How to Play Steam Games on an Android TV

Nov. 29, 2021



Cloud gaming streaming has certainly picked up in the last few years.Google Stadiahas recently launched the Stadia for Android TV app and given gamers even more platform options. However, a current drawback of Stadia is currently its availability. Stadia is only available inthese countriesand as you can see the list is pretty low. But don’t worry we have a solution for gamers who want to use their Android TV for high-end gaming without spending a penny. Here’s how to play Steam games on Android TV.

Steam Games on Android TV

Steam Games on Android TV

Steam Link is an app by Valve that lets users play their favorite Steam games on other platforms for free. We tried out Steam Link to play Steam games on an Android TV and were thoroughly impressed with the results. We have created a comprehensive guide that helps you set up Steam Link on your Android TV in no time.

The process to set up Steam Link on your Android TV is very straightforward and free. Moreover, if you’re stuck on how to connect a controller to your TV, don’t worry because that’s also included. Use the table below to jump to your desired section.

Before you can play Steam games on your Android TV, you need to enableSteam Remote Playon the PC whose Steam library you’ll be using. Remote play is an especially useful feature that allows you toplay local Steam multiplayer gameswith your friends or use Steam Link wirelessly. Follow the steps below to do so:

  1. A new window will open. Find and clickRemote Playfrom the sidebar. You will see anempty checkboxwith the wordsEnable Remote Play. Simply click it, pressOKand you’re done.

Playing games on your TV through Steam Link will require a game controller if you want the best experience. Connecting a gamepad to your TV is a quick process and just requires a simple Bluetooth setup so make sure your controller supports it. For the complete steps on how to go about it, check out “tip 17” inour guidehere. Remember, even if you’re using an Xbox Controller, the process remains the same. You can alsoconnect a PS5 DualSense controller to Android TVif you want.

Now we begin the process of installing Steam Link on our Android TV. Follow the steps below to begin installing Steam Link:

  1. On the Steam Links page, chooseInstall.

Now that Steam Link is installed on your Android TV, we have to set it up, read on to find out how to do just that.

Let’s now set up Steam Link and connect it to thehost PC. Follow the steps below to do so:

  1. The next screen will prompt you to connect a controller. You can connect a Steam controller, or a different Bluetooth controller if you want to. If you’ve already connected one by following our guide, just pressSkipfor now.

  2. Steam Link will now look forcomputersrunning the desktop client. If your PC is connected to the same Wi-Fi network (local network), you shall see it here. In our case, the PC was on another network. If that’s the case for you too, pressOther Computer.

  3. Whether you’re on the same or a different network, you will now get a PIN that you must enter on yourSteam Desktop Client.

  4. Go back to your PC and theRemote Play windowby going to Steam Settings.

  5. Press ‘Pair Steam Link‘ and you’ll see asmall dialog box. Enter your code here.

  6. Steam Link is now connected to your computer. You can confirm this by looking for your TV’s name underDevices.

Steam Link will now perform some tests like scanning your internet speed for optimal gameplay and will then show you the library.

Now that Steam Link is set up and ready to go, simply follow the steps below to play games from your library.

  1. You will then see another in-game menu that contains all the content for it.

  2. ChooseYour Gameand then choosePlay.

  3. Give it a few seconds and in no time you’ll be able to start playing your game. Our experience with playing Vanquish was identical to being on a computer. There was some input lag (delay) from the controller from time to time but was fixed automatically.

  4. Steam Link also offers in-game features to optimize your experience. Hold theSelectbutton on your Xbox Controller orShareButton on your Dualshock 4 to access it. From this menu, you can adjust settings such as thein-game volume, mic volume(select games), make your controller a cursor, and even access avirtual keyboardfor typing.

Congratulations, Steam Link is now set up and enabled on your Android TV. Go ahead and browse through your gallery and play any games from your PC that you want to. Just make sure it’s installed on your PC!

Besides letting you play your favorite Steam games on your Android TV, Steam Link has a few other features that make it an all-in-one solution for the web.

If you’re used to communicating with your friends while you’re gaming, Steam Link for Android has anembedded chatthat is identical to the desktop client. You can use it to text and type with your friends, set your online status, or even start a group chat.

For the ones who are too lazy to close the app and open a browser, Steam Link has you covered. The in-app browser is a pretty neat one. Using only your controller you can go to any website you wish. So browse away.

We hope this guide helped you in setting up Steam Link on your smart TV. Steam has long been known for its customer-friendly policies. Whether it’srefunding a game easilyor givingChrome OS Steam Support, the company has been exceptional. We hope your experience with Steam Link is amazing. Run into any problems? Let us know in the comments below.

Combining his love for Literature and Tech, Upanishad dived into the world of technology journalism with fire. Now he writes about anything and everything while keeping a keen eye on his first love of gaming. Often found chronically walking around the office.

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