Fix: Steam Link Not Working on Steam Deck

Steam Link is known for the excellent service launched by Steam. It allows players to play and access the stream of all the games on Steam to their smartphones, Television, tablet, and laptops. The Steam Link is free of cost, and you can easily access it without having paid.

A Steam Link is a free application allowing users to use these services. Unfortunately, several users reported and complained about the Steam Link not working on the Steam Deck controller issue, which can be frustrating. If you’re facing an issue with the Steam Deck not working properly with the Steam Link, you can easily solve the problem by following the troubleshooting strategies.

What Causes Steam Link Not Working on Steam Deck?

Steam Link not connecting to the Steam Deck is caused by a variety of factors that can be annoying. However, you can easily identify and troubleshoot the problem by trying the possible steps. Here are some possible causes includes:

Network Connection: The network connection is the main cause for not working Steam Link on the Steam Deck controller. If your internet connection is unstable, Steam Link may not work properly.

Firewall Settings: The firewall settings may be too strict, and it may be blocking the connection which is needed for the Steam Link to work. Make sure to check the firewall settings and be sure that Steam Link is allowed to pass through.

Incorrect Steam Link Settings: Ensure the Steam Link settings are properly configured, and everything is set up correctly.

Outdated Steam Deck Version: It’s possible that the Steam Deck is running on an outdated version which causes it not to work the Steam Link properly.

Steam Deck Performance: If the Steam Deck is not performing optimally, it can’t handle the demands of the streaming games through the Steam Link on the controller.

Steam Link Not Working on Steam Deck, How to Fix?

To fix the Steam Link not working on the Steam Deck controller, follow the mentioned steps carefully at the end of this guide. Before moving on, make sure your Steam Deck has enough charge and try connecting the Steam Link again to check if the issue is resolved. So, let’s move on.

Fix 1: Reboot Your Steam Deck

If you’re facing an issue with the Steam Link not working on Steam Deck, don’t worry. You can easily fix the problem if there are incorrect settings or software bugs by simply restating the controller. Restating the device may help you solve the problem without performing other activities. There are two methods to reboot the device. Here’s how you can do that:

Method 1:

1. Press and hold the power menu button for a while.
2. The Steam Deck automatically turns off and waits for a few seconds.
3. Again, press the power menu button back to turn on the Steam Deck.

Method 2:

1. Press the STEAM button on the Steam Deck controller.
2. Navigate to the power using the joystick and enter by pressing the A button on the controller’s right.
3. There’s a Restart option available on the Steam Deck controller.
4. Choose the Restart option using the joystick and press the A button to confirm it.

Fix 2: Check for Steam Link Updates

Another possible reason is an outdated version of the Steam Link application. If you’re trying to connect your Steam Deck to the Steam Link application on a smartphone or through a PC, it’s possible that the Steam Link is running on an outdated version. You have to update your Steam Link to the latest version to fix the problem. Once updated, you can try to connect to check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 3: Check the Network Connection

It’s also possible that you’re not connected to a stable internet connection. An unstable internet connection might be why Steam Link is not working on the Steam Deck controller. Make sure to check and connect the Wi-Fi to a stable internet connection.

Fix 4: Update Your Steam Deck

An outdated firmware may be the reason for the not working Steam Link on the controller. Sometimes, due to the outdated version, the Deck software doesn’t perform properly and lags which causes not working Steam Link application to. You have to update your Steam Deck to the latest firmware and again try to connect the Steam Link with the Steam Deck controller. Here’s how you can update your Steam Deck:

1. Press the STEAM button on the Steam Deck controller.
2. Choose Settings using the joystick.
3. In the System tab, select check for updates.
4. If an update is available, download and install it by following the on-screen instructions.
5. Once the update is installed, restart your Steam Deck.

Fix 5: Reinstall the Steam Link App

The other possible method is to uninstall and reinstall the Steam Link application on your smartphone or PC. It may help you to connect the Steam Deck properly. If you’re using the Steam Link on your smartphone and PC, simply uninstall it and reinstall it again. On your smartphone, go to the Google Play Store or App Store and search for Steam Link, choose the application, and tap on download. Once downloaded, try to check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 6: Adjust Graphics Settings

If none of the above solutions work, you can try turning down the graphics quality on Steam Deck. This can possibly help your Steam Deck establish a stable connection with the Steam Link app by improving its performance. Here’s what you need to do:

Open the game settings and look for the graphics option. From there, try decreasing the graphics quality settings to the lowest possible level or what you feel is decent enough, and check if this enhances the performance of your Steam Link. You can also decrease the game resolution or turn off V-Sync to see if that helps.

If you’ve tried the above-mentioned solutions and still having an issue with the Steam Link not working on Steam Deck, you should contact the Steam support team for further assistance. To connect with them, visit the official Steam website, and from there, you can easily connect and resolve the particular issue that you’re facing on your Steam Deck device.

Final Words

I hope the above-mentioned solutions help you to resolve the Steam Link not working on the Steam Deck controller issue. Make sure to follow the steps carefully, and with this, you can easily fix the problem that you’re facing. If the solutions don’t work, you should contact Steam Support for further assistance.