The Steam Link app allows users to use Steam on a tablet or phone by streaming their library directly to their device. This means you can continue playing on the small screen by simply mirroring your PC and connecting a controller.
To use Steam on a tablet, you first need to make sure you have a few things in order. First you need a tablet to play on - and no, you don't need onebest gaming tabletof die enebest gaming phoneon the market. The Steam Link app works with Apple devices running iPadOS 11/iOS 11 or later and Android devices running Android 5.0 and later.
You need one toogaming-pcofgaming-laptopwith a connected Steam account and not to forget WiFi with an internet speed of at least 10 Mbps. We also recommend grabbing a controller, as a traditional gamepad offers a much better experience, while touch controls can and will work well on certain titles.
How to use Steam on a tablet
Below we'll show you exactly how to use Steam on a tablet. If you're using a phone, these steps are the same.
1. Download Steam Link Apps
The Steam Link app is free and available on both the Apple App Store andGoogleToy store. Navigate to the app's page and download the software to your device to get started.
2. By DIN controller
The app will first ask you to pair a controller when you open it. While you can use touch controls to play your games (and that's not a big deal), we highly recommend pairing an official Steam controller or compatible gamepad. If you choose the latter, you'll need to connect your controller via your device's Bluetooth settings. We recommend that you check outbeste xbox-serie x-controllersif you don't already have a set of buttons at hand.
If you're just browsing at the moment, you can also skip this step and stick with the touch controls.
Sign up for the GamesRadar+ newsletter
Weekly recaps, stories from the communities you love, and more
3. Find your PC
You will then need to search for your PC.Make sure your laptop or PC is turned on and Steam is running, otherwise the app will not be able to scan to your device.
4. Connect to your PC
Once the Steam Link app finds your PC, tap the icon to connect it to your tablet.
When this happens, a pop-up text box will appear on your PC and a PIN will appear on your tablet. Enter the PIN on your PC to match the Steam Link app with your library.
5. Test the network
Steam Link then runs a network test on your connection to ensure your WiFi is up to the task and to determine the best bandwidth to run your stream on.
6. Start playing
Once your network strength has been assessed, you can go straight to your Steam library on your tablet. Tap the 'Start Playing' box to start the stream.
Your PC mirrors the activity on your tablet, but goes into big screen mode, so you can access everything quickly and easily with a controller.
Do you need a PC for Steam Link?
Yes, Steam Link is not an app designed to run Steam on a tablet. Instead, it streams your PC with Steam and simultaneously uploads your input from a controller. This means that you must already have a PC or laptop before you can start using Steam on your iPad or Android device.
Which controller should you use for Steam Link?
For best results, we recommend pairing a controller with your tablet when using Steam Link.Xbox One-controllerwill work just as well as their Xbox Series X companions (just make sure you get a Bluetooth model), but you can also use PlayStation DualShock and DualSense controllers.
For the big screen treatment, check this outbest gaming monitornow available. Or look into increasing that streaming powerbest routers for gamers.
