How to play Steam games on iPhone

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Apple Previously Rejected Steam Link
How to Play Steam Games on Your iPhone or iPad
Is the Steam Link App Worth Installing?
What you need to know
Setup process
How to play Steam games on iOS without PC?
Can you play Steam games on mobile without PC?
Can you link Steam with iOS?

You can now get the Steam Link app for iOS and tvOS, allowing you to play Steam games on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV.

You can now download the Steam Link app for iOS and tvOS, allowing you to play Steam games on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. Which is good news for anyone with a collection of Steam games and a desire to play them in bed. Which is surely everyone, right?

Apple Previously Rejected Steam Link

In May 2018, Valve released the Steam Link app for Android. The company also tried to release the Steam Link app on iOS, but Apple rejected it because of alleged "business conflicts". Valve appealed the decision, but Apple denied the appeal.

One year later, in May 2019, Valve and Apple resolved their differences. So the Steam Link app is now available on the App Store. It isn't clear what prompted Apple's change of heart, but it's likely Valve changed the app in order to get it approved.

Related: How to Send Digital Steam Gift Cards to Friends

How to Play Steam Games on Your iPhone or iPad

Steam Link is easy to download and install. And once set up, the Steam Link app lets you stream your collection of Steam games from your PC to other devices on the same network. And that includes Apple devices including the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.

As good as mobile games can be, they simply cannot compete with big-budget PC games in terms of storyline and scope. Which is what makes the idea of being able to play PC games on a smartphone or tablet such a compelling prospect.

There are some prerequisites. You'll need to have a computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) running Steam, an iPhone or iPad running iOS 10 or higher, and a fast and reliable internet connection. You'll also want a Steam controller or MFI controller.

If you have all of those things---as well as an existing collection of Steam games ripe for playing on your mobile device---the Steam Link app is a worthy download. Especially if you want a break from having to sit at your PC to play video games.

Download: Steam Link for iOS and tvOS

Is the Steam Link App Worth Installing?

While we don't have a guide to using Steam Link on iOS, we have previously detailed how to play Steam games on Android using Steam Link. Which may prove useful. However, bear in mind that there are reasons the Steam Link app isn't worth bothering with.

After a delay that lasted a full year, Valve recently released the iOS version of its Steam Link app in the App Store. The app was originally set for release in early 2018, but Apple ultimately rejected the app, postponing its launch. Steam Link ($160 at Amazon) allows you to play games in your Steam library on your iPhone ($290 at eBay) or iPad ($190 at Amazon) as if you were gaming on your computer.

It's a nifty solution for those who want to get in one more match of the full PUBG experience, but like the portability that an iPhone or iPad brings to the table. You'll need to do a little work to get it all set up, but it's worth it if you just can't get enough gaming in your life.

What you need to know

Steam Link is a straightforward service, with little setup or requirements, but nonetheless, there are some things you'll need to know before you get started:

You will need to be logged into your Steam account on a computer that's on the same local network as your iPhone or iPad.
Valve recommends the computer either have an Ethernet or 5GHz Wi-Fi connection.
Your iPhone or iPad should also be on the same 5GHz connection.
You'll need a Steam controller or a MFi wireless controller for the best experience. You can use touch controls, but it's not recommended. Pair the controller to your iOS device before you setup Steam Link.

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Setup process

Start by installing Steam Link on your iOS device.
Once Steam Link has found nearby computers, select your personal device.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
With your computer and iOS device on the same local network, and a controller paired to your phone or tablet, open the Steam Link app.
The app will begin scanning your local network for a Steam library. After a few seconds, you'll see which computer(s) have been found. Tap on your computer.
Enter the four-digit PIN shown by your iOS device on your computer.
Steam Link will run a speed test to ensure your device and computer have a strong connection.

Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

Tap Start Playing.

Steam will then launch a touch-friendly version of the Steam app, where you can then browse your library and launch a game. Audio will play through your iPhone or iPad, not your computer, but whatever you see on your mobile device, will also be shown on the computer's display.

How to play Steam games on iOS without PC?

The remote access software AnyViewer could be the best choice for you. It supports remote connection over the Internet, which means you can play PC games anywhere on your iPad without a PC.

Can you play Steam games on mobile without PC?

There is a software called Steam Link that is designed for screaming Steam games, which allows you to play Steam games on mobile devices without a PC. The limitations are that both your devices should be connected to the same network and it requires strong Internet.