The Valve Steam Deck stands out as an exceptional portable gaming device, providing the experience of PC-level gaming on the go. Besides the default Steam OS, you have the flexibility to install any operating system of your choice and delve into its vast library of games. However, it can be quite frustrating if you find your Steam Deck unresponsive when you attempt to power it on. There’s no need for alarm; various troubleshooting methods can help you get things back in order. Follow this guide to restore your Steam Deck to its functional state.
Many of the troubleshooting steps are straightforward and uncomplicated—unless, of course, you need to reinstall SteamOS. We’ve included detailed instructions for that as well. Now, let’s jump into the process.
Your Steam Deck may fail to turn on for several reasons, including battery, hardware, or software issues. Below, we’ve compiled a list of troubleshooting steps you can take to revive your Steam Deck.
Symptoms of Steam Deck Not Working
If your Steam Deck is not powering on, you might experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- The Steam Deck remains unresponsive following a software update.
- A blinking white light appears, but it won’t turn on.
- It beeps but fails to power up.
- It won’t start unless connected to power.
- The fans spin, yet the Steam Deck does not turn on.
How to Resolve the Steam Deck Power Issues
If your Steam Deck isn’t turning on and is showing any of the signs listed above, this guide offers the solutions you need. Let’s start with basic troubleshooting techniques and move to more advanced ones.
Force Power On the Steam Deck
When your Steam Deck has been left completely drained for a long time, it may not power on immediately. To resolve this, plug it into a power source and then attempt to turn it on. Note that the procedure slightly varies between the LCD and OLED models.
For the LCD model, connect the power cable, wait for a moment, then press and hold the power button. On the OLED model, plug it in and hold the power button for about 7 seconds.
After a short wait, the Steam Deck should power up as expected. A prolonged lack of charge may have sent it into deep battery-saving mode.
Perform a Hard Reboot of Your Steam Deck
Hard reboots can resolve various software glitches, clearing problems that prevent your device from operating. For the LCD model, plug it in and press and hold the power button for roughly 10 seconds. For the OLED model, continue holding it for about 16 seconds.
This forceful reboot should provide the necessary push for your Steam Deck to power on.
Inspect Charging Cables and Power Adapters
As with any electronic device requiring a charge, it’s crucial to ensure your Steam Deck’s charging cable and adapter are in good condition. A faulty or broken charging cable may prevent the device from charging adequately, potentially leading to the Steam Deck not turning on. When charging correctly, a white LED light will illuminate beside the charging port.
Use a Different 45W Charger
If you notice the charging light flickering or not illuminating at all, it may be time to replace your charger. Ensure you’re using a reputable brand’s 45W adapter, as using insufficient chargers will lead to inadequate or no charging.
Access the BIOS Menu
Another method to revive your Steam Deck is to initiate it from the BIOS Menu. Follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons until you hear a sound prompt.
- Once you hear the sound, release the buttons.
- The BIOS Menu should appear.
- Look for the SteamOS Boot option under EFI Boot Devices, highlight it, and select Continue.
- This action should help bypass any existing boot issues related to SteamOS.
Examine the Power Button for Obstruction
Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate on devices, including the Steam Deck. To prevent issues, maintain a clean device. If the power button feels stuck, use a soft cloth to clean any visible dirt. A small tool such as a pin can clear away debris around the button. After cleaning, try to power the Steam Deck on again.
Unplug from the Docking Station
Some users report that their Steam Deck lights up but won’t start. In such instances, disconnect it from the dock, press and hold the power button for 15 seconds, release it for 5 seconds, and then press and hold it again for another 15 seconds. The Steam Deck should automatically power on.
Reattach the Steam Deck’s Battery
A software update might have altered your battery’s detection. While this is uncommon, disassembling the Steam Deck to disconnect and reconnect the battery can resolve the issue. For guidance, check out iFixit’s comprehensive video on removing the battery for both the LCD and OLED models.
Activate Battery Storage in BIOS Menu
If your Steam Deck only turns on while plugged in, this could indicate a weak battery that requires charging, or it might be due to replacing the SSD with a larger one. Here’s what you need to do:
- Press the Volume Up and Power buttons to access the BIOS Menu.
- Select the Setup Utility option using the D-Pad.
- Navigate to the Power Menu.
- Find and enable Battery Storage Mode.
- Disconnect the Steam Deck from the power source, then reconnect the power.
- Now, it should boot without being plugged in.
- If your battery was depleted, allow it to charge for about 10 minutes before powering it on.
Allow the Battery to Drain on the BIOS Menu
If you’re unable to turn on your Steam Deck but can access the BIOS Menu, let it drain its battery while on that screen. Once the battery is fully drained, plug it into a power source and attempt to turn it on again—it should power up normally.
Reformat or Re-image Your Steam Deck
If none of the earlier methods worked and your device still won’t start—even when you can access the BIOS—your final option may be to perform a factory reset. You will need a Windows or Linux computer, a USB drive, and either Rufus or Balena Etcher.
- On your chosen PC, download Rufus or Balena Etcher.
- Visit the Steam Deck recovery page to obtain the recovery ISO file.
- Insert a USB drive (minimum 8 GB) and create a bootable drive using Rufus or Balena Etcher.
- Insert the recovery USB into the Steam Deck, utilizing a USB Type-C adapter if necessary.
- Press the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously.
- When the Boot Menu appears, select your USB device.
- Your Steam Deck will initiate booting from the USB drive.
- After a short wait, the Steam Desktop will display.
- Double-click the Reimage Steam Deck icon to begin the formatting and reinstalling of SteamOS.
Contact Steam for Repairs
If all else fails and none of the solutions resolve the issue, your best course of action is to reach out to Valve. They can provide guidance on how to proceed with getting your Steam Deck repaired or replaced, as this may be the only reliable solution at this point.
Essential Tips
- Keep your Steam Deck software updated regularly.
- Always use a 45W charging brick to power your Steam Deck.
- If you’re not planning to use your Steam Deck for an extended period, aim to keep it charged to around 50%.
- Periodically charge your Steam Deck even if you’re not using it frequently.
- Ensure the charging port remains clean and free of debris.
- Back up your saved files beforehand, so you retain them in case re-imaging becomes necessary.
Final Thoughts
If nothing seems to work, reaching out to Valve Customer Support might be your best hope for restoring your Steam Deck.
If you have any additional tips that have successfully helped you in turning on your Steam Deck, please share them below.
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