This guide explains how to enable and use SSH on your Steam Deck for remote access to your files. The Steam Deck's desktop mode allows for more than just gaming, enabling remote file access is a valuable feature.
Enabling SSH on Your Steam Deck
Follow these steps to enable SSH:
- Power on your Steam Deck.
- Access the Steam menu (Steam button).
- Navigate to
Settings > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode. - Return to the Steam menu.
- Select
Power > Switch to Desktop Mode. - Open Konsole from the Start menu.
- Set a password (if you haven't already):
passwd. Enter and confirm your chosen password. - Enable SSH:
sudo systemctl start sshd. - Enable SSH to start automatically after reboot:
sudo systemctl enable sshd. - You can now access your Steam Deck remotely using a third-party SSH client.
Important: Avoid modifying or deleting system files to prevent OS corruption.
Disabling SSH on Your Steam Deck
To disable SSH:
- Open Konsole from the Start menu.
- To disable SSH on startup:
sudo systemctl disable sshd. - To immediately stop the SSH service:
sudo systemctl stop sshd.
Connecting to Your Steam Deck via SSH
Once SSH is enabled, use a third-party application like Warpinator. Install Warpinator on both your Steam Deck and your PC, then launch it on both devices simultaneously for easy file transfer.
Alternatively, if you're using a Linux PC, open your file manager and enter sftp://deck@steamdeck in the address bar. You'll be prompted for the password you set earlier.
