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How to Play Steam Games on a Phone
- For PC gamers with powerful setups, handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck may not be necessary due to their portability limitations.
- Utilizing the Steam Link app allows gamers to stream PC games to their smartphones, providing a convenient portable gaming experience.
- Connecting a compatible Bluetooth controller enhances the gameplay experience on your phone when using the Steam Link app for streaming games.
Although handheld gaming PCs like Valve's Steam Deck have taken the gaming world by storm with convenience and portability as their major selling points, players with powerful gaming PCs may not need them. Even if you want to play PC games on the go, not everyone may gravitate to handheld PCs, seeing as their battery life is not great. For PC gamers looking to play on a smaller screen, they only need one of the best gaming phones to kick-start their portable gaming journey.
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If you own a gaming laptop or PC and an Android or iOS smartphone, streaming games should be quite easy as you already meet the requirements. If you've got a vast Steam library, then you can play those games on your phone using the Steam Link application. What's more, you can connect with one of the best gaming controllers for an unparalleled experience.
Essential Steps for Playing Steam Games on Your Phone
The Steam Link app is a mobile application that allows you to stream games on your Android or iOS device using Remote Play on your PC or Mac. Steam Link allows you to take your library on the go, plus you can connect to different devices, opening up an exciting world of multiplayer gaming. Below are the steps needed to use Steam Link with your phone.
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1. Set up the Steam Link on PC
2. Download the Steam Link app
3. Connect a Bluetooth Controller
Step 1: Set up the Steam Link on PC
The first step is to enable remote play on the Steam client on your PC or Mac. Doing this ensures that you can stream your favorite Steam titles on a mobile device. It's worth mentioning that the remote play feature is not automatically turned on, so you need to do that manually. To activate it, open the Steam client and supply your credentials to successfully log in.
Once you're in, click on the Steam icon in the top left corner to display a drop-down menu. Click on Settings from the options and choose Remote Play. The next step is to switch on Enable Remote Play and then toggle on the Enable Remote Play Advanced Host Options. Once the latter is done, you'll find several options to turn on or leave off depending on your preferences. They include Change Desktop Resolution to Match Steam Client, Enable Hardware Encoding, and Play Audio as Host. You also have the option to enable a PIN feature which should limit the number of people that can play Steam games on your network.
Step 2: Download the Steam Link app
After completing the setup process on a PC or Mac, you need the Steam Link app to seamlessly play Steam games on your Android or iOS device. Fortunately, you can find it on the Google Play Store and App Store by using the search feature. For Android phones, download the Steam Link app after locating it. Your Android device should be running on Android 5.0 and newer versions.
Once it has finished the installation process, launch it. You should be greeted by a Get Started icon. You should see that your PC or Mac is already available on the Connect to Computer page. Once you've selected the computer, a PIN should be delivered to your device which has to be inputted on the screen. Click on Confirm once this has been done.
These Steam Deck controllers offer great functionality, good customizations, and responsive feedback.
The Steam Link app will then conduct a test of your network to ensure that it can run smoothly. Once the test is complete, the app will deliver a report noting your computer's ability to stream games. It will also tell you if your Android or iOS device supports a touch controller and whether you have a solid internet connection. It is strongly recommended that you have a 5GHz wireless router, preferably with an Ethernet port.
Once you're in the clear, feel free to tap on the Start Playing button. Steam will then launch on your PC and gaming smartphone respectively, allowing you to choose one from your library to play. If you can not see your computer, you should check that the PC or Mac and the phone are on the same network. If you haven't done so already, enable remote play from the PC’s end. You can also consider linking both devices to the router using an Ethernet cable.
Step 3: Connect a Bluetooth Controller
Although the Steam Link provides on-screen controls to help you navigate the app, it doesn't compare to the ease that comes with using an actual gaming controller. A wireless controller is the better option as the smartphone screen is quite small with the on-screen controls having taken over a huge chunk of the display, thereby making it difficult for players to enjoy the experience.
Steam’s list of officially verified controllers includes the Steam controller, the Xbox One S controller, the PlayStation DualShock 4 (for Android 9.0 and higher versions), and the Razer Kishi and Raiju Mobile. It's worth mentioning that other controllers should work despite not being featured in the list. So, if you own a DualSense controller or a third-party type, you should still be able to use it to play your favorite Steam games on your phone.
To begin the pairing process, turn on your phone's Bluetooth setting and then activate your controller. The next step is to open the Bluetooth settings section and find nearby devices. You should see your controller there. If it isn't there, you may want to restart the pairing process or reboot your devices. Once connected, the Steam Link app should display the controller on the screen already. If this doesn't happen, tap on the gear icon to troubleshoot. Similar to the Xbox Accessories app, the Steam Link app lets you test the controller, pair it, and set up controls.
What Other Apps Allow You to Play PC Games on Your Phone
If you're looking for a different means from Steam to play PC games, then it's worth checking out alternatives like Xbox Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Moonlight.
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming service allows you to access a vast library of Xbox and third-party titles, including Day One releases, for a monthly subscription fee. Aside from phones, you can also use it for handheld gaming devices like the Asus Rog Ally and Lenovo Legion Go.
Nvidia GeForce Now
With Nvidia GeForce Now, you can access and play games obtained from stores including Epic Games, Steam, Ubisoft, and EA. You can also leverage its multiplayer feature to partner with or challenge players from across the world.
Moonlight
Moonlight is an open-source option that lets you stream games up to 4K resolution with 120 FPS. With support for diverse platforms such as Mac, PC, Android, iOS, Chromebook, and Wii U, it's an excellent choice for streaming games, plus it's free to use. Windows PC users should note that an Nvidia graphics card is needed for Moonlight to work.
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Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Microsoft's premium controller for Xbox consoles, the Elite comes with adjustable-tension thumb sticks, a wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks. One of the main attractions is the modular setup, which allows gamers to easily switch between components. The companion app also allows customizable button mapping.
Three custom profiles are stored internally on the controller and are easily selected during gameplay. Up to 40 hours of battery life on the included rechargeable battery ensures nonstop wireless gaming bliss.
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PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller for PS5
PDPs Victrix Pro BFG wireless PS4|5 controller delivers on a lot of promises but at a high price. Completely modular and packed with high-end specs, this wireless PC controller is ready for pro gaming across multiple genres.
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Scuf Instinct Pro Wireless Controller
Designed for use with both the Xbox and PC, the SCUF Instinct Pro controller offers lighting-fast input, a strong wireless connection, and remappable buttons to gamers looking to take their skills to the next level.
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Xbox Core Wireless Controller
$52 $60 Save $8The Xbox Core Controller has a modernized design that enhances one's gaming experience. With sculpted surfaces and refined geometry, it offers effortless control and enhanced comfort during gameplay. Play for up to 30 hours without needing to recharge thanks to its long battery life. The hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back-case help gamers stay on target. The controller includes a 3.5 mm audio headset jack for any compatible headset, and gamers can connect it to their console or PC using the USB-C port.
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FAQ
Q: Can I play Steam games offline?
Absolutely. If you're in a place with limited or zero internet access, you can turn on Offline Mode, a feature that lets you play games without needing an internet connection. You should note that games that require an active internet connection will not run once Offline Mode is activated.
Q: What is a Steam emulator?
A Steam emulator allows you to play Steam games without using the Steam store or being connected to the internet.
Q: Can I create a Steam account on my phone?
Yes. You must use the Steam website on your preferred phone browser to create a new account. Ensure that you are at least 13 years old before doing this.
