How to reduce input lag on Steam Link [4 simple steps]

Publish date: 2024-06-23

Several Steam Link input lag issues are often caused by the lack of a newer and faster router.
Keep this aspect in mind when trying to solve them. Also, make sure to use a router that supports 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
To get precise results, refer to the below procedure and modify your PC’s streaming options too.
You may even change Steam Link’s streaming settings to make sure that all Steam Link app latency issues are gone.

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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.

Moreover, it 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 is widely used by lots of gamers. 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. If you use a very old router, this will cause a bad performance in your Ethernet connection.

Need more details on how to connect Steam Link to PC? Check out this quick 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.

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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 functions with 802.11n, but it is also compatible 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 has a setup composed of three options: Fast, Balanced, and Beautiful. The device has the Balanced option set as default. 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? Check out more tips and set things right once again.

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.

We recommend a few quick solutions in this regard. Connect to a wired or wireless network using a performant router, modify the streaming options from your computer or change the Steam Link settings.

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.