The success of portable consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck has shown that people want to play video games wherever they go. But think about how cool it would be if you could access your Steam library on your fancy Android phone. Well, with the Steam Link app, you can. Steam Link is functionally equivalent to other game streaming services like Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass and Sony’s Remote Play app. And in this article, I will walk you through the process of installing Steam Link on your Android phone to play games.
What are the Android Device Hardware Requirements?
#1. A PC or Mac
A major component you’ll need to play Steam games on Android is a gaming PC or Mac. The PC will serve as a host computer running any of the following operating systems: Windows, SteamOS, macOS (Yosemite or later), and Linux.
It must also have a dual-core processor with hyper-threading and 8GB RAM. Stream Steam games on your computer once you’ve done so. The Steam Link app should allow it to play Steam games on Android without requiring a PC.
#2. An Internet Connection
The second prerequisite is an internet connection.
A fast wireless network is required for Steam remote play on Android. If possible, set the network to 5GHz, but no lower than 15Mbps. The faster your wireless network, the better your chances of establishing a stable connection.
#3. A Controller
A controller is also required. The controller enhances the experience of playing Steam games on Android.
To improve your gaming experience, connect a Bluetooth controller or a keyboard and mouse. Input lag can ruin your gaming experience. When streaming a competitive game, input lag can be excruciating.
#4. An Android Device
The final piece of hardware required is your Android device. It could be any Android device (phone or tablet).
How Do I Play Google Steam Games on My Android Phone?
Let’s now look at how to play Steam games on Android. But first, we must connect our Android to our PC via Google Play Steam (Steam Link). So, let’s get started by downloading Steam Link from the Google Play store.
Gamers can stream any PC game to their Android device using the Steam Link app (provided they have a 5GHz Wi-Fi network on both PC and Android).
Here’s how to get started in six easy steps:
Step 1: Make Streaming Available on Your Steam Account
Set up your account for the task after installing Steam games on your computer. Then, in the Steam games app, go to your client settings menu, look for the In-Home streaming button, and check the enable streaming box. Set up the Steam link pin on the same page. This pin will be used later as we proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Get the Steam Link App
Search for the Steam link in the Google Play Store. After you click the install button, it should be installed on your Android device. Proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Connect Your Android Device to Your Controller
Remember, in the article’s hardware requirements section. A controller was mentioned. Now, using the Bluetooth connection, connect your controller to your Android device. To pair the controller, go to your Android settings and find the Bluetooth menu.
Also, make sure the power button on the controller is turned on. Your Android should be ready to pair your controller by now (you may need to enter some command on it to pair; so, for more information, consult your controller’s manual).
Check for a Bluetooth-detected device on your Android device to pair the controller.
Step 4: Open the Steam Link App You Downloaded
The Steam Link app will detect the Steam games installed on your computer as long as your Android device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. It will prompt you to enter a code into your PC via your Android device, which will install some drives into your PC.
Step 5: Make a Connection (Between Your PC and Your Android Phone)
At this point, you must connect your devices before you can stream games on Android without a PC. To accomplish this, obtain the Steam Link set up pin (which we created in step #1 of the session) and enter it into the Steam Link app on your Android phone. Once the pin has been verified, the app will connect your PC and controller to your Android device.
Step 6: Play Steam Games on Android
Once the Steam link app confirms that your PC, controller, Android phone, and network are all operational, click the start playing button. It will launch a phone-sized version of Steam Big Picture mode, from which you can choose and play any Steam games you have already installed on your computer.
How to Play Steam Games on iPhone
- Step 1: After downloading and installing the Steam Link app from the App Store, launch it and launch Steam on your PC. Then, on your phone, tap the Get Started button.
- Step 2: On the following screen, you can pair a Controller or skip the step. The app will then look for your computer. Even if your computer is on a different network than your phone, the app can locate it.
- Step 3: Select your computer; the app will generate a PIN code for you. Please enter it into your PC’s Steam window. The Steam Link app will test your network once the devices are connected.
- Step 4: Wait until the testing is completed. Then, tap the Start Playing button to play Steam games on your phone.
In-Depth Instructions for Playing Steam Games on Android
Although the steps outlined above will get you started playing Steam games on Android, there are a few other details to be aware of when using Steam Link.
Before we get started, it’s important to understand that Steam Link simply streams games from your PC. To stream games to your phone, you must have your PC turned on and Steam running. Because the game is rendered on your PC, you cannot stream games that your host PC cannot run.
Make sure your host PC is turned on and Steam is running. Then, on your Android device, go to the Google Play Store and download the Steam Link app. Once installed, launch the app, select whether you want to pair a Steam Controller or another controller, and go through the pairing process.
If you use an official Steam Controller, the app will walk you through the pairing process. Otherwise, you’ll need to refer to your controller’s user manual for specific pairing instructions. Remember that most of the time, all you need to do to enter pairing mode is turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
Read Also: What Is Cloud Gaming: What It Means & How It Works
Once your controller is properly connected, select your PC from the list of available options on the following screen, which will display some network-related information. You must also authorize your device. After you run the connection test, the Steam Link app will provide you with a code. To authenticate your device, enter that code into the Steam app on your computer.
Once you’re satisfied with your connection, tap Start playing on the left and navigate to your Steam Library using the toolbar at the top of the resulting page. After you’ve decided which game to play, start the streaming and gameplay by clicking Play.
This type of streaming works best if your PC and Android device are connected to the same network. This used to be a prerequisite for Steam Link. With the addition of Steam Link Anywhere in 2019, you can stream games to your operating system from any network, even if each device is connected to a different network.
To stream a game from your PC to another operating system, your PC must have the Steam program installed and running. If you don’t want to turn on your PC every time you want to play, you can use wake on LAN (WoL) to turn it on remotely. Steam Link allows you to use WoL, so if your computer accepts WoL commands, you can use the app to turn your computer on from anywhere.
Why is Among Us free on the Google Play Store but not free on Steam?
Ads and in-app purchases were used to monetize the Among Us game’s app. As a result, it is only available as an open-source game for mobile prayers. However, you can purchase the PC version for a few dollars and possibly receive free items.
Is it possible to use Steam on Android?
Yes. By downloading and installing the Steam Link app for Android. The step-by-step guide will be available in the second session of this article.
Is it possible to connect Steam and Google Play?
Yes. The Steam Link app lets you stream any PC game to your Android phone. It is now available in beta on the Google Play Store.
Is it possible to play Steam games on my phone without a PC?
You certainly can. This can be accomplished through cloud gaming and transferring your Steam games to the cloud. However, the speed can be slow, and you may have a poor gaming experience.
Can I put Steam on my phone?
You certainly can. The Steam app is available on Google Play and the App Store. Then you can receive the most recent notifications about new game releases or updates. However, the app will not allow you to play Steam games on your phone.
What should you do if your phone’s Steam games aren’t responding?
When streaming Steam games on your phone, the game quality may suffer significantly. Switching to a 5GHz network, according to Steam’s official recommendations, may help improve your game experience. In the Streaming settings, you can also enable the Fast video option.
Best Steam Games
#1. Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is a free-to-play online multiplayer (also available as a solo game) action shooter video game developed by Bungie. In 2017, it was a pay-to-play game for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows platforms. It’s a fun game to play with your friends. If you enjoy playing online with friends or family, Destiny 2 is the best option. You play as a superpowered guardian and can level up and upgrade your gear by participating in various activities. Playing Destiny 2 was a fun experience for me, and I recommend you try it out.
#2. Civilization VI
Another Steam game you might enjoy is Civilization VI. Fixaxis Games created Civilization VI, which was published by 2K Games and distributed by Take-Two Interactive. Civilization VI is currently available for free on Steam Games. A friendly reminder to new players: do not choose Queen Victoria as your first leader in this game. Except you’re prepared to be rendered nearly insensible by the endless repetitions of Scarborough fair.
#3. Hitman 2
Hitman 2 is a stealth video game released in 2018. It is a continuous hitman 2016 developed by IO Interactive and published by Warner Bros. The game continues the story of 47 as he travels the world, killing targets in inventive or ridiculous ways. In this game, there are numerous ways to kill prey. You can enter with your guns blazing or use stealth by donning disguises and slowly making your way out.
Conclusion
To summarize, the preceding content fully covers the steps for playing Steam games on a phone, whether it is Android or iOS. This comprehensive tutorial allows you to quickly jump to the relevant steps and learn the skill.
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