Steam Remote Play is one of the most useful features available on Valve’s Steam platform. It lets you play your PC games on another device by streaming them from your main gaming computer. Instead of installing the game on every device, your computer runs the game while the video and audio are streamed over a network. Your inputs are then sent back to the host PC in real time. Whether you want to continue playing from your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or another computer, Steam Remote Play makes the experience simple when it is set up correctly.
What Is Steam Remote Play?
Steam Remote Play is a game streaming feature built into Steam. It allows a supported game to run on one computer while being played from another compatible device. The feature works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, iPad, Steam Deck, and supported smart TVs.
There are two major ways to use Steam Remote Play:
- Stream your own games to another device through Remote Play.
- Invite friends to join local multiplayer games using Remote Play Together, even if they do not own the game.
The host computer does all the heavy work, so the second device only needs to display the streamed game and send controller or keyboard inputs.
Requirements Before You Begin
Before setting up Steam Remote Play, make sure you have the following:
- A Steam account on every device you plan to use.
- Steam installed on your computer.
- A supported game in your Steam library.
- A stable home network, preferably a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection or wired Ethernet.
- Updated graphics drivers.
- A compatible controller if the game is designed for controller input.
A faster internet connection is recommended if you plan to stream games over the internet instead of your local network.
How To Enable Steam Remote Play
Follow these simple steps to turn on Steam Remote Play.
- Open the Steam client on your gaming computer.
- Sign in to your Steam account.
- Click Steam in the top-left corner.
- Select Settings.
- Open the Remote Play section.
- Check the box labeled Enable Remote Play.
- Leave Steam running on your computer.
Once enabled, your PC becomes the host device for streaming supported games.
How To Connect Another Device
After enabling Remote Play, you can connect another compatible device.
- Install Steam or the Steam Link app on the second device.
- Log in using the same Steam account.
- Make sure both devices can reach each other through the network.
- Open your Steam Library.
- Supported installed games will display a Stream button instead of Install.
- Select Stream to launch the game remotely.
Within a few seconds, the game should appear on the connected device while running on your gaming computer.
How To Improve Streaming Quality
Streaming quality depends on your network and hardware. If gameplay feels laggy or blurry, try these tips:
- Use a wired Ethernet connection whenever possible.
- Connect wireless devices to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network.
- Close unnecessary background applications.
- Lower the streaming resolution if needed.
- Update your GPU drivers regularly.
- Reduce downloads or uploads on your network while gaming.
Steam also includes Advanced Host Options and Advanced Client Options that let you adjust hardware encoding, bandwidth limits, resolution, and frame rate.
Using Steam Remote Play Together
Steam Remote Play Together lets you enjoy local multiplayer games online with friends. Only the host needs to own the game.
To use it:
- Launch a game that supports Remote Play Together.
- Open the Steam Overlay by pressing Shift + Tab.
- Open your Friends List.
- Right-click your friend’s name.
- Select Remote Play Together.
- Wait for your friend to accept the invitation.
Your friend joins through streaming, making it feel like everyone is playing on the same couch.
