Fix: Steam Deck Controller Keeps Disconnecting 

Steam Deck is a digital game platform created by Valve Corporation that allows users to purchase and play games digitally. With Steam Deck, gamers can play on all devices, including computers and consoles.

 

Unfortunately, some users may experience the issue of their Steam Deck controller randomly disconnecting from the computer, making it impossible to play the game. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and fix this issue.

Check the Batteries

If you have been having trouble with your Steam Deck controller constantly disconnecting, the first thing you should do is check the batteries. This is a common issue, and can be easily fixed by ensuring that the batteries are properly installed and functioning.

Plus, make sure that the connection is tight and secure, as any loose connections could be causing the controller to disconnect.

Test your Controller

You can also test if your controller is working or not if it keeps disconnecting too often. Go to Steam > Settings > Controller > Test Controller Inputs to test your controller. This will run a test and identify any problems with your controller once the test is complete, long-press the B button on your controller to finish.

If your controller still keeps disconnecting, you may need further troubleshooting. Follow along.

Repair your Controller

If you are still experiencing issues with your Steam Deck Controller randomly disconnecting, you can try and re-pair the controller to solve the problem. Re-pairing a controller is a simple process that will usually resolve most issues.

The first step is ensuring the controller is charged and that you have a working USB connection. If the controller is not powered on, turn it on. Once the controller is powered up, plug the wireless dongle into a USB port on your computer.

1. Once the controller is connected, open the Steam Client on your computer.
2. Make sure you launch Steam in Big Picture Mode. The Steam Controller is made to be used in Big Picture Mode.
3. From the main menu, select “Settings”, then click “Controller.” 
4. Under Controller, select “Controller settings” and make sure the Steam Deck controller is listed.
5. If it is not, click the “Add Steam Deck Controller” button and follow the instructions to pair the controller.

If the controller is still not detected, try unplugging the USB cable and plugging it back in. However, if the controller is still not detected after several attempts, try a different USB port.

If the controller is still not detected, it may be necessary to restart your Steam Deck.

Restart your Steam Deck

You can also try restarting your Steam Controller. This is the easiest and quickest way to address a disconnection issue and can often successfully resolve the problem. Here’s how to restart your Steam Controller:

1. Press and hold the power button on your Steam Deck for about 12-15 seconds.
2. Release the power button and press it again to turn the console back on.

Power Cycle your Steam Deck

Performing a power cycle on your Steam Deck can often fix issues with your controller. Power cycling is a process that helps reset the connection between the controller and the Steam Deck, which can help restore the controller’s full range of motion and responsiveness.

To power cycle your Steam Deck, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the controller is off, then unplug the power cable from the Steam Deck.
2. Leave the power cable unplugged from the Steam Deck for at least 30 seconds. 
3. Reconnect the power cable to the Steam Deck, and wait for the Steam Deck to boot up.
4. Turn on the controller and press the home button.
5. Test the controller to see if it is now connected to the Steam Deck.

Update your Steam Client

You may need to update your Steam client. This issue can occur due to outdated drivers or software incompatible with your Steam version. Updating your Steam client can help fix the issue and make sure that your Steam Deck controller is working properly.

To update your Steam client:

1. Launch Steam and click on the Steam tab in the top left corner of the window.
2. Select Check for Steam Client Updates… to begin the update process.
3. When the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the changes have taken effect.

After restarting your computer, check to see if the Steam Deck controller is still disconnecting randomly. If the issue persists, you may need to reinstall the Steam client. This can be done by uninstalling the Steam client from the Control Panel, then downloading and installing the latest version from the Steam website.

Run Steam as Administrator

If you cannot update your Steam Client or if the issue persists after the update, one possible solution is to run Steam as administrator.

When running Steam as administrator, all of the necessary permissions are granted that may have been restricting the controller from working properly. This is especially important if you are running an older version of Windows , as these operating systems are known to be more restrictive when granting permissions.

Here’s how to run Steam as an administrator:

1. Right-click on your Steam shortcut and select Properties.
2. In the Properties window, click Compatibility.
3. Check the box next to Run this program as administrator.
4. Click Apply and then OK.
5. Open Steam again and check if the controller is still disconnecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if my Steam controller keeps disconnecting?

If your Steam controller keeps disconnecting, you can try restarting your deck, checking the connection and power, updating the firmware, and replacing the batteries. You can also try granting administrator privileges to Steam.

How do I uninstall and reinstall the Steam Client software?

To uninstall the Steam Client software, open the Control Panel on your computer and select “Uninstall a Program.” Select “Steam” from the list of programs, and then click “Uninstall” to remove it from your computer. Then, download and install Steam and run the installation file. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Final Words

This article has provided clear and comprehensive advice on how to fix a Steam Deck Controller that keeps disconnecting. Following the steps outlined, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve this problem quickly and easily. With a few simple steps and a bit of patience, you can get back to gaming in no time.