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To play Steam games on an Android phone or tablet, install Steam Link on Android, connect it to a computer running Steam, and pair a controller with the Android device. Steam Link streams the computer’s Steam session; the controller connects to the phone or tablet. Big Picture is a mode in the Steam client on the host computer, not a separate Android app.
What you need
- A computer with Steam installed and signed in.
- An Android phone or tablet running Android 5.0 or newer, as required by Valve’s Android Steam Link support page.
- The Steam Link app from Google Play.
- A controller that can pair with Android. Valve lists the Steam Controller, Xbox One S Controller, DualShock 4 on Android 9.0 and higher, Razer Kishi, and Raiju Mobile as supported examples. Other inputs may work, but Valve does not officially list them as supported.
Connect Steam Link and pair the controller
- Start Steam on the host computer. Turn on the computer you want to play on, launch Steam, and sign in.
- Put both devices on the same local network. Connect the Android device and host computer to the same network so Steam Link can find the host.
- Install Steam Link on Android. Open the app and follow its on-screen instructions to discover and connect to the computer running Steam.
- Pair the controller with Android. Pair a supported Bluetooth controller through Android’s Bluetooth settings, or pair the Steam Controller as directed by Steam Link. Google Play’s Steam Link listing describes pairing a Bluetooth controller or Steam Controller to the mobile device before connecting to the Steam computer.
- Navigate the streamed Steam session. Use the connected controller to move through the Steam interface and start a game.
Open Big Picture Mode
Big Picture is a mode of the Steam client designed for TV and controller use. If it is not already open after connecting, you can launch it on the host computer by selecting the top-right Enter Big Picture Mode control in Steam, or by pressing a controller’s home button while using the Steam client. Valve’s overview explains the mode and its controller-support labels at Steam’s Big Picture mode.
Check whether the game works fully with a controller
Big Picture does not make every game’s menus or setup controller-ready. Check the individual game’s controller-support label:
- Full Controller Support: the game can be installed, launched, and played using only a controller.
- Partial Controller Support: a controller works for some play, but you may need a mouse or keyboard for certain screens or tasks.
Improve the streaming connection
Valve recommends a 5 GHz wireless router for Steam Link. Its Google Play listing gives more specific performance guidance: connect the host computer to the router with Ethernet, connect the Android device to the router’s 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, and keep the mobile device within reasonable range of the router. These are recommendations, not minimum requirements or a guarantee of a particular stream quality or latency.
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#1 Best Overall
GameSir X5 Lite Mobile Gaming Controller for Android,Hall Effect Joystick
- WIDE SCREEN COMPATIBILITY — PHONE TO TABLET: X5 Lite is a versatile phone controller that stretches up to 213mm to fit iPhone 15/16, most Android phones, iPad mini 6/7, and compatible Android tablets. Secure Type-C connection keeps gameplay stable and responsive.
- MOBILE, CLOUD & REMOTE GAMING: Play supported mobile games like Zenless Zone Zero, or stream console and PC games through Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, Moonlight, and remote play. Enjoy physical controls wherever you play.
- HALL EFFECT STICKS — PRECISE CONTROL: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver smooth 360° control for accurate aiming, movement, and camera adjustments. Built for fast-paced mobile games and streamed console or PC titles.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & ERGONOMIC — 135.4G: At just 135.4g, X5 Lite stays lightweight during extended gaming. Ergonomic, laser-engraved textured grips provide a secure, comfortable hold at home or on the go.
- CUSHIONED MEMBRANE CONTROLS — COMFORTABLE & QUIETER: Cushioned membrane buttons and triggers provide comfortable feedback for repeated inputs while keeping operation quieter. Ideal for extended sessions or gaming in shared spaces.
If Bluetooth pairing fails
If the controller appears in Bluetooth setup but will not connect in Steam Link, Steam Support recommends removing its existing pairing from Steam Link’s Bluetooth settings and trying again. You may need another input device, such as a wired mouse or controller, to navigate the settings.
- Turn off the Bluetooth controller.
- Use another input device to open Steam Link’s Bluetooth settings and select and delete the controller’s existing pairing.
- Put the controller back into pairing mode and retry the connection.
See Valve’s full Steam Link Bluetooth pairing troubleshooting instructions. If your controller is not among Valve’s Android-supported examples, it may still work, but its compatibility is not officially supported.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Bluetooth Mobile Game Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 & iOS & Android & Tablets, Wireless Gamepad Grip with Hall Effect Trigger Joystick, Ergonomic Phone Controller for iPhone, iPad Pro, Samsung
- Bluetooth Mobile Game Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 & iOS & Android & Tablets, Wireless Gamepad Grip with Hall Effect Trigger Joystick, Ergonomic Phone Controller for iPhone, iPad Pro, Samsung
- TURBO FUNCTION This MFi wireless controller has a turbo function, you can adjust the turbo button according to your needs and achieve one-click bursts, programming buttons are designed on the behind of the stretched gamepad, support macro programming, customise personalised game. making it easier for you to win in FPS games, and it is a good helper for you to play games.
- Hall effect joystick and linear trigger: mobile controller is with hall effect joystick, high precision, stable performance, faster response speed and long service life. Linear trigger has such high fluidity and response speed that gives you a competitive advantage in any game.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Game accessory controllers are ergonomically designed to ensure flawless control and execution. The shape of the gamepad fits naturally in the hand, so you can better immerse yourself in the fun even during prolonged use. 360° rotating joystick analog sticks and trigger buttons ensure precise accuracy and comfort as well as increased sensitivity so you can better control your gaming remote control.
- Supports controllers up to 11 inch: Scalable design supports most tablets such as 11 inch iPad Pro (M5), 11 inch iPad Air (M3), iPad (A16), iPad mini (A17 Pro), 11 inch iPad Pro (M4), 11 inch iPad Pro 4/3/2/1, for Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon, Huawei tablets etc. (Not compatible with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 13-inch iPad Air）
Rank #4
Sale
8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller for Android devices, Black
- Compatible with Android devices and fits mobile devices ranging from 100mm to 170mm in length.
- Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light and tactile.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons
- Profile button. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings. Turbo function.
Rank #3
GameSir X5 Lite Mobile Gaming Controller for Android & iPhone 15/16 Series (USB-C), Hall Effect Joystick, Lightweight Ergonomic Phone Controller- Play Genshin Impact & Zenless Zone Zero (Renewed)
- Expanded Screen Compatibility: Stretchable up to 213mm, fitting iPad Mini 6/7 and Android tablets; Compatible with iPhone 15/16 and Android devices; Ultra-stable Type-C connection ensures lag-free gaming across all supported screen
- Mobile Gaming Compatibility: Lets you play most of the games you want. Supports Xbox Game Pass, Zenless Zone Zero, cloud gaming, Steam/Moonlight streaming games, and remote play
- Hall Effect Sticks: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver 360° seamless pinpoint control, provide the precision and durability that mobile gamers demand
- Ergonomic and Lightweight Design: Stay comfortable during long gaming sessions with the X5 Lite. Weighing just 135.4g, its lightweight design and ergonomically laser-engraved textured grips ensure a secure, comfortable hold for hours of gameplay
- Cushioned and Durable Membrane: The X5 Lite is equipped with cushioned and durable membrane triggers and buttons. The cushioned feedback provides a comfortable experience while ensuring quieter operation
Rank #2
Mocagen MC1 Phone Controller for iPhone & Android – Ergonomic Grip, Low Latency, Case Friendly, Bluetooth Mobile Controller with Hall Effect Joysticks, Turbo, Portable Travel Companion for Car/Leisure
- Bluetooth Controller for iPhone & Android: Mocagen mobile gaming controller Compatible with all iPhone models (including 18/17 series) and Android devices. Pairing steps: 1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and go to the pairing screen. 2. Press and hold the Home button for 3 sec until LED4 flashes. 3. Find "XBOX Wireless Controller" on your phone and tap to pair. Quick reconnect: After first pairing, simply press the Home button once (with Bluetooth on) to reconnect
- Play Most Controller-Compatible Games: This iPhone game controller supports cloud gaming (e.g., Xb*x Game Pass, GeForce NOW), Xbox Remote Play, emulator games, and native mobile games (e.g., Apple Arcade). Enjoy effortless control and play Fortnite, Call of Duty, Roblox, Genshin Impact, and many more anytime, anywhere. Note: Controller only works with games that support controller input, and does not support PS Remote Play
- 5M-Cycle Lifespan & Zero Drift: MC1 mobile gaming controller features a Hall-effect joystick with a 5M cycle lifespan, 2.5x longer than standard carbon-film sticks. Its innovative electromagnetic induction technology ensures drift-free operation, enabling precise character control in intense games and significantly extending this phone game controller durability
- Ergonomic Grip Design: The handle is ergonomically shaped with a l*ser-engraved texture for anti-slip and enhanced grip, effectively reducing fatigue during long gaming sessions. The scientifically designed joystick and button layout ensures smooth operation. Whether for personal use or as a gift, it delivers a more comfortable and healthier gaming experience
- 7-Color RGB Light Ring & 600mAh Battery: The mobile game controller features a 7-color adjustable light ring on the joystick(ABXY button lights can be turned off, but their colors are not adjustable). The lighting is vibrant yet eye-friendly. The built-in 600mAh battery provides up to 6 hours of battery life in brightness mode — enough for a full day of gaming
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