Steam Link Guide: Stream PC Games to Your TV, Phone or Another Computer

Steam Link lets you play games running on a gaming PC from another screen, such as a television, phone, tablet or second computer. Instead of installing the full PC game on that second device, Steam sends the picture and sound over a network and receives your controller or keyboard input in return.

That distinction matters: Steam Link is a streaming tool, not a cloud gaming subscription. Your host computer must run the game, and its performance and network connection determine how responsive the stream feels.

What you need before using Steam Link

• A Windows, macOS or Linux computer capable of running the game through Steam.
• Steam installed and signed in on the host PC.
• A compatible Steam Link client on the device you want to play on, or Steam Remote Play on another computer.
• A reliable local network; wired Ethernet is ideal for the host.
• A supported controller, mouse and keyboard, or touchscreen controls where available.

Steam Link works best when the PC and receiving device share a fast home network. Remote connections over the internet are also possible through Steam Remote Play, but quality depends on upload speed, latency and network restrictions.

How to set up Steam Link step by step

1. Turn on your gaming PC, launch Steam and install or update the game you want to stream.
2. In Steam settings, locate Remote Play and make sure it is enabled. Menu labels may differ by client version.
3. Install the official Steam Link app on a supported receiving device. For another computer, install Steam and use its Remote Play features.
4. Open Steam Link, follow the pairing instructions and select your gaming PC when it appears.
5. Enter the pairing code if requested, then run the network test.
6. Connect your preferred controller and start the game from the streaming interface.

For a first test, try a slower-paced game. It is easier to identify input lag, audio problems and unstable picture quality before switching to competitive games.

Steam Link on a TV

A television needs a supported Steam Link app or a compatible external device capable of running it. App availability varies by television brand, operating system and region, so check the official store for your exact device rather than assuming every smart TV includes Steam Link.

Connect the receiving device to your router using Ethernet when possible. If only Wi-Fi is available, use a strong 5 GHz or suitable Wi-Fi 6 connection, keep the receiver near the router and avoid congested wireless channels. Pair your controller with the receiving device, not necessarily the host PC.

Steam Link on Android, iPhone and tablets

Install Steam Link from the appropriate official app store if it is available for your device. Pair it with the host computer, connect a Bluetooth controller if you want one, and check whether the game supports controller input. Some games can be controlled with on-screen buttons, but complex PC interfaces are often easier with a physical controller.

Mobile screens may have different aspect ratios from your PC monitor. Black bars or a cropped interface do not always mean the stream is broken. Check the game resolution and streaming display settings before changing unrelated graphics options.

Steam Link vs Steam Remote Play Together

Remote Play Together is not available for every title. Check the game’s Steam store page for supported features before promising friends that they can join.

How to reduce Steam Link lag and stuttering

1. Fix the network before lowering game settings

Use Ethernet for the gaming PC, avoid simultaneous large downloads and check whether the stream is crossing a slow Wi-Fi extender. A stable connection is more important than a high advertised internet download speed for local streaming.

2. Reduce streaming resolution or bandwidth

If the image freezes or becomes blocky, lower the streaming quality preset or resolution. A consistent 1080p stream often feels better than an unstable higher-resolution stream.

3. Check host performance

Streaming uses the PC’s graphics and video encoding resources. If the game already struggles to maintain its frame rate on the host, Steam Link cannot fix that. Reduce demanding game settings and close unnecessary background tasks.

4. Use a game-friendly TV mode

Many TVs add picture processing that increases controller-to-screen delay. Enabling the television’s Game Mode can reduce that extra delay.

Steam Link controller not working

First verify that the controller works in the receiving device’s menu. If it does, check Steam Input settings and the game’s controller support. Disconnect competing Bluetooth connections and reconnect the controller. If a title only supports mouse and keyboard, you may need a compatible control layout rather than expecting native gamepad prompts.

Steam Link shows a black screen

Restart Steam on the host, update graphics drivers, test another game and temporarily disable overlays that might interfere with capture. On laptops with multiple GPUs, make sure the game is running on the intended graphics processor. If the audio plays but the video stays black, review the hardware encoding and decoding options in Remote Play settings.

Can Steam Link play games when your PC is off?

No. The host computer must be powered on and able to run the game. Steam Link is not a replacement for cloud-hosted gaming. Sleep, hibernation and remote wake options vary by device and configuration, so test them separately before relying on them.

Is Steam Link free?

The Steam Link software is generally free to use, but you still need access to the games you want to play and compatible hardware. Internet data charges may apply when streaming away from home.

Best setup for most players

For dependable performance, use a wired host PC, a low-latency receiving device, a compatible controller and a stable network. Start with a moderate quality preset, test input response and increase picture quality only after gameplay feels smooth.

For official details and supported features, see Steam Remote Play and Steam Link.