Enable SSH on Steam Deck: A Step-by-Step Guide

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• Steps For Enabling SSH On The Steam Deck

• How To Use SSH To Connect To The Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is a powerhouse of versatility, catering not only to gamers but also to those who use it as a portable PC. With its desktop mode, users can go beyond gaming and access internal storage remotely for various needs.

Running on a Linux-based system, the Steam Deck supports Secure Shell (SSH), a protocol that allows secure remote data access. However, many users are unaware of how to enable and utilize this feature. This guide aims to demystify the process of enabling and using SSH on the Steam Deck, providing comprehensive instructions and additional tips.

Steps For Enabling SSH On The Steam Deck

Enabling SSH on your Steam Deck is straightforward. Follow these steps:

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 starts automatically after reboots, enter: sudo systemctl enable sshd.
9. Once enabled, you can access your Steam Deck remotely using any SSH client.

Important: Avoid deleting or moving system files to prevent OS corruption.

How To Disable SSH On The Steam Deck

If you need to disable SSH, follow these steps:

1. Open the Konsole from the Start menu.
2. To disable SSH, enter: 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 can remotely access your Steam Deck's data. For instance, you can use a third-party app like Warpinator. Install Warpinator on both your Steam Deck and your PC, then launch them simultaneously to transfer data effortlessly.

If you're using a Linux PC, you don't need a third-party app. Simply open your file manager and enter sftp://deck@steamdeck in the address bar. Enter the password you set earlier to establish the connection.