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 isn't just a gaming marvel; it's a powerhouse for portable PC users too. Thanks to its desktop mode, you can dive into more than just gaming. A common need among users is accessing the internal storage remotely, and that's where SSH comes into play.

Running on a tailored version of Linux, the Steam Deck supports Secure Shell (SSH), a protocol that lets you securely access and manage your device remotely. Despite its usefulness, many Steam Deck owners are unsure about enabling and using SSH. This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and utilizing SSH on your Steam Deck, along with other handy tips.

Steps For Enabling SSH On The Steam Deck

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

1. Power up your Steam Deck.
2. Hit the Steam button.
3. Navigate to Settings > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode.
4. Press the Steam button again.
5. Go to Power > Switch to Desktop Mode.
6. Open the Konsole from the Start menu.
7. Set a password if you haven't already by typing passwd and choosing a secure password.
8. Enable SSH with the command sudo systemctl start sshd. To make SSH start automatically on reboot, use sudo systemctl enable sshd.
9. Now, you're ready to access your Steam Deck remotely with any SSH client.

Remember, avoid tampering with system files to keep your OS intact.

How To Disable SSH On The Steam Deck

If you need to disable SSH, here's what to do:

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 use third-party tools like Warpinator to access your Steam Deck's data remotely. Install Warpinator on both your Steam Deck and your PC, then launch them at the same time. Transferring files between devices becomes a breeze.

For Linux users, no extra software is needed. Simply use your file manager and enter sftp://deck@steamdeck in the address bar. Enter the password you set earlier, and you're connected.