Fix: Steam Deck Not Syncing to Cloud

The Steam Deck is built for amazing handheld PC gaming sessions using thumbsticks or trackpads with full-sized control positions to make users comfortable. The...

Subodh Gupta

Last updated on November 15, 2023

Subodh Gupta

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Subodh loves to write content whether it may be tech-related or other. After writing on tech blog for a year, he becomes passionate about it. He loves playing games and listening to music. Apart from blogging, he is addictive to the gaming PC builds and smartphone leaks.

Fix: Steam Deck Not Syncing to Cloud

As per several reports online, Steam Deck users are encountering the Steam Cloud syncing error which is indicating that there might be a server-side save game data synchronization issue. The chances are also high that the Steam Cloud Synchronization may be disabled for some reason. The error message says “Steam was unable to sync your files for Steam Input Configs with the Steam Cloud.” which may appear if you’ve opened the app on another PC.

Well, this specific error may occur with your Steam Deck Synchronization due to incorrect settings, configurations, or user data files. Even it can happen due to the corrupted or missing game files that have been installed on your Steam Deck. Alternatively, issues with the internet connection, Steam server outage, issues with the outdated SteamOS, outdated game version, etc. Luckily, we’ve mentioned a couple of possible workarounds for you to easily fix this issue.

1. Restart Steam Deck

It’s highly recommended to reboot Steam Deck manually to ensure there is no temporary system glitch troubling you or not. To do so:

Press the Steam button > Select Power.
Choose Restart and your Steam Deck will reboot automatically.

Note: If your Steam Deck is powered on but it’s unresponsive then you can force restart by long-pressing the Power button for three seconds. If it still remains unresponsive then there may be a system software-related issue that’s troubling you a lot. So, you can try long-pressing the Power button for around 10 seconds to force restart it.

2. Check Steam Server Status

You should also check for the Steam Server Status on steamstat(dot)us and DownDetector Steam Status webpage to cross-check the downtime or maintenance issues. If in case, there is an issue with the server status, make sure to wait for a couple of hours and try again. If there is no issue with the Steam server in your region then you can skip to the next method.

3. Check for SteamOS Updates

You can also manually check for the SteamOS updates by following the steps below to ensure no pending software update is available. Outdated system software can eventually trigger multiple issues whatsoever. To do this:

Press the Steam button > Go to Settings.
Press the A button > Choose System.
Go to System Update Channel > Select the particular channel Beta or Preview. [Default is Stable channel]
You’ll get the Restart Now option > Select it to reboot the Steam Deck.
It’ll apply the new System Channel > Repeat the same steps again and select Check for Updates.
If there is a new update available, select Apply to initiate a system reboot.
The firmware update installation will start > Wait for it to complete.

4. Check for Specific Game Updates

It’s also suggested to check for the specific game update troubling you with the cloud sync. Sometimes issues with the outdated game version can cause conflicts. To do so:

Open your Steam Library > Under the game’s library page, select Manage.
Choose Properties > Select the Updates tab.
Make sure to select Automatic Updates> Reboot the Steam Deck.

5. Enable Steam Cloud Synchronization

If you disable the Cloud Synchronization feature previously, turning it on might fix the Steam Cloud-related errors for all PC games on Steam Deck. To do this:

Press the Steam button > Select the Steam menu at the top-left corner.
Go to Settings from the list > Navigate to the Cloud tab.
Checkmark the Enable Steam Cloud Synchronization box.
Select OK to save the changes.
Once done, restart the Steam Deck to apply changes.

6. Retry Cloud Syncing

You can also retry cloud syncing manually by following the steps below to ensure the Steam account isn’t Out of Sync with the Cloud Status.

Press the Steam button > Select the specific game that’s troubling you.
Select Out of Sync under the Cloud Status option.
Choose the Retry Sync button from the popup.
Wait for the process to complete and the Cloud Status should show Up to date.

7. Repair the Steam Library Folder

If none of the methods worked for you then make sure to follow the steps below to try verifying and repairing the game files (Steam Library Folder) which will include all the installed games on the Steam Deck. Sometimes issues with the corrupted or missing game files on the Steam Deck might cause several conflicts whatsoever. To do this:

Press the Steam button to open it > Select the Steam menu.
Go to Settings > Go to the Downloads tab.
Select the Steam Library Folders button > Select the specific game.
Choose Repair Folder from the options menu.
If prompted, make sure to select Yes to confirm.
Wait for the repair process to complete.
Once done, Steam can sync files to the cloud easily.

That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For further queries, you can comment below.

Fix: Steam Deck Not Syncing to Cloud