Wondering how to play PC games on phone without buying a new device? Stream them: your PC or a cloud server does the heavy lifting, and your phone shows the picture and sends your taps.
This guide is part of our gaming section.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Steam Link on iPhone: minimum iOS | iOS 11.0 or higher |
| Steam Link network rule | Phone on the same local network as the PC running Steam |
| GeForce NOW speed for HD at up to 60 FPS | 15 Mbps |
| GeForce NOW speed for FHD at 60 FPS | 25 Mbps |
| Sunshine role | Self-hosted game stream host for Moonlight |
Figures come from the Steam Link App Store listing and NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW requirements page. They can change, so check the source before you rely on them.
The idea: your phone is a screen, not the computer
A PC game will not install and run natively on a phone. Phone chips and operating systems are built differently, so the practical route is streaming.
The game runs somewhere else, and compressed video travels to your phone. Your touch or controller input travels back. If you want the background, read about what is cloud gaming.
There are two families of methods:
- Stream from your own PC: Steam Link or Sunshine with Moonlight.
- Stream from a company’s server: a cloud service such as GeForce NOW.
Method 1: Steam Link for your Steam library
Valve’s Steam Link app is free and brings your Steam games to a phone or tablet. The App Store listing says to pair a controller, connect to a computer running Steam on the same local network, and start playing.
According to that listing, the iPhone or iPad needs iOS 11.0 or higher, and the computer can run Windows, Mac, or Linux. The iOS device must be on the same local network as the computer.
The steps are short:
- Install Steam Link on your phone and leave Steam running on the PC.
- Open the app and pick your computer when it appears.
- Enter the PIN the phone shows into the prompt on the PC.
- Choose a game and start playing.
The same listing advises connecting your computer by Ethernet to a 5GHz Wi-Fi router, and putting the phone on the 5GHz band. A guide at Make Tech Easier suggests 480p on a 2.4 GHz network and 720p on a 5 GHz network as a baseline.
Method 2: Sunshine and Moonlight for any game on your PC
Steam Link focuses on Steam. If you want games from other launchers too, Sunshine is a free option. Its documentation says: “Sunshine is a self-hosted game stream host for Moonlight.”
You install Sunshine on the PC and the Moonlight app on your phone, then pair them with a PIN. The same documentation says you can connect from any Moonlight client on a variety of devices.
Expect more tinkering than with Steam Link. You may need to set up the host, tune the bitrate, and check your graphics card is supported, so read the project’s requirements list first.
Method 3: A cloud service such as GeForce NOW
No gaming PC at home? A cloud service runs the game on its own hardware. Your phone only needs a decent connection.
NVIDIA’s requirements page lists 15 Mbps for HD resolutions at up to 60 FPS and 25 Mbps for FHD resolutions at 60 FPS. Higher resolutions and frame rates need more, up to 65 Mbps for 5K at 120 FPS.
Frame rate matters for how smooth this feels. If the term is new, see what is fps in gaming for a plain explanation.
Cloud services usually offer a limited catalogue or require you to own the games on supported stores. Check the service’s own game list before subscribing.
Which method should you pick?
- Steam library and a gaming PC at home: start with Steam Link, which needs a computer running Steam on the same local network as your phone.
- Games from several launchers, and you like tweaking: try Sunshine with Moonlight.
- No capable PC and a strong connection: a cloud service avoids the hardware question entirely.
Home streaming is usually the cheapest, because you already own the PC. Cloud streaming works away from home but depends on your connection.
Think about where you will actually play. On the sofa at home, local streaming gives the most stable picture. On a commute or at a friend’s house, your home PC is out of reach unless you set up remote access, which adds complexity and security questions.
It also helps to be honest about the game type. Slow-paced adventures, racing games with controller support and turn-based titles forgive a little delay. Fast shooters and rhythm games show every extra millisecond, so test one before you commit to a method.
Common problems and quick fixes
Network quality matters for streaming, so these checks are a sensible place to start.
- Blurry picture: raise the bitrate or resolution limit in the app, but only if your Wi-Fi can carry it.
- Stuttering or freezing: move closer to the router, switch the phone to the 5GHz band, or wire the PC to the router with Ethernet.
- Input lag: lower the resolution first, then the frame rate.
- PC not showing up: confirm both devices share the same network and that Steam or Sunshine is running on the PC.
- Controller not recognised: pair it in your phone’s Bluetooth settings before opening the streaming app.
Battery is another cost. Streaming keeps the screen, Wi-Fi and video decoder busy, so a long session drains a phone quickly. Plug in for anything longer than a short play.
What you need before you start
A short checklist saves a lot of frustration later. Gather these before installing anything.
- A phone or tablet with a recent operating system and enough battery for your session.
- A gaming controller that connects over Bluetooth, or a clip that holds your phone.
- A reliable network: a good router for home streaming, or a fast connection for cloud play.
- The games themselves, owned on the store or launcher you plan to stream from.
Once these are ready, you can follow the steps for whichever of the three methods suits you.
Staying safe and legal
Only stream games you own or have a licence to play. Streaming your own copy to your own phone is a different thing from using pirated software, and this guide covers only the former.
Keep your PC and apps updated, use strong passwords on any streaming account, and avoid opening your home network to the internet unless you understand the risk. Pairing PINs exist for a reason, so do not share them.
This site is independent and educational. It is not affiliated with Valve, NVIDIA, LizardByte or any other company named here, and it does not sell services or take enquiries.
Tips for a smoother experience
- Use a controller. Touch overlays work for simple games, but most PC titles expect a gamepad or keyboard.
- Use 5GHz Wi-Fi. Wired PC plus 5GHz phone is the setup Valve’s listing recommends.
- Lower the resolution first. Drop resolution before frame rate when the picture stutters.
- Stay close to the router. Walls and distance add lag.
- Pick games built for a pad. Strategy games with tiny menus are hard on a small screen.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install PC games directly on my phone?
Show answer
Not in the normal sense. PC games are built for a different system, so streaming is the practical way to play them.
Is Steam Link free?
Show answer
The App Store listing shows Steam Link as free, as of the listing we fetched. Your games still need to be owned on Steam.
Do I need a fast internet connection?
Show answer
For home streaming you mainly need a good local Wi-Fi network. For cloud streaming, NVIDIA’s page lists 15 Mbps for HD at up to 60 FPS.
Do I need a controller?
Show answer
It is not required, but it is strongly recommended. The Steam Link listing itself suggests pairing a controller before you start.
