Ever started a game on your powerful Windows desktop PC but wanted to keep playing from the couch, bedroom, or even remotely? Steam, Valve's premier PC gaming platform, solves this with Steam Link—a robust home streaming solution that leverages your local network. And with recent updates, remote streaming over the internet is viable too, though it comes with performance caveats.
While the Steam Deck offers portable gaming, Steam Link lets you stream to Android/iOS devices or other PCs anywhere with an internet connection (RIP the original Steam Link hardware). Even post-beta, expect potential hiccups like lag for optimal results—I've tested it extensively on various setups.
Let's walk through setting up Steam streaming from your desktop to mobiles or other PCs, step by step.
Make Sure You Have a Good Router or Wired Ethernet
Your network is everything. Weak, slow, congested Wi-Fi or interference kills performance. Wired Ethernet on both ends delivers near-seamless streaming at home; poor wireless makes it unplayable. Invest in a solid router—it's non-negotiable.
Image: Alice Newcome-Beill
Configuring Your Steam Client Apps for Streaming
- Update your Steam desktop client to the latest version for the best experience. For phone streaming, install the Steam Link app on Android/iOS. For another PC (Windows/macOS), just use the standard Steam client—no extras needed.
- On mobile, open Steam Link settings, select "Other computer"—a four-digit PIN appears. Enter it on your host PC to pair.
- PC-to-PC at home? No pairing needed; log in with the same account on the same network.
- In the host PC's Steam client, go to Remote Play > Pair Steam Link, enter the mobile PIN, and follow the wizard.
- You could stream now, but secure it first with a four-digit PIN—remote access hands control to another device.
- On the Remote Play page, click Set Security Code.
- Enter your PIN twice and hit OK. Now it's required every session.
Setup done! Stay logged in, and stream effortlessly on local networks or internet.
How to Stream Games Remotely Using Steam Link
- Need fast upload speeds (e.g., not just Comcast's 150 Mbps down—aim higher than 5 Mbps up for hi-res streams).
- Devices paired? Launch Steam Link on mobile, pick your PC.
- Hit Start Playing, enter PIN, connect. Host PC wakes to Big Picture mode. Expect minor input lag on LTE—varies by network.
- Tweak controls in app Settings > Controller: Use touch or pair a Bluetooth controller your PC recognizes.
How to Stream Games at Home Using Steam Link
- Identical to remote: Same Steam account/network on both devices.
- On receiver (phone/PC), pick a library game—click Stream on desktops or Start Playing on app.
- Both screens now mirror the game seamlessly.
Updated March 7, 2021, 2:20 PM ET: This article was originally published April 3, 2019; instructions and screenshots refreshed.
