Have you ever dreamed of being able to play all those Steam video games from the comfort of your Android phone or tablet? Today, Steam Link makes this possible, opening up a world of possibilities for gamers who don't want to be glued to their computer screens. If you're still unsure about how this system works or if it's really as good as it seems, we'll tell you EVERYTHING here: from what it is, to how to install it step by step, to its most important advantages and disadvantages. Get ready to discover a way to play your Steam library that you may not have even known existed.
In this article we explain to you, in a natural, simple and extremely complete way, How to take advantage of Steam Link to the fullest on your Android device. Below, we'll walk you through all the details you need to start enjoying your favorite Steam games on your phone, tablet, or even your Smart TV—without missing a thing about requirements, installation, or the actual user experience!
What is Steam Link and how does it work?
Steam Link is a technology developed by Valve whose purpose is to allow us to play, via streaming, our Steam game library on other devices, such as Android smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, or even virtual reality headsets. Unlike other cloud services like GeForce Now or Amazon Luna, the key here is that the server is you: the game runs on your home PC and simply retransmit the signal to the device where you want to playIt's a completely free way to bring your Steam games to any corner of your home, without needing powerful hardware in your phone or TV.
The concept is very simpleAs long as your home PC is on and Steam is running, any other compatible device connected to the same network can access your games using the Steam Link app. All processing and graphics are still handled by your computer, but you can view gameplay and control games from your Android phone, using a touchscreen or physical controller.
Essential requirements for using Steam Link on Android
Before you start installing the app, make sure you have everything you need to make the experience as smooth as possible. Here's the list of fundamental requirements:
- A computer with Steam installed and updated, functioning as a “server” from which the games are run.
- An Android device (mobile or tablet) with operating system 5.0 or higher.
- Fast and stable internet connectionIdeally, both devices should be connected to the same 5 GHz Wi-Fi network; if you're using an Ethernet cable on your PC, that's even better to reduce input lag.
- Compatible controller (optional but highly recommended), especially for games that don't support touch controls. Controllers for the Xbox 360, Xbox One, Steam Controller, compatible PS4 controllers, Logitech F512/F710, and others are supported.
- PC on and Steam running throughout the entire gaming session.
Steam Link can also be installed on Smart TVs with compatible operating systems (Android TV, Samsung Tizen, some Fire TVs or Android TV Boxes), but the key will always be to have the PC on at home.
Main advantages of playing with Steam Link
Why choose Steam Link over other forms of streaming? Here are the tips most important advantages of this system:
- Free: Valve doesn't charge anything to use Steam Link, and you can enjoy your Steam library wherever you want.
- You don't need top-of-the-line hardware: Game processing happens on your computer, so you can play even on mid-range or low-end mobile devices.
- Wide compatibility: It works on mobile phones, tablets, laptops, some Smart TVs, even on virtual reality headsets, as long as the operating system is recognized.
- Total flexibility: You can play anywhere in your home (or on the go, if you set up Steam Link Everywhere) without having to be in front of your PC.
Does Steam Link have any disadvantages?
Every service has its potential for improvement, and Steam Link is no exception. Here are the most common issues:
- Need to keep PC on and Steam open at all times while playing, which may not be to everyone's liking.
- Input lag: The response delay from when you press a button until it appears on the screen can be noticeable if the network is not fast and stable, especially on congested or low-speed Wi-Fi networks.
- Not all games are adapted to touch controls, so in many cases you will need an external controller for a good experience.
- Some Smart TVs or operating systems may not be compatible, so it may be necessary to use external devices such as Android TV Box or Fire TV with additional installation processes.
How to install Steam Link on Android step by step
The installation process is very simple, but we'll break it down for you below so you don't miss a thing:
- Download Steam Link from the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet.
- Open the app. The first time, you'll see a welcome screen where you'll need to tap Contac us.
- Set up your controllerIf you have a Steam Controller, the process is straightforward; if you're using another Bluetooth controller, simply activate and pair it from your device's Bluetooth settings. You can also choose touch controls if you prefer, although it's only recommended for simple games.
- With both devices (PC and Android) on the same network, The app will automatically search for your computer with Steam open. Select it when it appears.
- Enter the PIN which will be displayed on your Android device's screen in the Steam pop-up window on your PC. This securely links both devices.
- The app will perform a network speed test to check that the experience will be optimal. If everything is correct, you will see the three indicators (PC, controller, connection) turn green and you can press Start to play.
From here, you'll be able to view the Steam Big Picture interface on your phone or tablet, navigate through your library, and select the game you want to launch. It's that easy!
Tips to improve the gaming experience
To get the most out of it and avoid common problems like input lag, follow these steps: tips:
- Use a 5 GHz WiFi network and connect your computer to the router via Ethernet cable whenever possible.
- Avoid overloading the network during your gaming sessions; downloading, streaming video, or playing online games on other devices can affect latency.
- Set up your controller correctlyFrom Steam Link, you can access multiple control profiles or, if you prefer, customize the controls for each game.
- If you experience network issues, enable the option to prioritize network traffic for Steam from the advanced streaming settings on Steam for PC.
- You can adjust the image quality from the app to balance fluidity and graphics with your network capacity.
Supported games and controls: what can you expect?
Not all Steam games run equally well on mobile devices.. Titles with simple controls (platformers, puzzles, etc.) usually work perfectly with touch controls. However, most games designed for keyboard and mouse (shooters, strategy, MOBA) definitely require a external control To ensure a comfortable and precise gaming experience, Steam Link allows you to connect most popular controllers, including Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam Controllers, as well as compatible generic models via Bluetooth or USB OTG.
The app itself will notify you if the selected game requires a controller and help you set it up. You can also remap buttons from the app's settings to customize the experience to your liking.