Is Steam Available for LG Smart TV? The Complete Guide
Steam is one of the most popular digital game distribution platforms, offering thousands of games from various developers and publishers. With Steam Link, you can stream games from your PC to other devices like smart TVs. This allows you to play your Steam library on the big screen without needing a powerful gaming PC connected directly to the TV.
Many LG smart TV owners wonder if they can install Steam Link on their LG TVs. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about getting Steam Link on an LG smart TV.
Steam Link Overview
Steam Link is an application developed by Valve that allows you to stream games from a PC running Steam to other devices over a home network. It works by connecting a host PC running Steam to a client device like a smart TV via Ethernet or 5GHz WiFi.
The host computer runs the games, encoding the video which is sent over the network to the client. The client then decodes the video and displays it on the screen. Any controller inputs on the client are sent back to the host, allowing two-way control.
This allows you to play your Steam games on devices like smart TVs, without needing the power of a gaming PC built into the TV itself. Only the host PC needs the performance to run the games at high settings.
Some key things to know about Steam Link:
– It streams games, not the entire Steam client interface. You browse and launch games from the host PC.
– You need the Steam client running on a host Windows, Mac, SteamOS or Linux PC or Steam Deck.
– The client device needs the Steam Link app installed. This is available on some smart TVs, Android TV boxes, phones, tablets and Raspberry Pi.
– Both devices must be connected to the same home network, ideally via Ethernet for minimum latency.
Does LG Smart TV Support Steam Link App?
Unfortunately, LG‘s smart TV platform webOS does not have an official Steam Link app available. Unlike some other smart TV platforms like Android TV, LG does not allow sideloading random Android apps.
Without an official app, there is no way to directly install Steam Link on an LG TV. So streaming Steam games natively is not possible out of the box on LG sets.
However, all hope is not lost. There are a couple of potential workarounds to get Steam gaming on your LG TV, which we‘ll cover. But first, let‘s look at some LG streaming options that are available.
Native LG TV Streaming Options
While Steam Link isn‘t directly available, recent LG smart TVs do support some cloud gaming options:
– **Nvidia GeForce Now** – LG smart TVs have an app for Nvidia‘s GeForce Now service. This streams games from Nvidia‘s cloud rather than your own PC. You can link your Steam library and play many of your games through GeForce Now. Performance and selection may vary.
– **Google Stadia** – The Stadia app allows cloud gaming through Google‘s platform. You can purchase and play Stadia games directly on the LG TV.
– **Xbox Cloud Gaming** – Microsoft‘s cloud gaming platform lets Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers stream hundreds of games. The Xbox app is available on LG TVs.
So while you can‘t stream your PC‘s local Steam library, you can access portions of it on LG TVs through Nvidia and Xbox‘s cloud gaming offerings.
Using Steam Link on LG TV Workarounds
If you want to stream games directly from your gaming PC rather than via the cloud, there are a couple of potential workarounds for LG TVs:
**Mirror Computer Screen**
You can mirror your computer display to the LG TV using wireless screen mirroring protocols like Miracast or Intel WiDi. Both Windows and MacOS include built-in support for this.
Here are the steps:
1. Connect your computer and LG TV to the same WiFi network.
2. On your computer, enable screen mirroring. On Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Projecting to this PC. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Displays > AirPlay Display.
3. On the LG TV, select the Screen Share or Smart Share app and choose your computer from the list of available devices.
4. Mirror your computer display over to the TV. Make sure Steam Big Picture mode is running.
The downside is potential lag due to video encoding/decoding. Also, the computer monitors must stay on.
**Use Another Streaming Device**
Another option is using a dedicated streaming device connected to the LG TV, rather than the TV‘s internal apps. For example:
– **Android TV Box** – Install Steam Link app on box. Connect box to LG TV via HDMI. Stream Steam games to the Android box which displays on the TV. Can add wireless controller support. Generally low latency.
– **Raspberry Pi** – Install Steam Link on a Raspberry Pi connected to the LG TV via HDMI. Requires some tech savvy but makes a low cost, low lag streaming solution. Add Bluetooth for controllers.
– **Steam Deck** – Connect the Steam Deck directly to an LG TV via USB-C to HDMI cable. Offers a compact and affordable way to stream Steam games in Big Picture mode.
These options provide lower latency versus screen mirroring, and allow turning off the host computer monitors during play. But they require extra hardware.
Step-by-Step Guide to Streaming Steam Games on an LG TV
Based on the workarounds mentioned above, here are two step-by-step guides to streaming Steam games on your LG smart TV.
Method 1: Using Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is an extremely convenient and compact Steam streaming device from Valve themselves. Here is how to use it with an LG TV:
1. Purchase a Steam Deck if you don‘t already have one, or borrow from a friend.
2. Connect the Steam Deck to your LG TV‘s HDMI port using a USB-C to HDMI cable.
3. On the Steam Deck, go to the Quick Settings by swiping down from the top. Enable "Docked Mode" which will output to the external display.
4. Launch Steam and enter Big Picture Mode by pressing the Steam button.
5. On your LG TV, switch to the HDMI input that the Steam Deck is connected to. You should see the Steam Deck UI.
6. Pair Bluetooth controllers to the Steam Deck if desired. Xbox, Playstation, Switch Pro and Steam controllers are compatible.
7. From Steam Big Picture mode, browse your library and launch games to play them on your LG TV!
The Steam Deck essentially acts as a standalone Steam Link, streaming from its local hardware rather than another PC. Quality and performance is excellent thanks to the direct HDMI connection. The Steam Deck handles all of the processing; no other PC required!
One downside is the Steam Deck‘s smaller internal storage. You may need external SSD storage for larger game libraries. But for casual streaming, it provides an easy plug-and-play experience.
Method 2: Using Raspberry Pi
For a lower cost and more DIY approach, a Raspberry Pi makes an affordable Steam Link alternative:
1. Get a Raspberry Pi starter kit with a Pi 3B or 4, case, power supply, MicroSD card and HDMI cable.
2. Install Raspberry Pi OS on the MicroSD card.
3. Connect the Pi to your LG TV via HDMI.
4. Connect the Pi via Ethernet to your local network for best performance. Alternatively use 5GHz WiFi.
5. Boot up the Pi and install the Steam Link app from the official repository:
`sudo apt install steamlink`
6. Pair Bluetooth controllers to the Pi like Xbox gamepads if desired.
7. Launch the Steam Link app. It will search for and connect to your PC running Steam.
8. On your PC, launch Steam Big Picture. Your Steam library should show on the Pi and stream to the connected LG TV.
9. Browse and launch games from your PC‘s Steam library to play them on the LG TV!
The Pi acts as a cheap standalone Steam Link to stream from your gaming PC to the TV. Video quality is excellent via native HDMI output. Some tinkering is required during setup, but it makes for a very affordable streaming solution.
Extra Tips for Streaming Steam to LG Smart TV
Here are some additional tips for optimizing Steam Link streaming from your PC to an LG smart TV:
– For minimal lag, connect both your PC and streaming client via Ethernet if possible. This provides higher bandwidth and lower latency than WiFi.
– Set resolution to 1080p on Steam Link for best results. This matches the resolution of most TVs. Lower resolution if you notice latency.
– Bitrate can be adjusted in Steam Link settings. 15-30 Mbps is recommended for 1080p/60fps streaming.
– Use 5GHz WiFi if unable to connect via Ethernet. 5GHz has greater bandwidth than 2.4GHz. Make sure the PC and TV connect to the same 5GHz network.
– Adjust in-game video settings for faster streaming. Limit FPS to 60, lower antialiasing and other demanding effects.
– Move your router closer to the streaming devices for improved WiFi, or connect via Powerline Ethernet adapters.
– For miracast mirroring, use the 5GHz hotspot from your phone or a dedicated wireless router if possible. 2.4GHz has high latency.
– Close other network-heavy apps during streaming on both devices like video streaming, downloads, etc.
– Check your network quality using tools like Fing to identify signal issues.
Optimizing your home network is key to smooth Steam Link game streaming. When set up properly, you can enjoy your Steam library on the big screen of an LG smart TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about using Steam Link with LG smart TVs:
**Does LG have its own Steam app?**
No. LG smart TVs run webOS which does not support the Steam Link app directly. You need to use a workaround like a Steam Deck or Raspberry Pi instead.
**Can I use Steam Remote Play Together on an LG TV?**
Unfortunately not directly, since LG TVs can‘t run the Steam Link app. But if streaming through a device like a Steam Deck, Remote Play Together is supported.
**Do I need a gaming PC for Steam Link?**
Yes, Steam Link streams games from an existing gaming PC. The PC runs the games while Steam Link displays the video on another device like a TV. Without a host PC, Steam Link won‘t work.
**Can I use a PS5 or Xbox Series X with Steam Link?**
No, Steam Link only works with Windows PCs, Macs, Steam Deck and Linux systems. Consoles do not support the Steam client or streaming Steam games.
**Does Steam Link work over the internet?**
No, Steam Link is designed for in-home game streaming over a local network. Internet streaming is not supported. Services like Moonlight can add internet streaming capability.
**Can I stream non-Steam games?**
Steam Link itself only streams Steam games. But apps like Moonlight add capability to stream other PC games and apps outside of Steam.
While LG smart TVs don‘t directly support Steam Link functionality, with a bit of effort you can stream your favorite Steam games to the living room TV. Solutions like the Steam Deck or Raspberry Pi provide affordable ways to play PC games in Big Picture mode on your LG display.
