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 useful feature.
Enabling SSH on the 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.
- Access the Steam menu again (Steam button).
- Select Power > Switch to Desktop Mode.
- Open the Konsole terminal from the Start menu.
- Set a password (if you haven't already):
passwd. Enter and confirm your password. - Start the SSH service:
sudo systemctl start sshd. - Enable SSH to start automatically on reboot:
sudo systemctl enable sshd. - You can now access your Steam Deck remotely using an SSH client.
Caution: Avoid modifying or deleting system files to prevent operating system corruption.
Disabling SSH on the Steam Deck
To disable SSH:
- Open the Konsole terminal from the Start menu.
- To disable SSH on reboot:
sudo systemctl disable sshd. - To immediately stop the SSH service:
sudo systemctl stop sshd.
Connecting to the Steam Deck via SSH
After enabling SSH, use an SSH client to connect. Warpinator is a convenient third-party option for both Steam Deck and Windows/macOS. Install it on both devices, launch it on each, and transfer files easily.
For Linux users, simply open your file manager and enter sftp://deck@steamdeck (replace deck with your Steam Deck's hostname if different) in the address bar. Enter the password you set earlier.
