Valve’s Steam Deck is one of the best devices for experiencing PC-level gaming on the go. Not only does it run Steam OS, but you can also install other operating systems of your choice to enjoy a variety of games. However, it can be frustrating if one day you try to turn on your Steam Deck and it refuses to power up. Don’t worry—there are several troubleshooting methods you can try to get it working again. Read on for a step-by-step guide to help you resolve the issue and get your Steam Deck back in action.
While many of these fixes are straightforward and easy to apply, there are instances where you might need to reinstall SteamOS. If that’s the case, we’ve provided the steps for that as well. Let’s dive in.
There are numerous potential reasons why your Steam Deck might not power on. The issue could stem from your battery, hardware, or even software. Below, we’ve outlined some troubleshooting steps to help you get your Steam Deck working again.
Steam Deck Won’t Turn On – Common Symptoms
If your Steam Deck isn’t powering on, it may display one or more of these symptoms:
- Won’t turn on after an update
- Displays a blinking white light but won’t power on
- Beeping, but no power-up
- Only powers on when plugged in
- Fans spin, but no display or power-up
How to Fix a Steam Deck That Won’t Turn On
If your Steam Deck shows any of the above issues, this guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps, from basic fixes to advanced solutions.
1. Force Power Up the Steam Deck
If your Steam Deck has been fully drained for a long time, it may not turn on immediately. To resolve this:
- For the LCD model: Plug in the power cable, wait a moment, then hold down the power button.
- For the OLED model: Plug in the power cable, then press and hold the power button for about 7 seconds.
This should provide enough power to get the Steam Deck to turn on.
2. Force Hard Reboo
If you’re dealing with software glitches, a hard reboot can help.
- For the LCD model: Hold the power button for about 10 seconds while plugged in.
- For the OLED model: Press and hold the power button for 16 seconds.
A hard reboot can help resolve many issues by forcing the Steam Deck to reset.
3. Check Charging Cables and Power Adapters
Make sure your charging cable and power adapter are in good condition. Damaged cables or adapters can cause improper charging, or no charging at all. A white LED light near the charging port indicates that the device is charging properly.
4. Switch to a Different 45W Charger
If the charging indicator light flickers or fails to light up, the charger might be faulty. Switch to a 45W charger from a reputable brand that meets the Steam Deck’s charging requirements.
5. Boot into the BIOS Menu
If you’re unable to boot into SteamOS, you can try entering the BIOS menu:
- Hold the volume up button and power button until you hear a beep.
- Release the buttons, and the BIOS menu should appear.
- Under EFI Boot Devices, select the SteamOS Boot option and click Continue.
6. Check the Power Button for Obstructions
Dirt or grime can accumulate on the power button over time, causing it to become stuck. Clean the button with a cloth or a small pin to remove debris. Afterward, try powering up the device again.
7. Disconnect from Docking Station
Some users have found that disconnecting the Steam Deck from its docking station helps. To do this:
- Disconnect the Steam Deck from the dock.
- Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
- Release the button for 5 seconds, then press and hold again for another 15 seconds.
8. Reinsert the Steam Deck’s Battery
In some cases, the battery might not be detected correctly after a software update. To resolve this, disassemble your Steam Deck, disconnect and reconnect the battery. You can refer to guides on iFixit for step-by-step instructions on removing the battery.
9. Enable Battery Storage Mode in the BIOS Menu
If your Steam Deck only powers on when plugged in, enabling Battery Storage Mode in the BIOS may help:
- Press the Volume Up and Power buttons to enter the BIOS Menu.
- Use the D-pad to select Setup Utility, then go to Power Menu.
- Enable Battery Storage Mode.
- Disconnect the Steam Deck from the power source, wait a moment, and then reconnect it.
10. Let the Battery Drain in BIOS Menu
If the Steam Deck powers on but won’t boot into SteamOS, you can let the battery drain while in the BIOS menu. Once the battery is fully drained, plug it back in and turn it on as usual.
11. Format or Reimage the Steam Deck
If the above steps didn’t work and you’re able to access the BIOS, the next step is to reimage your Steam Deck:
- On your PC, download Rufus or Balena Etcher, and the Steam Deck recovery ISO from the Steam website.
- Create a bootable USB drive with the recovery tool.
- Plug the USB drive into the Steam Deck using a USB-C adapter.
- Press Volume Up and Power to enter the boot menu, and select the USB drive.
- Choose Reimage Steam Deck to begin reinstalling SteamOS.
12. Contact Steam for Repairs
If none of the solutions work, your final option is to contact Valve for assistance. They can provide information on how to get your Steam Deck repaired or replaced.
Important Tips
- Keep your Steam Deck updated.
- Always use a 45W charging brick to ensure proper charging.
- Charge to at least 50% if you plan to store it for an extended period.
- Clean the charging port regularly to prevent dust buildup.
- Backup your save files before reimaging your Steam Deck to prevent data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Steam Deck not turning on after an update?
After a software update, some users report that their Steam Deck may not power up. This can be caused by a failed update, a power drain, or a bug. To fix it, try a hard reboot or force power-up by pressing the power button for several seconds after plugging in the device.
What should I do if my Steam Deck turns on but shows a blinking white light?
If your Steam Deck shows a blinking white light but won’t boot up, it may indicate a charging issue. Check the power adapter and cable for any damage. You can also try switching to a different 45W charger to ensure proper charging.
How can I fix a Steam Deck that only powers on when plugged in?
If your Steam Deck only powers up when plugged into a charger, it could be due to a weak or faulty battery. Try enabling Battery Storage Mode in the BIOS or perform a battery reset by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery to see if it resolves the issue.
What should I do if my Steam Deck has spinning fans but won’t turn on?
If you hear the fans spinning but the screen stays off, it’s likely a software glitch or a power issue. Perform a hard reboot or drain the battery completely in the BIOS menu, then try powering it on after plugging it into a charger.
How do I enter the BIOS menu on my Steam Deck to troubleshoot?
To access the BIOS menu, press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button simultaneously. After an audible alert, release both buttons, and the BIOS menu should appear. From there, you can try various options like enabling Battery Storage Mode or reinstalling SteamOS.
conclusion
If your Steam Deck isn’t turning on, don’t panic—there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to get it back up and running. From basic solutions like checking your charging cables and performing a hard reboot, to more advanced methods such as entering the BIOS menu or re-imaging your SteamOS, most issues can be resolved with the right approach.
Remember to regularly maintain your device by keeping it charged, updating software, and ensuring the charging port is clean. If all else fails, reaching out to Valve for repairs or replacement might be your final option. By following these steps, you should be able to fix your Steam Deck and return to enjoying your games in no time!
