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 gaming, and SSH provides secure remote access.

Enabling SSH on the Steam Deck

Follow these steps:

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 (from the Start Menu).
7. Set a password (if you haven't already) using the command: passwd.
8. Enable SSH using: sudo systemctl start sshd.
9. To ensure SSH starts after a reboot: sudo systemctl enable sshd.
10. You can now access your Steam Deck remotely using a third-party SSH client.

Caution: Avoid modifying 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. To immediately stop SSH, use sudo systemctl stop sshd.

Connecting to the Steam Deck via SSH

After enabling SSH, use a third-party application like Warpinator (requires installation on both your Steam Deck and your PC). Launch Warpinator on both devices for easy file transfer.

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