Available for multiple devices such as TV, smartphone, or tablet, Steam Link is a free application created with the purpose of improving your gaming experience.
It also supports Bluetooth control. Using it will allow you to try out different types of these devices such as the Steam Controller, and many popular keyboards, mice, and controllers.
Steam Link Many gamers use it. Does Steam Link have input lag? That’s what certain users have in mind.
Most of them have already experienced slower playing times and discussed on Steam forums how the Steam Link app slow connection issues manifest:
I have played lots of games on my Steam Link, but I have input lag in almost every game, which is very troublesome. I have both my computer and my Steam Link on a wired connection (not wireless). What should I do?
You will always experience some latency or lag when using Steam Link because the games you play are loaded and played from the computer.
We know every user wants to have a great experience and enjoy his favorite games on a bigger screen. You’re no exception to that.
This is the reason why we have verified the Steam Link input lag issue and prepared four quick solutions. Feel free to check them out by reading the next section of this guide.
How to optimize the Steam Link input lag?
1. Connect to a wired network using the Ethernet cable
- At first, use an Ethernet cable to connect the Steam Link to your router.
- Connect the gaming PC to your router using an Ethernet cable (make sure to use a newer and faster router).
By connecting the gaming PC to your router, you will ensure a good performance for your game streaming.
The standard Ethernet cable is the best accessory to use for wired connections, especially when you use Steam Link. You will experience poor performance with your Ethernet connection if you have an old router.
Need more details on how to connect Steam Link to PC? You can find this guide right away!
2. Connect to a 5 GHz wireless network
Do not hesitate to connect both your gaming PC and Steam Link to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. Also, make sure to use a router that supports 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
You can try this solution too as the wireless Internet connection is a proper means to decrease the Steam Link input lag. Consider that the 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection is without a doubt superior to a 2.4 GHz one.
To fully benefit from its advantages, make sure you are not using a router that doesn’t support 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
Your wireless connection may be weaker compared to a wired one, but its strength will depend on two factors: your general setup, and the games you play.
Nonetheless, the duration of your Steam Link input lag should decrease.
Steam Link It is compatible with 802.11n but also with the 802.11ac standard. The latter is the ideal standard if you want to use a reliable wireless Internet connection.
3. Modify your PC’s streaming options
- Open Steam and click on Settings.
- Choose In-Home Streaming.
- Click on Advanced Host Options.
- Check all Enable hardware encoding boxes.
The boxes from the Enable hardware encoding are set to default. By checking them, you will ensure maximum performance for your device and make Steam Link display latency issues a thing of the past.
If Steam Link is not going full screen, as many users claim these days, just check out this dedicated guide, and will be able to solve the problem.
4. Change Steam Link’s streaming settings
- Open Steam Link and navigate to the Settings menu.
- Select Streaming Setup.
- Select Fast.
Steam Link Choose Fast. The default setting for the device is to use the Balanced option. Choose Fast if you have encountered poor performance.
Select Beautiful if you have good performance and verify if you benefit from an increased picture quality and only a few delay moments.
These simple settings should actually prevent all Steam Link input lag wired issues.
Isn’t Steam Link working as it should at this point? Find more ways to fix it.
Steam Link is a free application used by many users to try out their favorite games on a bigger screen. If you are one of them, there are chances you may have experienced the Steam Link app lag.
Here are some quick ways to do this. Connect to a wired or wireless network using a performant router, modify the streaming options from your computer or change the Steam Link settings.
FAQ:
Q: What is Steam link lag, and how does it affect gaming?
A: Steam link lag is the delay between the input from your controller or keyboard and the output on your screen when you stream games from your PC to another device using Steam Link. It can affect your gaming experience by making it harder to react, aim, or perform precise actions.
Q: What are some common causes of steam link lag?
A: Some common causes of Steam link lag are poor network connection, interference from other devices, outdated software or hardware, incompatible settings, or high CPU or GPU usage.
Q: How can I check my network connection to reduce Steam link lag?
A: You can check your network connection by using the network test feature in the Steam Link app or by running a speed test on your PC and your streaming device. You should aim for a low ping, high bandwidth, and low packet loss. You should also use a wired connection whenever possible or a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network if not.
Q: How can I optimize my software and hardware to reduce steam link lag?
A: You can optimize your software and hardware by updating your drivers, firmware, and operating systems, closing any unnecessary programs or background processes, lowering your game settings and resolution, and using hardware encoding and decoding if supported.
We hope you will enjoy some captivating gaming sessions using the Steam device, and please leave us a comment about the efficiency of our solutions in the comments section.
