How many people use Steam Link?

The number of Steam Link users is not publicly disclosed by Valve, but we can look at the app’s installed base on Google Play, which shows that the app has nearly 1.9 million downloads, with 22 percent of these downloads originating from the United States, and total U.S. installs of both the iOS and Android version standing at an estimated 430,000 to date. With the Steam Link allowing users to stream games from their Steam Library to other devices, such as a TV or phone, it has become a popular choice among gamers, offering a convenient way to play PC games on different devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. Do Steam links still work in 2023?: Yes, Steam links still work in 2023, although Valve announced that the Steam Link app will no longer be available on Samsung TV after November 30th, 2023.
2. Is Steam Link obsolete?: No, Steam Link is not obsolete, as Valve discontinued the Steam Link hardware device in favor of supporting its software-based Steam Link application for mobile devices and smart televisions.
3. Can multiple people use Steam Link?: Yes, multiple people can use Steam Link, with the option to authorize Family Library Sharing on up to 10 devices at a given time, and for up to 5 accounts that may then use your game library on any of your authorized computers.

Technical Requirements

4. Is Steam Link WiFi only?: No, Steam Link is not WiFi only, as it can connect to any computer that’s running Steam – either on a local network or over the internet, with recommended connections including 5G, WiFi, or a wired ethernet connection.
5. How does Steam Link work so well?: Steam Link is powered by Remote Play technologies, which deliver real-time video encoding over a custom low-latency network protocol, sending video and audio from your gaming PC to another device.
6. Can Steam Link do 4K?: Yes, Steam Link can do 4K, with a target resolution of 1080p at 60 frames per second over a 5 GHz network, and the possibility to stream 4K at 60 FPS with a powerful gaming rig, a wired network, and a capable client device.

Performance and Quality

7. Why is Steam Link so laggy?: An unstable network connection is the main reason for Steam Link audio lag, which can be avoided by connecting to a wired network using an Ethernet cable.
8. Is Steam Link capped at 60 fps?: No, Steam Link is not capped at 60 fps, as it can stream 4K at 60 FPS with the right equipment and network connection.
9. How many Mbps do I need for Steam Link?: The recommended Mbps for Steam Link can start at 3 Mbit/s and be increased until you start getting hitches, then dropped back down.

Compatibility and Safety

10. Can I play all games on Steam Link?: Almost all Steam games can be played streaming between your own computers, with some games supporting Remote Play Together or being identified as good games for streaming to devices using the Steam Link app.
11. Is Steam Link on Xbox?: Yes, Steam Link is available on Xbox, with the option to link your Steam account to your Xbox account and play Steam games on your Xbox.
12. Are Steam install links safe?: Yes, Steam install links are safe, as Steam is a legitimate Games Store owned by Valve, and the official website is www.steampowered.com.

Troubleshooting and Optimization

13. Why can’t I hear sound on Steam Link?: Make sure that audio streaming has been enabled in your Steam Link streaming settings, and check your streaming settings to resolve any issues.
14. How do I make my Steam Link less laggy?: Use a wired network connection to avoid Steam Link audio lag, and optimize your network by choosing the 5 GHz WiFi band and using a router that supports the 802.11ac protocol.
15. What else can you do with a Steam Link?: Steam Link allows you to extend your Steam gaming experience to your mobile device, TV, or another PC, with the option to join games hosted on a friend’s PC using Remote Play Together.