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Yes—you can play Steam games on an Android phone using Valve’s free Steam Link app. It streams a game from a computer running Steam to your phone, which acts as the screen and controller; the computer still runs the game. Steam Link does not install or run the PC version of a game natively on Android.
What you need to play Steam games on Android
- An Android phone running Android 5.0 or newer, as specified on Valve’s Steam Link support page.
- A computer that can run the game, with Steam installed, running, and signed in.
- The Steam Link app, available from Google Play.
- A network connection between the phone and computer. Valve recommends a 5 GHz wireless router.
Valve describes Steam Link as connecting a device to a computer running Steam. Its Remote Play service streams video and audio from the computer and sends your controls back to it over a low-latency network protocol. The PC remains the host, so it needs to be on and available while you play.
How to set up Steam Link on your Android phone
- Start Steam on the host computer. Turn on the PC, launch Steam, and sign in to the account with access to the game you want to play.
- Put the phone and computer on the same network. This is Valve’s documented starting point for pairing.
- Install and open Steam Link. Download it from Google Play, then follow the pairing instructions shown in the app.
- Choose your controls. Use the on-screen touch controls or connect a compatible controller.
- Start a game from the streamed Steam interface. The game runs on the PC and its picture and sound stream to your phone.
If the app does not find the host, check that Steam is open on the computer and that both devices are still connected to the same network. Follow any additional pairing prompts in Steam Link.
Improve the streaming connection
Network quality affects how responsive and clear the stream feels. Valve’s Google Play listing recommends connecting the computer to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi router by Ethernet, connecting the phone to that router’s 5 GHz band, and keeping the phone within reasonable range of the router. These are performance recommendations, not guarantees.
The Tool Desk
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- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Valve does not give one universal minimum internet speed or latency figure for every setup. If the stream is unstable, try improving the connection between the phone, router, and host PC; the best arrangement depends on your network and equipment.
Touch controls or a controller?
You can try Steam Link’s on-screen controls without buying anything. For games that suit physical buttons and sticks better, an Android-compatible mobile controller is an option, but fit and compatibility vary by phone and game.
Rank #2
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Valve lists the Steam Controller, Microsoft Xbox One S Controller, Sony DualShock 4 on Android 9.0 and higher, Razer Kishi, and Raiju Mobile as supported devices. Valve also notes that other input devices may work without being officially supported. Check your phone’s compatibility and the controller’s fit before purchasing.
Can you play away from home?
Steam Remote Play supports Android phones as receiving devices, so a phone can connect to a computer running Steam beyond the initial same-network pairing setup. That does not guarantee good performance on every remote connection or host configuration. Test your own setup before relying on it.
Rank #3
- Versatile compatibility: supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S consoles and PC Win10 and above (including the game platform Steam).
- Precise control: features Hall joysticks and Hall triggers for a comfortable feeling, long service life and improved game accuracy.
- Plug and Play Convenience: Wired USB connection (removable) for easy setup and instant play without the need for additional drivers.
- Customizable experience: Includes 2 custom backbuttons that allow users to eliminate false triggers and improve their gaming experience.
- Impressive gameplay: Provides a pulsating vibration trigger and an asymmetric vibration grip motor for intense tactile feedback.
Moonlight is a third-party alternative for streaming from a computer. Its setup guide recommends pairing over the home network before trying internet streaming and documents Android gamepad support. It uses a separate setup from Steam Link.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Steam Link versus running Steam games natively
Steam Link is a streaming app, not an Android version of your PC games. The computer does the game processing and sends the stream to your phone. If the host computer is off or unavailable, Steam Link cannot stream its games.
Rank #4
- XBOX WIRELESS CONTROLLER + USB-C CABLE — Includes the XBOX Wireless Controller in Carbon Black and a 9' USB-C cable. Play wirelessly or plug in for a wired gaming experience, right out of the box.*
- WIRED OR WIRELESS, YOUR CALL — Connect the included 9' USB-C cable for zero-setup wired play on console and PC. Go wireless when you want the freedom to play from the couch, the desk, or anywhere in between.
- PC READY. NO EXTRAS NEEDED — Plug the USB-C cable into your Windows PC and you're playing instantly. No adapters, no Bluetooth pairing, no additional purchases required. Works across the XBOX app, Steam, and more.*
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience sculpted surfaces and refined geometry designed around how you actually hold a controller. Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of wireless battery life on standard AA batteries. When the batteries run low, plug in the included cable and keep playing without missing a beat.*
For Valve’s overview of supported devices and how the connection works, see Steam Remote Play. Valve’s Steamworks Remote Play documentation describes the different Remote Play use cases.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
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.
