By Hester / Last Updated January 11, 2023

How do I fix Steam Remote Play couldn't connect to the remote computer?

 

Hi, my Remote Play couldn’t connect to the remote computer. Every time my friends try to join my game through Steam Remote Play, it keeps loading and then the error appears on their computer ‘Could not connect to remote computer’. Anyone with the same problem or know how to solve?”

- Question from Steam Forum

Remote Play Error

How to fix Steam Remote Play failed to connect [7 solutions]

The Steam Remote Play feature allows users to play Steam games on a phone, tablet, or TV with the Steam Link app. It is also used to play Steam games remotely when logged into Steam on another computer.

However, the Steam Remote Play error in connection has recently been affecting many users, if you also encounter Remote Play not working, here are the solutions.

Solution 1. Update Steam client and game

There are several potential causes for the Remote Play feature to stop working, but the most common ones are using an outdated Steam client version or an outdated game. Updating the Steam client and game may fix the issue.

Step 1. Launch the Steam client and click Steam in the menu bar, and click Check for Steam Client Updates in the drop-down menu.

Check for Steam Client Updates

Step 2. If an update is available, Steam will download and install it automatically. Click Restart Steam when prompted.

Restart Steam

Step 3. To update a game, right-click it and click Properties.

Game Properties

Step 4. Select Updates on the left pane, and click Always keep this game updated under AUTOMATIC UPDATES.

Automatic Updates

Step 5. Click Betas from the left pane and select None.

None Betas

Solution 2. Stop using Steam beta client

You may encounter the Remote Play error if you are a participant in the beta program of the Steam client. Here is how to stop using Beta client.

Step 1. On Steam main interface, click Steam > Settings.

Steam Settings

Step 2. Click Account, and click CHANGE under Beta participation.

Change Beta Partition

Step 3. Select None - Opt out of all beta programs and press OK.

None Opt Out of All Beta Programs

Step 4. Restart Steam when prompted.

Solution 3. Disable and re-enable Remote Play

The Remote Play failed to connect could be a result of a temporary glitch in Steam modules. The glitch can be cleared by disabling and then enabling the Remote Play in the settings of the Steam client.

Step 1. On the Steam main interface, click Steam > Settings.

Step 2. Click Remote Play from the left pane, and uncheck the Enable Remote Play option.

Disable Remote Play

Step 3. Restart your computer, return to Settings to Enable Remote Play.

Solution 4. Disable hardware decoding in Steam

The issue “Remote Play couldn’t connect to the remote computer” may arise if the hardware encoding mechanism of your host or guest system/GPU is hindering in the operation of Steam Remote Play. Follow the steps to disable hardware decoding in Steam.

Step 1. Go to Steam Settings.

Step 2. Click Remote Play, and click ADVANCED CLIENT OPTIONS.

Remote Play Advanced Options

Step 3. Uncheck Enable hardware decoding option and click OK.

Disable Hardware Decoding

Solution 5. Disable other network connections

Steam Remote Play has a known bug if your host/guest systems have more than one network connection. In this scenario, disabling other network connections may solve it.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.

Network and Internet

Step 2. Click Change adapter options.

Change Adapter Options

Step 3. Right-click any of the adapters that you are not using to Disable it.

Disable Network Connection

Step 4. Restart computer to check whether the issue is fixed.

Solution 6. Force IP Address change

The Steam client may fail if there is an IP refresh between your device. In this case, renewing the IP addresses may solve the system.

Step 1. Press Win + R, enter “cmd”, and hit OK.

Run Box CMD

Step 2. Type in the following commands and press Enter one by one.

  • ipconfig /release
  • ipconfig /renew

IP Release and Renew

Step 3. Check if Remote Play is working, if not, press Win + R and enter “steam://open/console”.

Steam Open Console

Step 4. In the Steam console, type in “connect_remote [Host's IP address]:27036”, and press Enter.

Steam Console

Solution 7. Disable IPv6

Many of the systems, routers, applications, etc. may fail to adapt to the IPV6, therefore, disabling IPV6 of the network connection may solve the problem.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet, and click Change adapter options.

Step 2. Double-click your current network connection and click Properties.

Properties

Step 3. Locate and uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6, and then click OK.

Ethernet Properties

Bonus tip: How to remotely play PC games with ease

Steam Remote Play allows users to play Steam games on a remote PC. What to do if you want to play other PC games remotely? In this situation, we recommend you use remote desktop software like AnyViewer.

AnyViewer is a professional remote access tool. You can use it to flexibly play PC game from any place, safely access remote Windows computers, quickly transfer files between PCs, and easily offer remote support to others.

Download AnyViewer and see how to play PC games remotely:

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

Step 1. Launch AnyViewer on host computer, go to Log in, and click Sign up.

Log in AnyViewer

Tips: AnyViewer also supports iOS and Android devices, which means you can remotely play PC games on iOS, Android phone or tablets.

Step 2. Fill the information and click Sign up.

Sign Up for AnyViewer

Step 3. Launch AnyViewer on client computer, log in to the same account, and here you can see the assigned devices.

Free Editions

Step 4. Go to Device, select the computer you want to remote into, and click One-click control to achieve unattended remote access.

Connect to My Devices

Then you can control the remote computer and play games on it like you were sitting in front of it.

Remote Access Operations

Notes:✎...You can also upgrade to a Professional or Enterprise plan then the following rights will thereafter be yours:
Assign more devices.
More concurrent connection channels for an Enterprise plan.
More simultaneous sessions.
High-quality image.
Transfer unlimited files at once.
...

Conclusion

This post introduces how to resolve “Remote Play couldn’t connect to the remote computer”. If the problem persists even after trying all the solutions, you can also try another service like AnyViewer to play Steam games remotely.