To stream Steam games to Android, install the free Steam Link app on your phone or tablet and ensure both the Android device and your computer running Steam are on the same local Wi‑Fi network. This lets you play your PC game library on a mobile screen anywhere inside your home.
What you need to stream Steam games to Android
Streaming requires three things: an Android device with the Steam Link app installed, a computer running Steam on Windows, Mac, or Linux, and both devices connected to the same local network. No additional hardware or paid subscription is needed beyond your existing Steam account and games.
Install the Steam Link app on your Android device
Download the Steam Link app from the Google Play Store. The phone or tablet must be on the same local network as the computer running Steam for the pairing process to work.
Pair your Android device with your PC
- Open the Steam Link app on your Android device.
- The app automatically searches for computers running Steam on the local network.
- The app will prompt you to connect a Steam Controller or enable touch control as an explicit step during setup.
- Steam Link displays a pairing PIN on your Android device that you must enter in the Steam client on your computer.
- Follow Valve’s official on‑screen instructions to complete the connection.
Once paired, your Android device is linked to your computer and ready to stream.
Start streaming your Steam games
After pairing, your full Steam library appears on the Android device. The computer must be running Steam in Big Picture Mode for streaming to work.
Tips for the best streaming performance
For optimal results, connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable, ensure the router supports 5 GHz Wi‑Fi, and keep your Android device connected to the 5 GHz band. This minimizes lag and provides the smoothest gameplay.
Supported devices for Steam Remote Play
Valve’s official Remote Play page lists Android devices, Android TV, iOS devices, and Apple TV as supported targets. For iPhone and iPad, the device must run iOS 11.0 or later.
Using your phone as a game controller
If you do not have a Bluetooth controller, the Steam Link app includes touch‑screen controls, letting you use your phone as a controller for any game in your library.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up Steam Link on my Android device?
Download the Steam Link app, ensure your Android device and computer are on the same network, launch the app, and follow the on-screen instructions to pair with your computer.
What computer is required for Steam Remote Play?
Steam must be running on a computer with Windows, Mac, or Linux. The computer handles all game processing while streaming the video to your Android device.
Can I stream Steam games over the internet, not just my home network?
Steam Link is designed for local network streaming. While Remote Play can work over the internet, Valve’s official documentation focuses on same‑network performance, and results vary based on your home upload speed and mobile connection quality.
Do I need a Steam Controller to use Steam Link on Android?
No. The app supports Bluetooth controllers (such as Xbox and PlayStation controllers) and on‑screen touch controls. A Steam Controller is optional.
Will streaming work on a slow Wi‑Fi connection?
Performance depends on network quality. For the best experience, use a 5 GHz Wi‑Fi router and connect your computer via Ethernet. Slower or congested networks may introduce lag or lower video quality.
Can I play Steam games offline on my Android device?
No. The Steam Link app streams games live from your computer, so both devices must be powered on and connected to the same network. Offline play requires native Android games or games that support offline mode on the phone itself.
