Stream Remote Play suddenly asking for PIN input

[TheFrenchy]

I use steam remote play to play my steam games at work during my lunch break. For years I would leave my home PC on with Steam running and then start up Steam on my work computer during lunch and play my games without issue.

Starting yesterday 6/17 when I clicked the "Stream" button on my work PC to stream a game a pop up showed a PIN that I need to input on my home PC. I am miles away and that obviously isn't possible. I don't recall having to do this at any point in the past. Anyone else having this issue or have a work around?

[stormpilgrim]

I've been dealing with the same thing and it's infuriating. It makes no sense. I just tried to set a PIN on my home pc thinking that when I started a remote session it would ask for the PIN and I could enter it and be done. Nope. Just got the same "Enter the authorization code shown on the other computer" prompt. I went home last night to see if there was even a code on the pc and found nothing. Remote Play is just borked. Codes don't show up and PINs don't seem to have any effect. My last Steam build date is June 13, so that appears to be when they broke it. I may try downloading the latest beta to see if it's fixed.

[stormpilgrim]

So, that didn't work. I found another thread that said that the June 13 update would require a connect code, but I haven't seen any explanation of how to set it up the first time.

[borbelytomi]

Same here. This is just PLAIN STUPID! The whole purpose of having remote play is that you can use your apps/games when you're NOT at your computer... BUT you still have to enter a code ON YOUR COMPUTER.... Someone really has to get his head out of his a**!!!!

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

Remote Play forum... https://steamcommunity.com/groups/homestream/discussions/

[ReBoot]

The same happened to me recently.

[Ciderbat]

This is so utterly annoying. Like, how can I enter the code on the host computer when I'm playing *remotely*?! I'm not at ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ home! This just breaks the whole concept of "remote play" :P

[Chaosolous]

Seems Steam thinks remote play means that your in the other room, not another county.

Which is dumb. Steam's done nothing but made terrible service choices lately.

I think Gabe said something about providing ♥♥♥♥ service at one point... hmmmm... what was it he said...?

[stormpilgrim]

I had to install Teamviewer on the remote host and on my phone. I didn't want to install it on the client computer because it's not private. Anyway, I had Steam open on the remote computer already when I started a Teamviewer session from my phone. I then started the game on the client side and sure enough, a box popped up for me to enter the access code on the remote side and I was off and running. Ignore the Steam Link pairing and PIN. Just start the game from the client side with Steam open on the host and you'll see the dialog box. Since doing this once, I haven't had to do it again yet.

[Dommer]

Anyone figure this out yet? This has to be a mistake on Valves end right? How am I supposed to enter a code on a PC that's 50 miles away?

[Kent318]

Sos, new features that break ♥♥♥♥ an make 0 sense, I feel safer already since no one can play my games streaming remotely now

[76561199681231355]

H

[Sassy]

Any updates on this? This issue completely defeats the point of remote play.

[psyche]

This PIN requirement is stupid to begin with. Its as if logging in using the phone app is not enough. If i have to setup a PIN i might as well just use Sunshine and Moonlight. At the very least it has AV1 and HDR support.

[monkeh88 🜃]

Steam Remote Play where it is suddenly asking for a PIN when attempting to stream a game from your home PC to your work PC. This is an unusual behavior if you’ve never had to input a PIN before and it could be related to changes in Steam’s security settings or a new feature that has been introduced recently.

Here are a few things you can try to resolve or work around the issue:

1. Check Steam Guard Settings
Steam Guard may have updated its security requirements. Ensure that Steam Guard is enabled on your home PC and check if the PIN requirement is related to it.
Go to Steam > Settings > Account > Manage Steam Guard Account Security and verify that your security settings are correctly set up.
2. Disable Remote Play PIN Requirement
Steam may have introduced a new setting that requires a PIN for security. To disable the PIN prompt, follow these steps (when you’re back at your home PC):

On your home PC, open Steam.
Go to Steam > Settings > Remote Play.
Look for any options related to requiring a PIN for Remote Play and disable it.
3. Try Disabling/Re-enabling Remote Play
If the issue persists, you can try disabling and re-enabling Remote Play on your home PC:

On your home PC, go to Steam > Settings > Remote Play.
Uncheck the box that enables Remote Play.
Restart Steam.
Recheck the box to re-enable Remote Play.
4. Check for Steam Updates
Sometimes Steam introduces new features or security mechanisms in updates. Ensure that both your home PC and work PC have the latest version of Steam installed.

Go to Steam > Check for Steam Client Updates and make sure everything is up to date on both PCs.
5. Reconfigure Trusted Devices
If Steam Remote Play thinks your work PC is not a trusted device anymore, it may ask for additional verification, like a PIN.
Log into Steam on both your home and work PC and go to Settings > Account > Manage Steam Guard Account Security.
From here, check the list of Authorized Devices and make sure your work PC is trusted.
6. Possible Steam Remote Play Beta Feature
It’s possible that a new feature related to security was introduced in Steam Beta. If you’re enrolled in Steam Beta on either of your devices, try opting out of the Beta program to see if the issue persists.
To opt out of the Steam Beta:
Go to Steam > Settings > Account.
Under Beta Participation, click Change and select None - Opt out of all beta programs.
7. Temporary Workaround: VPN or Remote Access Software
Since you can’t physically access your home PC while at work, one potential workaround is using a VPN or remote access software (like TeamViewer or AnyDesk) to access your home PC remotely and input the PIN when required. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to use Steam Remote Play without further issues during your current session.

8. Contact Steam Support
If the issue persists, and none of the above steps work, consider reaching out to Steam Support. Provide them with details about the issue, including when it started, your current settings, and any recent changes you’ve noticed in your Steam setup.

Summary of Steps:
Check your Steam Guard settings.
Disable the PIN requirement for Remote Play on your home PC.
Disable/re-enable Remote Play.
Ensure Steam is up to date on both PCs.
Reconfigure trusted devices in Steam Guard settings.
Opt out of Steam Beta if you’re enrolled.
Use remote access software as a temporary workaround.
Hopefully, one of these solutions will resolve the issue! Let me know if you need help with any of these steps in detail.

[Kent318]

"Look for any options related to requiring a PIN for Remote Play and disable it" -just installed steam this isn't even a listed freakin option wth?