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"Enable SSH on Steam Deck: A Guide"

Apr 12,2025 Author: Audrey

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The Steam Deck is a powerhouse of versatility, catering to both gamers and those who need a portable PC. With its desktop mode, users can transcend beyond gaming and access internal storage remotely for a variety of needs.

Running on a Linux-based system, the Steam Deck supports Secure Shell (SSH), a protocol designed for secure remote data access. Yet, many users are unaware of how to harness this feature. This guide aims to demystify the process of enabling and using SSH on the Steam Deck, providing a comprehensive walkthrough and additional insights.

Steps For Enabling SSH On The Steam Deck

To unlock the power of SSH on your Steam Deck, follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Start your Steam Deck and ensure it's powered on.
  2. Press the Steam button to access the menu.
  3. Navigate to Settings > System > System Settings and toggle Enable Developer Mode.
  4. Press the Steam button again.
  5. Select Power > Switch to Desktop Mode to enter the Linux environment.
  6. Open the Konsole from the Start menu to access the command line.
  7. Set a password if you haven't already by typing passwd and following the prompts.
  8. Enable SSH by entering sudo systemctl start sshd. To ensure SSH starts automatically after reboots, type sudo systemctl enable sshd.
  9. With SSH now active, you can securely access your Steam Deck's data remotely using any compatible third-party client.

Remember, it's crucial to avoid deleting or moving system files to prevent OS corruption.

How To Disable SSH On The Steam Deck

If you wish to turn off SSH, here's what to do:

  1. Open the Konsole from the Start menu.
  2. Disable SSH by entering sudo systemctl disable sshd. To stop SSH immediately, use sudo systemctl stop sshd.

How To Use SSH To Connect To The Steam Deck

With SSH enabled, you're ready to connect remotely. For users of third-party apps like Warpinator, install the software on both your Steam Deck and PC, then launch them simultaneously. Data transfer between devices becomes a breeze.

For Linux PC users, no additional software is needed. Simply open your file manager and enter sftp://deck@steamdeck in the address bar. Enter the previously set password to establish the connection.

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