How to fix Steam Deck Xbox Controller not working? Check here
by Aishwarya R
Updated Apr 10, 2023
Steam deck Xbox controller not working
There can be several reasons why your Xbox controller may not be working on your Steam Deck:
Outdated firmware
Your Xbox controller may not be compatible with the current firmware version of your Steam Deck. Updating the controller firmware can help resolve this issue.
Connection issues
There may be a connection issue between your Xbox controller and the Steam Deck. Make sure that the controller is properly connected to the Steam Deck via Bluetooth or a wired connection.
Low battery
If the batteries in your Xbox controller are low, it may not work properly. Make sure the batteries are fully charged or replace them with new ones.
Compatibility issues
Some games may not be compatible with Xbox controllers, or they may require additional configuration to work properly.
Steam Deck software issues: There may be an issue with the Steam Deck software that is preventing your Xbox controller from working. In this case, updating the software or resetting the Steam Deck may help resolve the issue.
How to fix Steam Deck Xbox Controller not working?
here are the troubleshooting tips for fixing the Steam Deck controller not working issue, written with H2s:
Install system updates
Make sure your Steam Deck's system is up-to-date by navigating to Steam > Settings > System > Software Updates and installing any available updates.
Restart your Steam Deck
Try restarting your Steam Deck by holding down the Power button for 10 seconds.
Try an external controller
If you have an external controller, try plugging it in and then unplugging it. See if the Steam Deck controller starts working after that.
Unhide devices
Enter Desktop Mode by going to Steam > Power > Switch to Desktop. Then navigate to Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings and click on the Unhide Devices button.
Delete Proton Files
Open the game you're having trouble with and navigate to Options > Developer > Delete Proton Files. Then, under Options > Properties > Compatibility, select Proton Experimental.
Contact Steam Support
If none of the above solutions work, you can contact Steam Support for further assistance.
How to connect Xbox controller to Steam deck?
Here are the steps to connect your Xbox controller to your Steam Deck:
Turn on your Xbox controller by pressing the Xbox button in the center of the controller.
On your Steam Deck, go to the Steam menu and select "Settings".
In the Settings menu, select "Controller".
In the Controller menu, select "Bluetooth".
Press and hold the pairing button on the back of your Xbox controller until the Xbox logo starts flashing.
On your Steam Deck, click the "Scan" button to search for available Bluetooth devices.
Select your Xbox controller from the list of available devices.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the pairing process.
Once your Xbox controller is connected to your Steam Deck, you can use it to play games on Steam or other game platforms that support Xbox controllers.
About Steam Deck and Xbox Controller
The Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device from Valve, is compatible with Xbox controllers. Players can connect an Xbox controller to their Steam Deck via Bluetooth or a wired connection.
Using an Xbox controller with the Steam Deck can provide a more familiar and comfortable gaming experience for players who are used to using an Xbox controller on other gaming platforms. Additionally, many games on Steam and other game platforms have built-in support for Xbox controllers, making it easy for players to jump right into their favorite games.
Connecting an Xbox controller to the Steam Deck is a straightforward process, and the Steam Deck supports various Xbox controllers, including the Xbox One controller and the Xbox Series X|S controller.
Overall, the ability to use Xbox controllers with the Steam Deck provides players with more flexibility in how they choose to play games on the device, and can make the gaming experience more accessible and enjoyable for many players.
How to fix Steam Deck Xbox Controller not working - FAQs
Yes, you can use an Xbox One controller with the Steam Deck via Bluetooth or a wired connection.
Yes, you can use an Xbox Series X|S controller with the Steam Deck via Bluetooth or a wired connection.
To connect your Xbox controller to your Steam Deck, turn on the controller, go to the Steam menu, select "Settings," then "Controller," then "Bluetooth," and follow the on-screen prompts to pair the controller.
No, not all games on Steam support Xbox controllers. However, many games do have built-in support for Xbox controllers, and some games can be configured to work with Xbox controllers.
Yes, you can use multiple Xbox controllers with your Steam Deck, as long as they are connected via Bluetooth or a wired connection. However, not all games support multiple controllers, so it is important to check the game's compatibility before attempting to use multiple controllers.