Valve ironed out many of the Steam Deck’s problems with software updates since its release. Still, you may encounter bugs and other issues while using the Steam Deck and its Linux operating system. We identified the Steam Deck’s common problems and associated fixes. Physical damage should be directed to Steam Deck repair centers, but you can avoid this situation by protecting your Steam Deckwith a sturdy case. You can remove dirt and marks the same way you clean your phone screen.
How to clean your phone and screen
Bringing life back to your device through cleaning
Try these common fixes first
Follow these steps before trying any of the fixes listed below. These simple methods can fix many common problems.
Restart your Steam Deck
A simple restart may fix your problem.
Alternatively, hold thePowerbutton until your Steam Deck turns off (usually about 10 seconds).
Check for updates
Valve regularly updates the Steam Deck with new features and bug fixes. If you encounter a frequent bug, update your Steam Deck.
After your Steam Deck downloads the available updates, restart it to complete the installation.
Uninstall third-party apps
Apps and games downloaded via Desktop Mode can cause problems. Disable or uninstall these, then restart your Steam Deck.
How to use the recovery image to fix problems
Therecovery imagecan repair, re-image, and factory reset your Steam Deck. We outline the common problems it fixes below.
Follow Steam’s guideto download and use the recovery image. Downloading the recovery image doesn’t automatically delete any data on your Steam Deck, but you can factory reset using it. You need a USB stick (8GB minimum) to download the recovery image.
When games crash your Steam Deck
If your Steam Deck crashes regardless of what game you’re playing, check for updates. If this doesn’t fix the problem, download the recovery image and perform a factory reset. To perform a factory reset:
Installing an update can cause more problems
Sometimes, an update can cause more problems. If none of the fixes in this guide solved your problem, use the recovery image to revert to a previous OS version.
How to handle the Steam Deck only showing a black screen
If your Steam Deck only shows a black screen after you turn it on, check the LED light on the side. If it’s blank, charge your Steam Deck and try again. If the LED is lit, indicating that the Steam Deck is charged, restart it by pressing and holding thePowerbutton for around 10 seconds.
When the Steam Deck is charging slowly or not at all
Charging problems can be caused by a variety of factors. Follow these steps to identify the cause of your charging problem:
If your MicroSD cards aren’t working properly
MicroSD cards are an affordable way toexpand your Steam Deck’s storage, but they don’t work out of the box. You must format your MicroSD cards first. Here’s how:
The Steam Deck supports UHS1-1, UHS-II, and UHS-III MicroSD cards, but the higher data transfer speeds of the latter two are not supported.
Keep your Steam Deck in good shape by resolving problems quickly
Identifying and resolving these common problems quickly can help keep your Steam Deck working well for a long time. The Steam Deck’s versatility is one of its greatest strengths, so consider upgrading it with one of thebest Steam Deck docksfor extra USB-C ports and storage.
