How to stream games from your PC to other devices with Steam Link

Want to play your Steam games on your phone, tablet, or TV without leaving your desktop PC? You've come to the right place. Thanks to Steam Link and its Remote Play technology, you can turn any device into an extension of your gaming PC. This Valve tool lets you stream your games from your PC to virtually any screen with a smooth and comfortable experience, as long as you follow a few key steps to set everything up correctly.

This article tells you everything you need to know about streaming Steam games to other devices . From the initial setup of the Steam client to pairing controllers, optimizing your connection, and which apps you need for each platform. Everything is explained step-by-step with helpful tips and tricks to get the most out of it.

What is Steam Link and how does it work?

Steam Link is a tool, available both as an application and as integrated technology within Steam, that allows you to remotely play games installed on your PC . In other words, the games continue running on your computer, but are controlled and viewed from another device, such as your mobile phone, tablet, television, or even another computer.

The key is that Steam uses your local network or internet to send real-time video and audio to the new device, while your inputs (controller, mouse, keyboard) are relayed to your PC. All of this can be done both at home and from another network thanks to Steam Link Anywhere , an advanced feature that eliminates the need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC.

Steam Link Anywhere: Play from anywhere

Steam Link Anywhere is the natural evolution of remote play. Previously, you could only use Steam Link if your PC and the receiving device were on the same network. Now, you can play from other homes, mobile networks , or anywhere with internet access.

To take advantage of this feature, you'll need to activate the beta version of the Steam client on your PC. This can be done from the main Steam menu, accessing "Settings" or "Preferences," and selecting the option to join the beta in the "Account" section. Once this is done, Steam will restart with the testing features that enable remote streaming.

Please note that your computer must be turned on and have Steam open to access your games from outside your home, thanks to this feature.

If you're looking for light games to play on any platform, you should check out Poki.

Set up the Steam Link app on your device

After preparing your PC, you'll need to set up the Steam Link app on the device you want to play on. The app is available for:

• Cellphones Android e iPhone
• Tablets
• TVs Smart TV
• Devices Android TV like Chromecast
• Apple TV
• Secondary computers

You can also play Android video games on Windows 11 like this

After downloading it, you'll need to pair a controller. You can use Bluetooth controllers or the Steam Controller if you have one. Connect your controller before continuing to be ready to play after syncing.

Pair your device with your PC

When you open the Steam Link app, it will automatically search for a computer with Steam running. If it detects one, it will display its name so you can tap on it. If it doesn't appear, you can select "Scan Again."

The next step is to pair both devices using a PIN code generated in the app . Simply copy it into the Steam pop-up window on your PC, and the connection will be established. From that moment on, your game library will be available on the linked device.

If any network, remote, or sync settings are experiencing issues, the app will let you know, and you can resolve them in "Settings." There you can also adjust the streaming quality based on your bandwidth.

Remote Play: alternative for streaming between computers

In addition to Steam Link, you can use Remote Play to stream games between two computers . For example, if you have an older laptop, you can use it as an additional screen to play games from your main PC without needing to install them on that machine.

To do this, simply log in to both machines with your Steam account and enable Remote Play in the settings. The "Play" button on the second computer will change to "Broadcast." The first time you connect both computers, you'll need to enter a validation PIN.

Smart TV Options

To play on the big screen, you can use the official Steam Link app for Smart TVs. It comes pre-installed on many Samsung models and is also available for LG, Android TV, and Google TV.

The process is simple: install the app, sync it with your PC using a PIN, and you're done . You don't need any additional hardware , just a wireless remote connected to your TV or Android TV device.

Compatible controllers and recommended connection

For an optimal experience, it's recommended to use compatible controllers. Xbox controllers with a wireless adapter are the most effective, as they connect via Wi-Fi Direct, significantly reducing latency. You can also use PlayStation controllers , although the on-screen symbols may not be exactly the same.

Regarding the connection, it's ideal for your PC to be connected via an Ethernet cable, and for the receiving device to use 5GHz Wi-Fi or, better yet, another wired connection. If you plan to play from another network, run a test with the Steam Link app beforehand to verify the streaming quality.

Other alternatives: GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass

If you're looking for another hassle-free option, you can play your Steam games from the cloud using services like GeForce NOW. This NVIDIA system allows streaming from high-performance computers, though it requires a subscription and that the games have been purchased on Steam.

Another popular alternative is Xbox Game Pass, which allows you to play in the cloud without purchasing individual titles. Although it's not directly integrated into Steam, many games are compatible and can be played across multiple platforms.

Streaming your Steam games to other devices is not only feasible, but increasingly simple and accessible. With tools like Steam Link, Remote Play, or GeForce NOW, your desktop PC isn't a limitation. You can continue enjoying your games from your phone, TV, or even another room, as long as the connection is good. The best part is that you just need to configure your devices correctly and take advantage of the full potential of the Steam ecosystem.

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Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.