Fixing Streaming Error: Couldn't Connect to Relay Problem

Having trouble connecting to the relay server while using Steam Link? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are some tried-and-true methods to fix this issue.

How to Fix Steam Link Streaming Error: "Couldn't Connect to Relay"?​

1. Restart Steam​

1. Use a remote access tool like Chrome Remote Desktop to access your host computer.
2. Launch the Steam client on your host computer.
3. Click on Steam in the top-left corner and select Exit.
4. Reopen the Steam client and try connecting via Steam Link again.

Restarting Steam can clear temporary glitches, potentially resolving connectivity issues.

2. Update Steam Client and Game​

1. Open the Steam client on your host computer.
2. Click on Steam in the menu bar and select Check for Steam Client Updates.
3. If an update is available, click Restart Steam to install it.
4. To update a specific game, right-click on the game in your library.
5. Select Properties, then go to the Updates tab.
6. Choose Always keep this game updated under Automatic Updates.

Updating the client and games ensures compatibility and may resolve connection issues.

3. Disable and Re-enable Remote Play​

1. In the Steam client, click Steam in the menu bar and select Settings.
2. Navigate to the Remote Play tab.
3. Uncheck the box for Enable Remote Play.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Reopen Steam and re-enable Remote Play by checking the box again.

This can clear temporary glitches in the Remote Play module.

4. Disable Hardware Decoding​

1. In the Steam client, go to Steam > Settings.
2. Click on the Remote Play tab.
3. Click on Advanced Client Options.
4. Uncheck the box for Enable hardware decoding.

Disabling hardware decoding may help if your GPU is causing issues with Steam Remote Play.

5. Disable Other Network Connections​

1. Open the Settings app on your computer.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Click on Change adapter options.
4. Right-click on any network adapters you are not using and select Disable.
5. Restart your computer and try connecting again.

This can resolve conflicts caused by multiple active network connections.

6. Force IP Address Change​

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type cmd and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
3. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /renew
4. If the issue persists, type steam://open/console in the Run dialog.
5. In the Steam console, type connect_remote [Host's IP address]:27036 and press Enter.

Forcing an IP address change can resolve conflicts that arise from IP refresh between devices.

7. Disable IPv6​

1. Open Network settings like in the previous solution.
2. Next, click on Advanced network options.
   
3. Select your connection and click on Edit next to More adapter options.
   
4. Locate Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/lPv6) and uncheck it.
   
5. Save changes.

8. Check Router Settings​

1. Log in to your router's web interface (typically accessed via a web browser with an IP like 192.168.1.1).
2. Navigate to the port forwarding section.
3. Set up port forwarding for the following ports:
   • UDP 27031 and 27037
   • TCP 27036 and 27037
4. Save the settings and restart your router.

Properly configuring port forwarding can help resolve relay connection issues.

9. Adjust Network Settings​

1. Ensure your Windows network is set to private, not public.
2. Disable any VPN services.
3. Make sure WiFi isolation is disabled in your router's WiFi settings.

These settings can often interfere with network connections, so adjusting them can help.

10. Check ISP Restrictions​

Some ISPs block gaming ports, which can cause connectivity issues. Contact your ISP to ensure they are not blocking the ports used by Steam Remote Play.

11. Use Another Remote Access Tool​

Consider using another remote access tool like AnyViewer to play Steam games remotely. Download AnyViewer and follow the instructions to set it up for remote gaming.

Following these steps should help you resolve the "Couldn't connect to relay" error on Steam Link. If one solution doesn't work, try the next one until you find the one that resolves your issue.