How to Fix Steam Deck can’t reach the Steam Servers

Having trouble connecting your Steam Deck to the Steam servers? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps that can help resolve the issue. So grab your Steam Deck and let's get started!

The Steam Deck is an exciting new handheld gaming device from Valve, designed to bring the power of PC gaming to a portable form factor. However, like any electronic device, it may encounter connectivity issues from time to time. Whether you're experiencing intermittent connection drops or unable to connect at all, this troubleshooting guide will help you get back into the game.

Try Different Modes and User Switcher:

Firstly, if you're experiencing connectivity issues with your Steam Deck, try switching between different modes. The Steam Deck can be used in handheld mode or connected to a dock for a more traditional gaming experience. Sometimes, simply switching between modes can resolve connectivity problems as it refreshes the device's network settings. Additionally, utilize the User Switcher feature on your Steam Deck to switch between different user accounts and check if the issue persists.

Restart the Steam Client, Steam Deck, and Router:

If you're still facing connectivity issues, a simple restart of the Steam Client on your PC or laptop may do the trick. Sometimes, the client may encounter temporary glitches that can be resolved with a quick restart. Next, power off your Steam Deck, wait for a few seconds, and power it back on. This will help refresh the device's network settings and establish a fresh connection. Similarly, restart your router by unplugging it from the power source, waiting for a short while, and plugging it back in. This can also help resolve any router-related issues that may be affecting connectivity.

 Put the Deck into Battery Storage Mode:

If you're experiencing persistent connectivity issues with your Steam Deck, try enabling Battery Storage Mode temporarily. This mode helps refresh certain system settings related to network connectivity and may resolve the issue. To enable Battery Storage Mode, go to the Power settings on your Steam Deck and select the option. Remember to disable it once the issue is resolved, as it may impact the device's battery life.

Adjust Update Channel and Download Region:

The Steam Client offers different update channels and download regions to choose from. Sometimes, connectivity issues can be resolved by simply switching to a different update channel or download region. To do this, open the Steam Client on your PC or laptop, navigate to "Settings," and go to the "Downloads" section. From the drop-down menu, select a different update channel or download region. Apply the changes and check if it improves connectivity on your Steam Deck.

Disable Remote Play:

If you have enabled Remote Play on your Steam Deck, consider disabling it temporarily as it may interfere with network connectivity. Remote Play allows you to stream games from your PC or laptop to your Steam Deck, but it requires a stable internet connection. Disabling Remote Play can help identify if it is the cause of the connectivity issues you're experiencing.

Change IPv6 and DNS Settings:

Sometimes, compatibility issues with IPv6 or DNS settings can affect the Steam Deck's connectivity. To address this, access the network settings on your Windows PC or laptop. Disable IPv6 if it is enabled and switch to a different DNS server, such as Google DNS. This can help resolve any compatibility issues and improve connectivity on your Steam Deck.

Disable Network Card's Power Saving Feature:

Windows has a power-saving feature that allows it to turn off devices to save power. However, this feature can sometimes interfere with network connectivity. To disable this feature for your network card, open the Device Manager on your PC or laptop, locate your network card under the "Network Adapters" section, right-click it, and select "Properties." In the "Power Management" tab, make sure to uncheck the option that allows Windows to save power by turning off the device. This can help ensure a stable connection for your Steam Deck.

Adjust Router Settings:

Certain router settings can impact gaming or Steam connectivity. To access your router's administration panel, open a web browser and enter the router's IP address. Look for specific settings related to gaming or Steam connectivity, such as Quality of Service (QoS) or port forwarding. Configuring these settings according to Valve's recommendations can improve the connection stability for your Steam Deck. If you're unsure about these settings, consult your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for guidance.

 Try Connecting on Another Network:

If possible, try connecting your Steam Deck to a different network to rule out any potential issues with your home network setup. This could be a public Wi-Fi network or a mobile hotspot. If you can connect successfully on a different network, it suggests that the issue lies with your home network configuration. In such cases, you may need to troubleshoot your router or consult your ISP for assistance.

 Reset or Reimage the Steam Deck:

As a last resort, if all else fails, you can perform a factory reset or reimage your Steam Deck using official instructions provided by Valve. This step will erase all data on the device, so make sure to back up any important files before proceeding. The factory reset or reimage process can help resolve any software-related issues that may be causing the connectivity problems.

By following these troubleshooting steps, we hope you'll be able to fix any connectivity issues you're experiencing with your Steam Deck. Remember, patience and persistence are key when troubleshooting technology. If all else fails, don't hesitate to reach out to Steam Support for further assistance. They have a dedicated team that can help you resolve any complex issues you may encounter. Happy gaming!