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To use a controller with Steam Link on Android, install the Steam Link app, connect your phone or tablet to the same network as the computer running Steam, and pair a wireless controller through Android’s Bluetooth settings. Valve officially lists several supported controllers, but compatibility depends on the exact model; its DualShock 4 listing, for example, requires Android 9.0 or newer. The host computer must be on with Steam running, and Valve recommends a 5 GHz wireless router.
What you need before connecting
Steam Link streams games from a computer running Steam to your Android phone or tablet. The controller needs to connect to the Android device, and the app needs to find the host computer on the network. Check these requirements before troubleshooting a controller that does not respond:
- An Android phone or tablet running Android 5.0 or newer. Valve’s Android app requirements specify this minimum. The DualShock 4 has a higher, model-specific threshold: Valve lists it for Android 9.0 and higher.
- A host computer that is turned on and running Steam. Sign in to Steam and leave it running while you set up Steam Link.
- A shared network. Connect the Android device to the same network as the host PC. Valve’s Steam Link Android setup instructions say, “Ensure your phone is connected to the same network as your host PC.”
- The Steam Link app. Install it from the app store on the Android device and follow its on-screen setup.
- A controller that can connect to Android. Valve names specific supported devices, but says other devices may work without official support. If your controller is wireless, you will generally pair it using Android’s Bluetooth settings and the controller’s own pairing procedure.
Valve recommends a 5 GHz wireless router. That is a network recommendation, not a controller compatibility requirement: a controller can pair successfully while the phone still cannot find the host if the devices are not on the same network. Check the network and controller connection as separate parts of setup.
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- Start the host computer and Steam. Turn on the computer that will run the game, launch Steam, and sign in. Keep Steam running while you connect the Android device.
- Connect your Android device to the host’s network. Use the same network as the host PC. For best results, Valve recommends a 5 GHz wireless router. If the app cannot find the computer, verify the shared network before assuming the controller is the cause.
- Install and open Steam Link. Follow the app’s on-screen instructions to find and connect to the host computer. The Android device and the host need to be available on the same network for this setup.
- Pair a wireless controller with Android. Open Android’s Bluetooth settings, put the controller into its pairing or discovery mode, and select it when it appears. Turning the controller on is not always the same as making it discoverable. The button sequence varies by controller, so use that model’s instructions rather than assuming every controller uses the same chord.
- Return to Steam Link and test the controls. Check that movement and button presses register in the stream before starting a game. A controller appearing as connected in Android Bluetooth settings does not, by itself, confirm that it is working in Steam Link.
If you use a phone-mounted controller such as the Razer Kishi, check the exact variant and confirm that it physically fits your phone. A controller that attaches directly to a phone may use a different connection method from Bluetooth; follow its own instructions rather than looking for it in Bluetooth settings. Valve lists the Razer Kishi as supported, but the listing does not confirm fit for every phone or every Kishi variant.
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Keep the host connection and controller pairing distinct in your troubleshooting. Steam Link first needs to find the computer and establish the stream. The Android device then needs to receive controller input. If the host is not found, check the shared network and that Steam is running; if the stream starts but there is no input, check the controller pairing, its exact model, and any model-specific requirements.
Which controllers does Valve list as supported?
Valve’s Android app documentation names the following input devices. “Supported” here refers to Valve’s published Android Steam Link list; it does not mean that every controller from the same brand or product family is guaranteed to work. In particular, Valve lists the Xbox One S controller, not every Xbox controller, and the DualShock 4 entry has an Android 9.0 minimum.
| Controller | Valve’s Android Steam Link status | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Controller | Listed as supported | The discontinued 2015 model needs a separate BLE firmware update for Steam Link use; see the procedure below. |
| Microsoft Xbox One S Controller | Listed as supported | Confirm that you have the exact model and that it supports Bluetooth. The listing does not establish support for every Xbox controller. |
| Sony DualShock 4 | Listed for Android 9.0 and higher | Check the Android version before troubleshooting or choosing this controller. |
| Razer Kishi | Listed as supported | Check the exact variant and whether it physically fits your Android phone. |
| Razer Raiju Mobile | Listed as supported | Confirm the exact model and current availability. |
| Other controllers | May work, but are not all officially listed | Results can vary with the controller, Android version, and device; Valve does not guarantee unlisted devices. |
Use Valve’s Android controller list to check the published compatibility details. If you already own a controller, try it before buying another one: an unlisted device may work, but Valve does not guarantee it. The documentation does not make a blanket claim that all Bluetooth controllers, or every model from a listed manufacturer, will work.
If you are choosing a controller, compare the exact model against Valve’s list, check its pairing method, and verify any Android version requirement. For a controller that mounts to the phone, physical fit is an additional check. The Xbox One S Bluetooth controller is a clearly listed option, but verify the exact model and Bluetooth support before buying. The Razer Kishi is also listed, though you should confirm the particular variant and your phone fit. No price or current retailer availability is established by Valve’s support information.
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Pairing the discontinued 2015 Steam Controller
The discontinued 2015 Steam Controller needs Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) firmware to work with the Steam Link app. Its setup is different from simply holding a generic Bluetooth pairing button. Valve’s 2015 Steam Controller BLE instructions describe the required firmware update and pairing process. Valve says, “This feature is required to enjoy the Steam Link app, but may provide benefit in other use cases as well.”
- Use a Windows computer to update the controller. Download and run Valve’s BLE firmware update tool as described in its support instructions. This is a required step for using the older controller with Steam Link; do not skip straight to Android pairing.
- Put the updated controller into discovery mode. Valve specifies the Y + Steam button chord for the 2015 model.
- Open Bluetooth settings on Android. Select the Steam Controller when it appears in the available-device list.
- Return to Steam Link and test input. Confirm that the controller responds in the stream.
Do not use the 2015 model’s Y + Steam sequence as a universal pairing instruction. Valve provides separate support guidance for its newer 2026 Steam Controller, and the steps here apply only to the discontinued 2015 model. If this older controller does not appear after the firmware update, check that the update completed and that you have actually put it into discovery mode.
Fix common Bluetooth pairing problems
Valve’s Bluetooth troubleshooting distinguishes two common cases: the device does not appear in Bluetooth setup, or it appears but will not connect. Work through the matching steps first. Then check the Android version and exact model if the controller pairs but still does not work in the stream.
The controller does not appear in Bluetooth settings
- Confirm it is discoverable. Make sure the controller is in pairing or discovery mode. Waking it or turning it on may not be enough.
- Give Android a moment to find it. Keep the controller near the Android device while searching. Valve’s Bluetooth guidance says a discoverable device should appear after a few seconds.
- Use the correct model-specific sequence. Check the controller’s instructions for its pairing procedure. Do not apply the 2015 Steam Controller’s Y + Steam chord to other models.
See Valve’s Steam Link Bluetooth troubleshooting if it still does not appear. If the controller is a 2015 Steam Controller, also confirm that its BLE firmware update was completed before trying to pair it with Android.
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The controller appears but will not connect
- Charge it or replace its batteries. A low battery can prevent a successful connection.
- Check whether it pairs with another device. This can help distinguish a controller-side problem from an Android pairing problem. If it is connected to another device, disconnect it there before retrying.
- Remove the previous pairing. In Android Bluetooth settings, forget or remove the controller’s old pairing.
- Start discovery again and pair afresh. Put the controller back into pairing mode and select it from Android’s device list.
These recovery steps follow Valve’s Bluetooth troubleshooting guidance. Retrying the same connection without clearing an old pairing may not resolve the problem; remove the previous entry and begin the pairing process again.
A DualShock 4 does not pair
First check the Android version: Valve lists DualShock 4 support for Android 9.0 and higher. Valve’s Steam Link help procedure for a PS4 controller is to hold PS + Share until the controller flashes, select Wireless Controller from the Bluetooth device list, and press A to pair. The instructions come from Valve’s Steam Link PS4 controller pairing help. Android wording and behavior may differ, so the displayed labels or final interaction may not exactly match Valve’s general help instructions.
It connects to Android but does not work in the stream
- Test it in Steam Link. Return to the stream and test controls; a Bluetooth connection alone does not prove that the input is reaching Steam Link.
- Check the active connection. Confirm that the controller is still connected to the Android device and has not remained connected or reconnected to another device.
- Verify the exact model and OS version. Compare the controller against Valve’s Android support list. Confirm Android 9.0 or newer for a DualShock 4, and do not assume support for every Xbox controller from the Xbox One S listing.
- Check model-specific firmware needs. The discontinued 2015 Steam Controller requires the BLE firmware update for Steam Link use.
If you have checked those details and the controller still does not work, Valve’s documentation says unlisted devices may work without official support; it does not guarantee compatibility across all controllers or Android devices. Recheck the exact controller model and its instructions before treating it as a general Steam Link problem.
Choosing a controller for your setup
Check four things before buying or troubleshooting: whether Valve lists the exact model for Android Steam Link, how it pairs, whether your Android version meets any stated requirement, and whether the controller physically fits your phone if it mounts to the device.
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- Published support: The Xbox One S controller, DualShock 4, Steam Controller, Razer Kishi, and Razer Raiju Mobile appear on Valve’s Android list. That list is specific; it does not guarantee every controller from a brand or family.
- Pairing path: Many wireless controllers use Android Bluetooth settings, but the 2015 Steam Controller first needs Valve’s BLE firmware update. A phone-mounted accessory such as a Kishi may use a different physical connection, so follow its instructions.
- Android version: Steam Link requires Android 5.0 or newer, while Valve’s DualShock 4 listing specifies Android 9.0 and higher. Check the requirement for the actual controller rather than relying only on the app minimum.
- Physical fit and exact variant: For a mounted controller, confirm that the model fits the phone. For a listed wireless controller, verify the exact model and Bluetooth capability, especially when identifying an Xbox One S controller.
The Xbox One S controller is explicitly listed, but that is not a blanket compatibility claim for all Xbox models. A DualShock 4 has a clear Android 9.0 minimum in Valve’s list. The 2015 Steam Controller has an extra firmware step, while an unlisted model may work without official support. If you already own a controller, testing it is reasonable; if buying one, verify the exact model and relevant requirements first.
Valve’s support material provides setup requirements and troubleshooting steps, not a named statistic or price comparison. Check current model availability and pricing separately if you are shopping; neither should be inferred from a support listing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
What Android version do I need for Steam Link?
Valve’s Android app requirements specify Android 5.0 or newer. The DualShock 4 has a higher model-specific requirement: Valve lists it for Android 9.0 and higher.
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Does Steam Link on Android support every Bluetooth controller?
No. Valve lists the Steam Controller, Microsoft Xbox One S Controller, DualShock 4 (Android 9.0 and higher), Razer Kishi, and Razer Raiju Mobile. Other devices may work, but Valve does not officially guarantee every model.
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How do I pair a controller with Steam Link on Android?
Connect the Android device to the same network as the computer running Steam, set up Steam Link, then pair a wireless controller in Android Bluetooth settings using that controller’s pairing procedure. Return to Steam Link and test the controls in the stream.
Why does my controller appear in Bluetooth settings but not work in Steam Link?
Check that it is still connected to Android and has not connected to another device, then test input in the stream. Verify the exact controller model and Android version against Valve’s list. The discontinued 2015 Steam Controller also requires its BLE firmware update.
How do I pair the discontinued 2015 Steam Controller?
Valve requires a BLE firmware update for Steam Link use. Run Valve’s BLE firmware update tool on Windows, put the updated controller in discovery mode with the Y + Steam chord, and select it in Android Bluetooth settings. This sequence is for the 2015 model only.
What should I try if my controller will not connect?
Charge it or replace its batteries, check whether it pairs with another device, forget the old pairing in Android Bluetooth settings, then put it back in discovery mode and pair again.
The Bottom Line
For Android Steam Link, first meet the app requirements: Android 5.0 or newer, a host PC with Steam running, and the phone on the same network. Pair wireless controllers through Android Bluetooth settings, but check Valve’s exact model list and any extra requirement—especially Android 9.0 for DualShock 4 and BLE firmware for the discontinued 2015 Steam Controller. Test input in the stream, not just in Bluetooth settings.
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