialized tracking, games with poor controller support and latency-sensitive competitive games. Test one simple controller-friendly title before assuming every game will behave identically.
Steam Link versus alternatives
| Option | Best when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Link app | You already own a supported phone, TV platform, computer, Raspberry Pi or headset. | Requires a capable host PC and compatible receiving-device input. |
| Physical Steam Link box | You already own a working unit and want a dedicated living-room interface. | Older hardware with more limited compatibility than many current app platforms. |
| Steam Deck | You want a complete portable gaming computer that can also receive Remote Play. | More expensive and more capable than a television streaming client; see Valve’s Steam Deck page. |
| Direct HDMI or HDMI-over-network | You need the lowest possible display latency and can run a cable. | Less flexible placement and no built-in remote streaming workflow. |
| Moonlight/Sunshine or another streaming tool | Your library is not primarily Steam-based or you want a different streaming stack. | Separate software, setup and compatibility considerations. |
Frequently asked questions
Does the PC need to stay on?
Yes. It must be powered on, signed in to Steam, connected to the network and able to run the game.
Can Steam Link work without a gaming PC?
No. Steam Link does not provide cloud hardware; the host computer performs the game rendering.
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Is the Steam Link app free?
Valve presents Steam Link as app-based software distributed through supported app stores without a subscription price on its Remote Play page. App-store availability and requirements can vary.
Can I play non-Steam games?
Some non-Steam programs can be added to Steam as non-Steam games, but launchers, anti-cheat systems and controller behavior may prevent a smooth stream.
Is the old Steam Link box worth buying?
Usually only if you already own one or can verify that a used unit works. New users should first check whether their existing phone, computer, television platform or headset supports the app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Steam Link on any smart TV?
No. Support depends on the TV operating system, model, region and current app-store availability. Check Valve’s platform list and the TV’s store.
Can I use my phone as a controller?
Yes. The Steam Link app includes a touch controller, but a physical controller is generally better for action, racing, shooting and precision games.
Does Steam Link work on cellular data?
It may work in some remote-streaming setups, but performance depends on both internet connections, latency, routing and network restrictions; it is not guaranteed.
The Bottom Line
Install the Steam Link app on a supported device, pair it with a PC running Steam and connect a controller. For dependable play, wire the host PC—and preferably the receiving device—before changing quality settings or buying new hardware.
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