How To Enable SSH On The Steam Deck

This guide explains how to enable and use SSH on your Steam Deck for remote access to its files. The Steam Deck's desktop mode allows for more than just gaming, making remote file access a valuable feature.

Enabling SSH on the Steam Deck

Follow these steps to enable SSH:

1. Power on your Steam Deck.
2. Access the Steam menu (usually a button).
3. Navigate to Settings > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode.
4. Return to the Steam menu.
5. Select Power > Switch to Desktop Mode.
6. Open Konsole (the terminal) from the Start menu.
7. Set a password (if you haven't already) using the command: passwd.
8. Enable SSH using the command: sudo systemctl start sshd.
9. To ensure SSH starts automatically after a reboot, use: sudo systemctl enable sshd.
10. You can now access your Steam Deck remotely using a third-party SSH client.

Caution: Avoid altering or deleting system files to prevent OS corruption.

Disabling SSH on the Steam Deck

To disable SSH:

1. Open Konsole from the Start menu.
2. Use sudo systemctl disable sshd to prevent SSH from starting automatically on reboot, or sudo systemctl stop sshd to immediately stop the SSH service.

Connecting to the Steam Deck via SSH

After enabling SSH, use a third-party application like Warpinator for easy file transfer. Install Warpinator on both your Steam Deck and your PC, and run it on both devices simultaneously for simple drag-and-drop file transfers.

Alternatively, if you're using a Linux PC, you can connect directly through your file manager. Enter sftp://deck@steamdeck in the address bar, then provide the password you set earlier.