Touch Screen Not Working on Steam Deck? Step-by-Step Guide

The Steam Deck is a powerful handheld gaming device that brings the PC gaming experience to the palm of your hands. Developed by Valve, it features a hybrid control system, touchscreen interactions, and a Linux-based operating system. While it has received tremendous praise for its performance and versatility, like any piece of technology, it can encounter issues — and one common problem users report is a *non-responsive touchscreen*.

TL;DR: If your Steam Deck’s touchscreen isn’t working, start by rebooting the device and checking for system updates. Confirm whether the issue is software or hardware by trying the touchscreen in both Gaming Mode and Desktop Mode. If all else fails, a factory reset or reaching out to Valve Support may be necessary. Follow our step-by-step guide below for detailed troubleshooting.

Step 1: Confirm the Issue

First, determine whether the touchscreen problem is consistent or intermittent. Ask yourself:

• Did the touchscreen stop working suddenly or after a specific event like an update?
• Are some parts of the screen responsive while others aren’t?
• Does the touchscreen work in one mode but not another?

This will help isolate whether the issue is due to a software glitch, firmware problem, or actual hardware damage. If the screen doesn’t respond no matter what you do, continue to the next steps.

Step 2: Restart the Steam Deck

Sometimes, a quick reboot can fix most unexpected glitches. To restart your Steam Deck:

1. Hold down the Power button until the Power Menu appears.
2. Select Restart.

If touchscreen functionality is restored after restarting, the issue was likely a temporary software hiccup. If not, proceed further.

Step 3: Test in Desktop Mode

Steam Deck operates using two primary interfaces — Gaming Mode and Desktop Mode. If your screen isn’t responding in one, test it in the other to see if the problem persists.

1. Hold the Power button to open the Power Menu.
2. Choose Switch to Desktop.

Once you’re in Desktop Mode, move your finger across the screen. If it reacts here, the problem may be specific to Gaming Mode or related software.

Step 4: Check for System Updates

Valve often releases firmware and operating system updates that resolve bugs or enhance system stability. If your touchscreen isn’t working properly, it might be due to a bug that has already been patched.

1. In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button.
2. Select Settings > System.
3. Scroll to Software Updates and choose Check for Updates.
4. If an update is available, install it and restart the system.

In Desktop Mode, you can also update using the Discover software center or Konsole for terminal-based updates.

Step 5: Boot Into BIOS to Test Touchscreen

The Steam Deck has a BIOS you can access to test input without interference from the operating system. To do this:

1. Turn off your Steam Deck completely.
2. Hold the Volume Up button, then press the Power button.
3. Release both buttons once the BIOS screen appears.

If the touchscreen works in BIOS, the hardware is likely fine, and the problem may be software-related. If not, hardware failure is a strong possibility.

Step 6: Calibrate or Reset Touchscreen Settings

While Steam Deck doesn’t have a standard touchscreen calibration tool, you can attempt a sort-of “manual reset” of related configurations if you’re in Desktop Mode:

Using the terminal in Desktop Mode:

xinput list

This will bring up a list of input devices. Find something like “FTS touchscreen” or “Goodix Touchscreen.”

xinput enable [device ID]

If the touchscreen appears disabled for some reason, this can reactivate it. Be careful when using terminal commands. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult official forums or support.

Step 7: Try Recovery Tools

Valve provides a recovery image that can be written to a USB stick or SD card. This allows you to repair your Steam Deck’s software using official tools.

1. Go to Valve’s official Steam Support page and find the recovery image section.
2. Write the image to a USB drive using software like Balena Etcher.
3. Boot the Steam Deck from it by holding Volume Down + Power.

Once booted, choose “Re-image Steam Deck” (this will erase all data) or “Reinstall Steam OS” (preserve your files).

Step 8: Perform a Factory Reset

If everything else fails, a factory reset might be your last resort. This erases all your data and reinstalls the system to its original state.

To do it safely:

1. Back up important files through USB or cloud services.
2. Use the recovery image method explained earlier to choose the full reimage option.

After the reset, test your touchscreen again before installing any third-party software.

Step 9: Hardware Inspection or Repair

If your touchscreen still doesn’t function even after a reset or using the recovery tools, chances are the hardware itself has issues.

Signs of hardware malfunction can include:

• Visible screen damage or cracks
• No response in BIOS or recovery menu
• Recent drops or exposure to liquid

In this case, contact Valve Support for repair or hardware replacement options. Devices under warranty may be eligible for free repair or replacement.

Bonus Tip: External Mouse or Trackpad

If your touchscreen is non-functional and troubleshooting takes time, connect a USB-C hub and plug in an external mouse for navigation. This lets you continue using the Steam Deck in a limited capacity until the issue is resolved.

Preventive Measures

Here are a few tips to maintain your touchscreen in peak condition:

• Use a screen protector to avoid scratches and grime buildup.
• Keep your hands clean to reduce grease and dirt.
• Avoid using third-party software that interferes with input drivers.
• Install updates regularly to catch bug fixes from Valve.

Conclusion

The Steam Deck is a robust piece of hardware, but touchscreens can be finicky due to the complex combination of software and hardware layers. Fortunately, most touchscreen problems can be resolved through careful troubleshooting, updates, or a reset. Only in rare cases will you need a full repair or replacement.

Take your time with each step above; don’t rush—and always back up your data before performing drastic solutions like reimaging. With a little patience, your Steam Deck should be back to full touch functionality soon.