Enable SSH on Steam Deck: A Guide

Quick Links

• Steps For Enabling SSH On The Steam Deck

• How To Use SSH To Connect To The Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is a game-changer for both gamers and portable PC enthusiasts. Not only does it offer a robust gaming experience, but its desktop mode also opens up a world of possibilities for users looking to do more than just play games. One of the most powerful features is the ability to access the internal storage remotely using Secure Shell (SSH), a secure protocol for remote data access. However, many Steam Deck users are unaware of how to harness this feature. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about enabling and utilizing SSH on your Steam Deck, along with other essential tips.

Steps For Enabling SSH On The Steam Deck

Enabling SSH on your Steam Deck is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Power on your Steam Deck.
2. Press the Steam button.
3. Navigate to Settings > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode.
4. Press the Steam button again.
5. Select Power > Switch to Desktop Mode.
6. Open the Konsole from the Start menu.
7. Set a password if you haven't already by entering the command: passwd. Follow the prompts to set your password.
8. Enable SSH by entering the command: sudo systemctl start sshd. To ensure SSH runs after reboots, also enter: sudo systemctl enable sshd.
9. With SSH enabled, you can now access your Steam Deck remotely using any third-party SSH client.

Important: Be cautious not to delete or move system files, as this can corrupt your operating system.

How To Disable SSH On The Steam Deck

If you need to disable SSH on your Steam Deck, follow these steps:

1. Access the Konsole from the Start menu.
2. Enter the command to disable SSH: sudo systemctl disable sshd. If you need to stop SSH immediately, use: sudo systemctl stop sshd.

How To Use SSH To Connect To The Steam Deck

Once SSH is enabled, connecting to your Steam Deck remotely is easy. For instance, you can use a tool like Warpinator. Here’s how:

• Install Warpinator on both your Steam Deck and your PC.
• Launch Warpinator on both devices simultaneously.
• Transfer files between your devices with ease.

If you’re using a Linux PC, you can connect without additional software:

• Open your file manager.
• Enter sftp://deck@steamdeck in the address bar.
• Enter the password you set earlier to establish the connection.