Steam Link is free software from Valve that streams games running on your Steam PC to another device. Install it from an official app store or Valve’s own support page—not from a generic APK mirror. Your computer remains the host: it runs Steam, renders the game and sends video and audio to the phone, tablet, TV, Mac or other receiving device.
Steam Link does not include free games and is not cloud gaming. You need a capable computer, Steam, a stable network and an appropriate controller or keyboard-and-mouse setup.
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Official Steam Link downloads by platform
The correct download depends on whether a device is acting as the host or the client. The host PC runs Steam and the game; the client runs Steam Link and receives the stream.
| Target device | Official route | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Android phone, tablet or TV | Google Play or Valve’s official Android page | Valve’s support material lists Android 5.0 or newer and provides an APK route for devices without Google Play. |
| iPhone or iPad | Apple App Store | Use the compatibility shown by the current App Store listing. |
| Apple TV | Apple App Store on tvOS | Hardware, tvOS and controller compatibility vary. |
| Mac | Mac App Store | The current listing reports macOS 10.13 or later; check the live listing before installing. |
| Windows | Use Steam as the host; verify any current official Windows client route before publication | Do not download an unofficial executable mirror. |
| Linux | Verify the package or distribution supported for your system | Client availability varies by distribution, package source and hardware. |
| Supported TVs | The television manufacturer’s app store | Availability depends on model, firmware and region. |
Valve describes Steam Link as a client using Steam Remote Play technology to stream a Steam library from a computer to another device. See Valve’s Remote Play documentation for the underlying system.
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What Steam Link does—and what it does not do
Steam Link is a remote-play client. The game is installed and running on the host computer. Steam sends the rendered video and audio to the client, while the client sends controller, keyboard or mouse input back to the computer.
- Host: the Windows, Mac, SteamOS or supported Linux computer running Steam.
- Client: the phone, tablet, TV, Mac, Raspberry Pi or other device running Steam Link.
- Steam account: required on the host, with the game available in its library.
- Network: required between host and client; a wired or strong 5GHz local connection is usually best.
The app is free, but that does not make the games, host PC, controller or networking equipment free. Steam Link is also different from cloud gaming: cloud services supply the remote gaming computer, while Steam Link uses yours. The host must remain powered on, connected and running Steam.
Windows: usually the host, not a separate Steam Link download
Most Windows users searching for Steam Link are trying to stream from a Windows gaming PC to another screen. In that case, Windows is the host; install or update the normal Steam client rather than looking for a second Steam Link app on the same computer.
- Install Steam on the Windows gaming PC and sign in.
- Open Steam settings and find Remote Play.
- Enable Remote Play and leave Steam running.
- Install Steam Link on the receiving phone, TV, tablet, Mac or other supported device.
- Select the Windows PC from the detected-host list and enter the displayed pairing PIN in Steam if prompted.
Valve can change Steam’s menu wording, so check the current Steam client if the setting is not exactly where described.
If you want to stream from one Windows computer to another Windows computer, verify Valve’s current official desktop-client distribution route at publication. Do not assume that the mobile app’s installation process applies to Windows.
macOS: use a Mac as either host or client
A Mac can run Steam and act as the host, or it can receive games through the Steam Link app. The Mac App Store listing currently reports macOS 10.13 or later and recommends Ethernet for best performance. App Store requirements can change.
- Install Steam Link from the Mac App Store.
- Open Steam on the host computer and enable Remote Play.
- Open Steam Link on the Mac.
- Select the detected host PC and enter the pairing code if requested.
- Run the app’s network test.
- Connect a controller, or configure keyboard and mouse input.
- Choose Start Playing and launch a game through Steam.
The Mac client and host should initially be on the same local network. If possible, connect the host—and preferably the Mac—to Ethernet before diagnosing latency or blurry video.
Android and the official APK
For most Android users, the safest route is Google Play. If Google Play is unavailable on your phone, tablet or Android TV device, Valve’s official Android support page provides an APK route. Valve’s support material lists support for many devices running Android 5.0 or newer.
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Install through Google Play
- Open Google Play and search for Steam Link.
- Confirm that the developer is Valve.
- Install the app and open it.
- Pair it with the computer running Steam.
Install Valve’s official APK
- Open Valve’s official Android Steam Link support page.
- Use the APK link provided by Valve. Do not copy a guessed filename, version number or checksum from another site.
- Download the package and open it.
- If Android blocks the installation, temporarily allow the browser or file manager to install unknown apps.
- Install Steam Link and complete pairing.
- Revoke that “install unknown apps” permission afterward if you no longer need it.
A third-party APK mirror may contain an old, modified or tampered file, and its version may not match Valve’s current release. An official APK is the safer choice for devices without Google Play.
iPhone and iPad
- Open the Apple App Store.
- Search for Steam Link and confirm that Valve is the developer.
- Install the free app.
- Start Steam and sign in on the host computer.
- Connect the iPhone or iPad to the same network for initial setup.
- Open Steam Link, select the host PC and enter the pairing PIN.
- Pair a supported controller or use the on-screen controls.
- Run the network test, then select Start Playing.
Valve’s iOS and tvOS support documentation recommends a 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless router and describes same-network setup. Controller behavior depends on the controller, Apple operating system and app version.
Linux and Raspberry Pi
Linux can be the host platform for Steam Remote Play, but Steam Link client distribution is less uniform than Android or iOS distribution. Package availability depends on your distribution, release, repositories and hardware.
A historical Valve announcement documented this installation pattern for Raspberry Pi-style Linux environments:
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steamlinkTreat those commands as distribution-specific and subject to change, not as universal instructions for Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, SteamOS or every Linux system. Before installing, verify:
- Your distribution and release.
- Whether the package is current and comes from a trusted source.
- CPU/GPU hardware-decoding support.
- Wayland or X11 behavior where relevant.
- Controller permissions and input-device access.
- Whether you need Steam Link as a client or Steam itself as the host.
For Raspberry Pi and other Linux devices, Valve’s Steam Link announcements are the relevant historical reference, but confirm current package instructions before publication.
TV devices and Apple TV
On a supported smart TV, search the manufacturer’s app store for Steam Link and check the exact TV model, firmware and region. Apple TV users should use the tvOS App Store. A compatible controller is generally more practical than touch controls for TV gaming.
Do not assume that every Samsung TV, Android TV device or streaming box supports the same version of the app. Compatibility can change when manufacturers update firmware or discontinue app support.
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First-time Steam Link setup
- Prepare the host: install Steam, sign in and keep the computer awake and connected.
- Enable Remote Play: open Steam settings and enable the Remote Play option.
- Install the client: download Steam Link from the official store or Valve route for your device.
- Use the same network: connect host and client to the same home network for initial pairing.
- Pair the computer: select the discovered host and enter the displayed PIN in the Steam client.
- Test the connection: run Steam Link’s network test before launching a demanding game.
- Connect input: pair the controller with the client device when appropriate, or connect a keyboard and mouse.
- Start streaming: choose Start Playing, enter Steam’s interface and launch the game.
Steam Link can stream most games that run on the host, but “most” is not “every.” Anti-cheat systems, separate launchers, controller support and non-Steam games can create exceptions. Non-Steam programs may require adding a shortcut to Steam or using desktop controls.
Hardware and network requirements
You need:
- A host PC capable of running the game.
- Steam installed, updated and logged in.
- A supported client device.
- A stable network connecting host and client.
- A controller, keyboard or mouse suitable for the game.
For the best starting configuration, connect the host by Ethernet and use Ethernet for the TV or client when possible. Otherwise, place the client near the router on 5GHz Wi-Fi. Congested 2.4GHz networks, wireless repeaters, guest-network isolation and mesh-node roaming can add delay or prevent discovery.
Valve’s older Steam Link hardware guidance recommends wired networking and mentions 720p and 1080p displays. Those are historical hardware notes, not a universal limit for every current app, display or device. Actual resolution depends on the host’s encoding capability, client decoding, display, app version and network.
Higher resolution and bitrate can look sharper but require more network capacity and decoding performance. When troubleshooting, reduce quality first and restore it gradually after the connection is stable. Avoid publishing a universal required-Mbps number: practical performance depends heavily on latency, interference, encoding and network topology.
Using Steam Link away from home
Remote Play can work when the host and client are on different networks, but it adds variables that do not exist on a home LAN. The host must remain powered on, connected and running Steam. Both internet connections matter: the host needs sufficient upload capacity, while the client needs reliable download performance.
Latency is often more important than raw download speed. NAT behavior, firewalls, carrier restrictions, workplace or public-network policies and unstable Wi-Fi can prevent a session or make it unpleasant. Start with same-network pairing before attempting remote access.
Fix common Steam Link problems
The host PC is not detected
- Confirm Steam is open and logged in on the host.
- Confirm Remote Play is enabled.
- Put both devices on the same local network, not separate guest and main networks.
- Disable guest-network isolation and temporarily test without a VPN.
- Restart Steam Link and Steam.
- Check firewall permissions for Steam.
- Test with the host connected by Ethernet.
- Restart the router if other local devices also cannot communicate.
The pairing PIN fails
- Enter the code in the Steam client on the host, not inside the game.
- Use the newest displayed code; it may expire.
- Restart the pairing attempt and select the intended computer.
- Remove and re-add the client if Steam has retained stale pairing information.
Black screen or streaming never starts
- Update Steam and Steam Link.
- Restart the host and client.
- Try another game.
- Temporarily disable hardware encoding as a diagnostic test.
- Check graphics drivers and desktop-compositor issues.
- Lower the resolution or quality preset.
- Test over Ethernet.
Hardware-encoding workarounds vary by platform and Steam version, so treat disabling encoding as a diagnostic step rather than a universal fix.
Video stutters, freezes or becomes blurry
- Run the Steam Link network test.
- Use Ethernet or strong 5GHz Wi-Fi.
- Move the client closer to the access point.
- Reduce streaming quality or bitrate.
- Stop downloads, uploads and other high-bandwidth activity.
- Check whether the host is at high CPU/GPU load while encoding.
- Remove wireless extenders from the path during testing.
The controller does not work
- Pair the controller with the client device rather than the host when appropriate.
- Connect it before launching the game.
- Test a wired connection.
- Check Steam Input configuration.
- Confirm the game supports controller input.
- On iOS, confirm support for the controller model and current Apple software.
Valve’s support material documents input from Steam, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo controllers, along with selected Logitech, Razer and SteelSeries devices, plus keyboard and mouse. Compatibility can still vary by client device and operating system.
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Is Steam Link worth using?
Steam Link is a good fit if you already own a capable Steam gaming PC, want to play on another screen and have a stable network. It is less suitable if you expect a cloud-game catalog, have unreliable Wi-Fi or strict data caps, need minimum possible latency for competitive play, or do not want to leave the host PC running.
Before buying anything, test the app with equipment you already own. A controller may improve phone or TV play, and Ethernet may improve reliability, but an expensive controller or new router will not solve every latency problem. Diagnose the network first.
Alternatives
Moonlight
Moonlight is a popular enthusiast alternative with official project support for desktop clients on Windows, macOS and Linux and mobile versions for Android and iOS. It may offer broader host/client flexibility, but setup can be more technical and depends on the host-streaming stack. Try Steam Link first if simple Steam integration is your priority.
Steam Remote Play Together
Remote Play Together is related but different: it lets friends participate remotely in supported local multiplayer games. Steam Link is primarily the client for displaying and controlling the host’s Steam session on another device.
Steam Deck or another handheld PC
A handheld PC runs games locally instead of depending on a streamed video feed. It is a hardware purchase with battery, performance and compatibility trade-offs, so it is not a like-for-like replacement for installing the free Steam Link app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Steam Link free?
Yes. The Steam Link app is free, but you still need a computer capable of running the game, Steam, the game itself and suitable hardware or networking.
Can Steam Link work without a gaming PC?
No. Steam Link is a streaming client; the host computer supplies the game-rendering power. It is not a cloud-gaming service.
Can I use Steam Link away from home?
Remote Play may work over the internet, but performance depends on both connections, latency, NAT, firewalls and network restrictions. Same-network setup is the best starting point.
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Is the Steam Link APK safe?
Use the APK linked from Valve’s official Android support page. Avoid generic APK mirrors because authenticity, freshness and file integrity cannot be guaranteed.
Can I use Steam Link on Windows?
Windows commonly acts as the host running Steam. If you need a Windows computer to act as the receiving client, verify Valve’s current official desktop-client route rather than downloading an unofficial executable.
Can I use a keyboard and mouse?
Steam Link supports keyboard and mouse in documented configurations, although controller behavior and game compatibility vary by client device.
Does Steam Link work with non-Steam games?
Some can work if added to Steam as a non-Steam shortcut, but separate launchers, desktop interfaces and anti-cheat systems can cause exceptions.
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Does Steam Link work on Linux?
Linux can host Steam Remote Play, while Steam Link client packages vary by distribution and hardware. Historical Raspberry Pi instructions should not be treated as universal Linux commands.
Is the original Steam Link box still sold?
Valve announced that the physical hardware was sold out in 2018. Do not assume a second-hand unit has the same support or capabilities as current Steam Link apps.
What controller works best?
Use a controller supported by your client device and operating system. Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo controllers are common choices; wired connection is useful when diagnosing input delay.
The Bottom Line
Download Steam Link only from an official store or Valve’s support page. Install Steam on the host PC, enable Remote Play, pair the receiving device with the displayed PIN, and use Ethernet or strong 5GHz Wi-Fi whenever possible. The app is free, but it streams games from your own computer rather than providing games or cloud hardware.
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