Steam Deck buttons not working? Here's how to fix them

Imagine being in the middle of a quick-time event when your Steam Deck’s buttons suddenly become stuck. This could cost you a life, throwing a real wrench in your gaming session.

At uBreakiFix® by Asurion, we understand how crucial a smooth gaming experience is, especially on a versatile device like the Steam Deck. Whether it's unresponsive buttons during a game or buttons that don’t seem to work at all, we're here to help you troubleshoot these issues effectively. Here’s what you can do about Steam Deck controls that’ve stopped working.

What causes button issues on a Steam Deck?

It's frustrating when you're ready to dive into your favorite game only to find that the buttons aren't responding as they should. Button issues on the Steam Deck can stem from a variety of causes, including:

• Dirt and debris. Accumulation can prevent buttons from pressing down fully.
• Software glitches. Temporary software issues can cause buttons to become unresponsive.
• Hardware malfunctions. Prolonged use or accidental drops might damage the buttons internally.

How to fix Steam Deck buttons that won’t work

Starting up the latest game only to notice your button mashing isn’t producing any results is a bummer, but you can follow these steps to troubleshoot and potentially fix your Steam Deck's button issues:

1. Check for visible obstructions

Start by examining the buttons for any visible signs of dirt, debris, or damage. If you notice your console is a bit grimy, give it a clean. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any debris around the buttons.

2. Restart your Steam Deck

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that may be causing the buttons to malfunction. Try resetting your Steam Deck by holding the Power button for 10 seconds to perform a force shutdown, then turn it back on.

3. Update your Steam Deck

Keeping your software up-to-date is important, especially for a handheld gaming console that runs off of a separate platform. These updates ensure your Steam Deck can tackle most glitches it runs into.

Make sure your device is running on the latest software. Head over to Settings > System > Software Updates and install any available updates.

4. Check the button mapping

Steam Deck controls still not working? Improper button mapping might be the issue. You can use the console’s button mapping feature to make gameplay fit more comfortably with the console’s toggles and handheld controls. Whether it’s a case of them getting changed in the past or updated by accident, you’ll want to see if adjusting these settings will affect those stubborn buttons.

To double-check those button settings, hit the Steam button, then go to Controller Settings and verify or reset your button mappings.

These are independent of the in-game control settings. If you notice your Steam Deck buttons aren’t working while in game, try customizing the buttons while in-game. You can access them through the game’s settings.